5.31.2008

Degustation (New York - East Village)

239 E 5th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 979-1012

Hidden on 5th Street, it's pretty easy to miss Degustation if you just stroll along the main streets of East Village. The entrance to the restaurant is low-key, with its name modestly placed on the door. Degustation has a 16-seat bar seating where patrons can witness the chefs prepare and cook the Frenco-Spanish style tapas right in front of them. Ambiance was intimate and comfortable. The waitress was well-versed in the menu, giving us a breakdown of our dishes each time she served us our plates. After we finished each of our dishes, we were given a new set of utensils. I think we went through 7 rounds of utensils... (Apologies for the picture quality. Lighting was a bit dim).
croquetas
slowly poached egg with jamon serrano and chorizo "broth"
pan roasted squab breast, ginger-beet puree, pickled white asparagus and chervil
wagyu beef flank, tempura of white maitake mushrooms, pea shoots, and red onion marmalade (that is white foam on the left).
suckling pig, tomatillo, velvet pioppini mushrooms, scallions and cilantro
grilled octopus, potato, caramelized bulb onions and celery salad with a piquillo pepper emulsion
seared foie gras, sherry and date consomme with watermelon radish
Tasting these wonderful tapas was a delectable affair - each dish delivering a different experience.

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