First off, sorry for the fuzzy iphone pictures, it has become my "go-to" camera when I go out.
In contemporary cuisine the term "New American" has become a standard. It's a nice mix of traditional american food with an added twist of ingredients and cooking techniques that takes the meal to another level.
Last night 10 Downing Food & Wine did not disappoint. It is located on the corner triangle of 6th avenue and Downing St. in the West Village which happens to share the London address of the British Prime Minister, so it's got to be worth the visit, right? Our reservation was for 7:30pm. My friends and I arrived 20 minutes early to this chic, hip restaurant. Coatcheck was to the right as you enter. We settled in at the bar while we waited to be called for our table. The bartender whipped up a nice cocktail for us which he hadn't named made of Khalua, rum and cream which was a nice alternative to Bailey's for a light drink. We noticed that jeans are welcome here.
Great vibe, great attentive service from the staff. We decided to mix it up a bit so two of us ordered from the Restaurant Week prix fixe menu ($35 for 3 courses) and 2 of us ordered from the regular menu. To keep things short and sweet, there was nothing we didn't enjoy! The food was well prepared and properly cooked, beautifully plated and most importantly delicious! The meals went as follows:
House bread infused with rosemary, side of butter and a tasting cup of carrot soup- This was a nice touch (pic #1).
Potato Leek Soup (olio nuovo, charred leeks)-Goodness gracious, garnished with sprouts, each spoonful was packed with flavor!!!(pic#2)
Baby Mixed Lettuces (fennel, apple, radishes)- This also had bite sized wedges of citrus and a sprinkle of sprouts (pic#3)
Shoestring Fries (truffle salt)- We ordered this for the table and we all gobbled it up-yummy! (pic#4)
New York Striploin & Braised Shortrib (trio of winter vegetables, red wine-shallot butter)- Not shown because the picture came out too blurry-sorry! As described by my friend Lynn, "fall off the bone, melt in your mouth goodness." I tasted and I concur!
Herb Roasted Lemon Chicken (buttermilk pomme puree,, brussel sprouts)- Served with beans, Amina and Judy enjoyed it. Also not shown because the picture came out too blurry.
Garlic Basted Cod (brussel sprouts, guanciale, stewed flageolet beans- This was my meal. It was served in a white wine broth with a hint of lemon and a touch of dill. Delicious! (pic#5)
Desserts included:
Four Chocolates (milk chocolate cream, cocoa nib shortbread, brownie, shunas famous hot fudge sauce)- This came with small marshmallows. (Not shown)
Butterscotch Pot De Creme (dulce de leche, brown sugar-cumin roasted pecans)- This was rediculously good! The Dulce de leche had a layer of creme and was accompanied by the pecans and a smear of butterscotch spread. The cumin gave it a nice spicey bite at the end.
