LOVE AT FIRST BITE: L'ADRESSE NYC

LOVE AT FIRST BITE: L’ADRESSE NYC

Not too long ago, I stumbled upon a restaurant called Coffee Mania at 5 Bryant Park. So at first glance I just assumed it was a coffee shop and I almost completely overlooked it. However, when I investigated a little further, I learned it was actually an American bistro with a French twist. They eventually changed the name to L’Adresse but after eating here it can be called anything, regardless I’m coming back for more!

This is my number one ultimate favorite restaurant for high end cuisine and I don’t say that lightly. It’s pricey, but if you’re going to spend extra money on food, this is the place hands down. From the creative menu to the most explosive flavors I have ever had, it’s truly a hidden gem. Even their drinks are outstanding, from the coffee to the cocktails. Truly every single thing I try is better than the last. Also, the presentation of the dishes is so exquisite, it’s a work of art almost too pretty to eat. It’s definitely a place you can’t help but take pictures of your food!

For how high end the food is, the atmosphere has a more simple, casual feel, with brighter lights and a clean open ambiance. However, the open kitchen is a great touch and the service is outstanding. It’s in the heart of Bryant Park, so it’s the perfect place to grab some food in between shopping on 5th Avenue and taking a stroll through the park.

The menus changes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I usually go for dinner. One of my favorite appetizers is the Crispy Calamari. It’s not overly fried and has so much flavor due to a chili lime vinaigrette. Its a must try for sure!

So there are two other appetizers that were to die for, but I don’t see them on the menu anymore. This is a travesty and they need to be brought back! If you go in, let them know about these two and hopefully they will add them back to the menu. The first one is a Bone Marrow dish served in the bone with garlic bread for dipping that is one of the best dishes I have ever come encounter with in my whole life. The bone marrow tastes like melted butter and garlic! It’s mind blowing - the flavors are explosive! The second dish is a Cauliflower Soup, that is hearty yet delicate at the same time. It’s light and refreshing, but the texture is creamy galore and feels like a punch to your taste buds.

Now back to my favorites that are currently on the menu. For a pasta main, the Gnocchi Basil Pesto with brussels sprouts, pesto, pistachios and olive oil is a must, and melts in your mouth. Great pesto lovers. And everybody loves pesto! (If you don’t, sadly we can’t be friends).

From the sea, two of my ultimate favorites are the Seared Sea Scallops, which are the best scallops I have ever had, hands down! It has a truffle cauliflower puree that’s addicting. The other is the Josper Grilled Octopus with black forbidden rice, bottarga and romesco. It’s cooked to perfection and since I order this everywhere I eat, I’m a pretty good judge. It’s one of the best!

Now for the drinks! There’s a reason it used to be called Coffee Mania! Of course the cocktails are great, but you must try the Raspberry Iced Coffee that’s delivered with an edible flower. It’s to die for! I’m not really a dessert person (I like more savory than sweet) but the iced coffees are so delicious, it’s the perfect substitute to desert and the perfect ending to a meal. It’s so good I get one to go! Another favorite is the Thai Iced Coffee thats so frothy and tastes almost whipped. Heaven in a cup.

The first time I ate there, our waiter was so authentically pleasant and passionate about the menu. He had so many recommendations and got us excited about more dishes than we could order in one meal. So each time we came back we tried something new, and each time we had a new waiter that was equally as awesome.

L’Adresse is the perfect example of a restaurant where you don’t judge a book by its cover. Unless you want to miss out on the best meal of your life, that is! This has become my favorite restaurant in the city and a place I have to bring friends and family regularly. It’s the best feeling to introduce L’Adresse to someone new and wait for the expression of overwhelming joy come over their face when they take their first bite. In Manhattan, it’s typical for people to expect all the glitz and glamor in return for a great meal. L’Adresse doesn’t need to do any of that. It’s bright, unexpected, and the food speaks for itself. And wow, does it have a lot to say!

Final scores:

Ambiance: 2

Service: 5

Price: 4

Food: 5

Cocktails: 5