Table Talk: Crudo

Crudo by Don Pedro
235 W 35th St
New York, NY 10001-1901
(212) 695-9001

If you’re from NYC you know the garment district isn’t exactly the place to go if you're looking for a five-star meal. But when I found out Crudo's Executive Chef Rene Hernandez was trained at Spain’s famous El Bulli (repeatedly named as the best restaurant in the world) I knew I was in good hands. Crudo serves Caribbean fare with a European twist and puts a focus on beautiful presentation. I really enjoyed the pan-seared sea bass served over a typical mofongo with a not-so-typical red cabbage and sweet berries. I also had some lamb chops that were so tender they absolutely melted in my mouth. I unfortunately can’t say the same for the smoked duck with dates in a sherry reduction. I didn’t like the pairing of the sherry and dates with the smoked duck, but in their defense, I've never been a big duck fan. All of the plating was beautiful, but I particularly loved the dessert presentation. Burnt brown sugar strands were delicately hung from the glasses in which the mango and coco sorbet was served. It was almost too pretty to eat, but someone had to do it and I’m happy it was me!

Although mixologist Junior Merino (from Macondo) will be creating a special cocktail menu for them soon, for now, enjoy their tall glasses of a decent mojito. The beverage got a few extra points from me because they served it with real sugar cane to chew on which took me back to childhood summers in PR. Depending on your mood you can opt to sit either in the open air garden which features live flamenco on Thursday and Jazz on Fridays, the dining area, which has a more subdued ambiance, or the front of the restaurant (aka the Wyndham hotel) which is great for people watching.