At this stage in my life, I know that when it comes to really expensive fine dining, I’m at the mercy of my parents – if they’re treating, I’m eating! That being said, I usually reserve my splurge evenings to special dining experiences when I’m truly treating myself to a classy little meal. SO, when I heard about the 2 prix fixe menu options (meat-free OR meaty-yet-vegetable-focused) that are offered every Monday at the Michelin Starred restaurant Dovetail ($46 for 4 courses), I decided it’s about time to take the trek to the Upper West Side (W 77th St @ Columbus Ave) to get my spoil on.
Dovetail’s modern vibe is well complimented by the classic appeal of impeccable service; it’s nice to feel like you’re being well taken care of but without the stuffiness of a very formal resto. Our server for the evening (admittedly not a veggie-saurus) made helpful suggestions, which I appreciated since everything on the menu looked amazing (and at times, complicated to imagine). Since we ate so many dishes, I think our purposes will be best served going through a rundown of my menu choices:
Salsify Soup – creamy, with sweet pearl onions and truffle marshmallows which were SO different; I’m just glad I got to experience them / Winter Tempura – a mélange of lightly fried veggies, served with kimchi and sprouts on a puddle of chai curry sauce (an excellent gourmet take on the traditional vegetable tempura) / Braising Greens Lasagna – a complex layering of flavors that had my brain changing gears every bite – such an uncommon set of flavors; the golden raisins (which I’m not usually a fan of) actually made the dish.
My favorite part of the entire meal was a complete surprise – picture a dense chocolate brownie perched on river of thick, gooey caramel topped with mini pretzels and a perfect sphere of BEER ice cream. OMFG. First, this was the best dessert I’ve ever had. Second, where can I find more beer ice cream?! Consider me officially a woman on a mission. Now if you’re on a mission to treat yourself well, I suggest you head to Dovetail on a Monday evening and try either the vegetarian OR meat-infused, vegetable-focused prix fixe dinner – you know you deserve it!
Rhea Recommends... 