The Little Beet Table
Normally, I spearhead selecting the restaurant when I go out to eat. I love researching new spots and providing options. My close friend Aish is a tad difficult to plan for though...she is vegan and prefers to also eat gluten-free. I love eating most things and actively seek out gluten, so picking something that both of us will enjoy can be a challenge.
Aish suggested The Little Beet Table, a newish gluten-free restaurant in Flatiron. I got there a bit early, so I ordered a Zacapa Rum Old Fashioned. The bartender accidentally made a Zacapa Rum Manhattan instead. After he made the drink I ordered, he kindly offered me the "oops" drink. It was delicious! I love ordering traditional whiskey/bourbon drinks with the rum I work on. YUM!
Zacapa Rum Old Fashioned and Manhattan
Even the plants are gluten-free!
To start, we split the Mushroom Flatbread, served with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan & herbs, as well as the Kalettes with shallot confit. The flatbread was really tasty but a bit small - I guess it's a good thing that I wanted more! The Kalettes? WHERE TO START? I looked them up and they are a new trademarked vegetable, a hybrid between Kale and Brussels Sprouts; a result of 15 years of vegetable "breeding"!
Mushroom Flatbread
Kalettes with Shallot Confit
For entrees, Aish got the Quinoa Risotto with seasonal vegetables and mushrooms. It looked like a big ol bowl of mush but she loved it. I ordered the pasta special with BONE BROTH! Bone broth is OOOO SOOOO TRENDY!! It was delicious. I would have enjoyed a huge bucket of bone broth. So much more flavorful and filling than a traditional stock. We split the Roasted Carrots with whipped ricotta, sumac and pistachios. This was an interesting combination of flavors - loved the carrots!
Quinoa Risotto
Roasted Carrots
Pasta Special with BONE BROTH
Close up of DA BROTH
Overall, all the food was tasty and delicious! I typically have a perception that gluten-free = BAD. Not the case! It is difficult for me to pay nearly $15 for most of the non-entree items that were fairly small portions. I enjoyed the restaurant but not sure if the value proposition is there for me.
Cheers,
Liz