Friday, November 11, 2011

Plaza Food Hall

As part of todd english's chain here in nyc, the food hall is ... essentially an european styled food hall. With different stations set around the hall, you can order from any of those. Depending on where you get seated, you may have some nice views of watching the food being prepared. It's actually a classy sit down food place, as opposed to initial impressions of being a large food court. Names are definitely deceiving, especially without researching before going.

Butternut Squash Ravioli
With their signature pastas available in different sizes, we started with the butternut squash ravioli. Arriving before all the other food - this allowed us to sample this first. Whether being hungry had an effect or not, this was definitely a great ravioli. Sizing was a little disappointing, as it disappeared quite quickly. The sweetness of the squash going with the ravioli was a perfect match.

Classic Flatbread Pizza
Couldn't resist the flatbread pizza's, and to go with their simple classic pizza was a smart decision. A light crispy outside with just enough simple flavours. This included some roasted tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella and basil. It's not surprising that simple makes all the difference to enjoy the flavours.

Berber Smoked Pork Shoulder
It was a sunday... and couldn't resist a sunday roast of berber smoked pork shoulder. Not your typical sunday roast, but a nice variation. Grilled focaccia had enough taste, and the smoke pork shoulder was great without any of the dipping sauce. Presentation wasn't the best but the flavours and ambiance of the hall more than made up for it.

Only annoyance, had either a new trainee waitress or she was just too tired. Spilt water 3 whole times while pouring into glasses. Maybe she just couldn't see... and one time was a mini flood on the floor. But I'll give it the benefit of the doubt as it seemed the other tables had no troubles. I would definitely come back, especially with so many choices available here.

1 West 59th Street
(Opposite Central Park)

Cipriani

It's been a while since I've last posted... but I still haven't stopped my quest in continuing to try all the lovely food around here. On the eve of Irene visiting, thought I should give another wall st setting a visit. Set out with lovely greek architecture, in the middle of wall street, featuring 70 foot ceilings... this is definitely a lovely hall setting for any event. As much as I love to enjoy the design and view, I was here for the food.

Cipriani
Butter served in scoops... a very cute touch. Would have look better if the plate was filled, but I'm not sure I could use all that if that were the case.

Galantina Di Pollo
And so I decided to start off with their galantina di pollo. A few thin slices of deboned stuffed chicken meat, served cold. It was reasonable, with the light dressing and that the meat didn't fall apart. A nice light touch to the start.

Cold Broccoli Soup
To add to the starter was some cold broccoli soup. Only downside to this was that the plate and bottom of the bowl was warm. Slight contradiction to the cold soup I must say...

Tagliatelle with Fresh Peas
To go with an interesting night, I opted for their tagliatelle made with fresh peas. A very simple yet effective dish. Pasta was nice, would have preferred it to be a little more al dante, and the pea sauce wasn't too overpowering. However it feel a little plain after a few mouthfuls.

Fruit Tart
To end off, a fruit tart. It's always fun to have some italian where they bring out a whole cart of desserts for you to see and then pick from.

All in all, a reasonable experience here. Food wasn't that impressive compared to other italian places I've been. The location was close to home, and being able to experience the building... that was impressive.

55 Wall Street
(Between William and Hanover Street)