Fresh Vegetables Served Up in the East Village
I caught up with my best friend's (WARREN!!) sister-in-law Tammi last night for dinner! She was visiting the city from Philadelphia with some of her girlfriends. As the resident local, I knew I needed to recommend an awesome spot for dinner that was very New York! Two friends, Lauren and Elizabeth, recently raved about B4 (http://www.b4nyc.com/), a New American restaurant that serves up reinvented comfort food in the East Village.
While we were looking over the menu, we were enjoying the delicious bread. There is a toasted garlic-bread and a fluffier focaccia style bread. I was glad they were generous with the refills! I ordered a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Serving it in a mason jar was on theme for the restaurant but I prefer a wine glass. My grandma heavily influenced me into believing that the glassware changes the taste of the wine. I'm sure it's in my head, but it does change my perception.
Bottoms up!
We ate our meal family style and shared all of the courses. The first course was a bit tricky - Butternut Squash SOUP! The dish was fantastic so we got over sharing from the same bowl.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
The flavor of the soup tasted like the butternut squash had been prepared with apple juice, onions and a hearty broth. Like a traditional casserole, it was dotted with marshmallows. This sweetness brought out the flavor. It also had a sherry-infused cream drizzle.
Roasted Pear & Arugula Salad
The sweetness of the pears and the sharpness of the Gorgonzola balanced the peppery bite of the arugula. It was topped with a honey chili vinaigrette and spiked pumpkin seeds. Loved it!
Winter Kale Salad
Kale is still super popular, which is great for me because it is yummy! This salad was served with an herb buttermilk dressing, cucumbers (HUGE slices), pickled red onions (gave great flavor and color) and cornbread croutons.
Pork Chop
This meat was delicious and moist!!! The pan seared heritage pork chop was served with an apple bourbon reduction and a warm fennel-cabbage-red onion slaw. The combo of the slaw and the sauce were scrumptious!
Pumpkin Ravioli with Duck Confit
This dish was my least favorite. The raviolis were served in a sage brown butter sauce. The filling wasn't that flavorful or that plentiful - they could have been a bit more stuffed. Also, the duck confit seemed a bit overdone - I think it was potentially over fried. It was still good, but compared to all the other knock-out dishes, it didn't stand a chance.
Salmon
I loved this dish! The butter poached salmon had a mustard glaze, shitakes, red peppers and an INSANELY awesome butternut squash wild rice salad. I could eat that salad by the bucket! The salmon was also the perfect temperature - medium/medium rare and so tender.
General Tso's Duck
If you come here, YOU MUST GET THIS DISH! By far the star of the night. A pan-seared Moulard Duck Breast is prepared in a General Tso's style. It is served on top of a ginger carrot puree with haricots verts (fancy Fresh green beans). I wish I just ordered this for myself so I wouldn't have to share it, it was THAT good!
Check out the awesome vibe of the spot - so relaxed and welcoming.
Don't you just want to come on in?
A unique way to chill beverages
This is a wonderful restaurant. It has outstanding food and an inviting atmosphere. I look forward to coming here again and trying more dishes.
Cheers,
Liz