New York Restaurants: North End Grill

With only a week until I begin my Asian adventure, I am realizing how many restaurants I have photos from. I want to share these great New York restaurants and my experiences with you before I forget about them! This post is the first of almost ten restaurant reviews I have for you. While in New York, I made it a point to try as many of Danny Meyer’s restaurants as possible. Being a part of the USHG family has some great benefits when you go out to eat!

This dinner at North End Grill was shared with my brother Jon, his girlfriend Keely and his friend Andrew. We started off with cocktails, then a bottle of wine and appetizers.

To start, we shared the Grilled Ramp Pizza. Ramp season in New York is quite a big event. Chefs act like little kids on Christmas morning when they are able to get their hands on ramps. I never really understood what all the fuss was about- until I tried them. Ramps are amazing; they are similar to green onions, but richer and elevated. This pizza was to-die-for with the addition of wild mushrooms as well.

Next, we shared the Beef Tartare. I really enjoyed the pickles on top. The dish was good, but nothing I hadn’t had before.

We also shared a plate of the Baked Oysters. Being an oyster and cheese addict, this dish doesn’t get much better for me!

Our friend Andrew had “secretly” ordered something that he wouldn’t tell us. I’m happy he did because it ended up being one of my favorite starters! This was the Scotch Egg with Chorizo and Watercress Salad. I felt a little bad for making him share it!

For my main, I ordered the Soft-Shelled Crab with Spiced Broth. I have to say I was a bit disappointed in my choice. The crab didn’t seem to be cooked all that well and the dish lacked components in my mind.

Jon ordered the Filet with Ramp Gravy and Mashed Potatoes. The silky, rich ramp gravy was the perfect accent for the steak. Once again, the ramps were a hit.

Andrew ordered my second choice on the menu, which he was nice enough to share with me. This was the Grilled Skate with Potato Latke and Pistou. The fish was cooked to perfection. At first glance, the plate looked a little bland, but the simplicity in the flavors and textures really worked well.

Keely had the Branzino with Green Lentils, but was really excited about the desserts. Since we had ordered almost everything on their menu, the chef wasn’t really able to send us complimentary items. When dessert came, our server asked if it would be OK for them to choose. Of course we accepted and oh was it work it. They had to unfold the sides of our table to turn it into a round-top, just to fit all the complimentary desserts.

Keely and I were given complimentary dessert wines and the boys were each given a scotch flight.

The Sommelier, our server and the general manager each chose their favorite scotch for the flight. The boys ended up liking the Sommelier’s pick the best (surprise, surprise).

I am struggling to remember what all of the desserts were but I think they went like this.

The Pistachio Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Sorbet was definitely my favorite. I am not a huge chocolate person, plus I love pistachios! It was a very rich, yet delicate dessert.

I also enjoyed the Grilled Pineapple with Vanilla Ice Cream.

The Frangipane Upside Down Cake with Cherry Sauce, Sorbet and Almonds was plated beautifully.

Keeley loves chocolate, so she was a big fan of the “S’mores” dessert. This was a vanilla custard with marshmallows, chocolate cookie crumble to dip. It was a very playful dessert idea.

The Lemon Tart with Meringue was very impressive looking, but extremely sweet after so many desserts!

There was also a Chocolate Brownie Cake dessert that I didn’t even try after all the others, but I heard it was also delicious.

Needless to say we left North End Grill full and satisfied. Next on my list for you is my review of the Armani Ristorante in Midtown. One sneak preview of our meal- white truffles galore!

One Year Ago:

Two Years Ago: Lemon-Artichoke Hummus

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