The New Café Noir Doesn't Miss a Beat
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By Charmaine Bennett
After an epic run in SoHo, Café Noir pulled up its stakes and headed to TriBeCa. The newly reopened Cafe Noir continues its tradition of eclectically mixed guests, great food and that signature Cafe Noir vibe. Familiar furnishings abound in this new, more sophisticated rendition of the original. Executive Chef Rebecca Weitzman took a cue from Café Noir’s former tapas cuisine to create a new Mediterranean/North African inspired menu featuring shared plates inspired by local, organic and seasonal ingredients.
After an epic run in SoHo, Café Noir pulled up its stakes and headed to TriBeCa. The newly reopened Cafe Noir continues its tradition of eclectically mixed guests, great food and that signature Cafe Noir vibe. Familiar furnishings abound in this new, more sophisticated rendition of the original. Executive Chef Rebecca Weitzman took a cue from Café Noir’s former tapas cuisine to create a new Mediterranean/North African inspired menu featuring shared plates inspired by local, organic and seasonal ingredients.
We started off our evening with an unusually delicious mixologist creation consisting of fennel and dill infused Ford gin, Carpano Antica Blanco vermouth, green Chartreuse and a sparkling rosé. This unique cocktail was a splendidly delicious pairing an array of cheeses and cured meats. It wasn't long before the arrival of the Duck Liver Mousse (medjool date mostarda, baguette), the Cumin-Crusted Seared Colorado Lamb Carpaccio (watercress, smoky eggplant puree, handmade crackers) and the Smoky Eggplant Puree & Crostini. The Duck Liver Mousse was truly sublime and the Carpaccio, fresh and elegant.
Moving on we eagerly, and might I add extremely happily, dove into the Hudson Valley Duck Egg (mushroom ragout, smoked pecorino toast). This was truly spectacular and would be satisfying and appropriate for any meal of the day. To finish up we thoroughly enjoyed the Spicy Oven-Roasted Prawns (tomato, coriander, preserved lemon, garlic crostini)--a Moroccan-inspired preparation, and the perfect ending.
It is quite amazing how Café Noir seemed to not have missed a beat—quite a feat considering how long they were in SoHo and what a loyal fan base they had generated. It is apparent though, that the best is yet to come.
www.cafenoirny.com
Moving on we eagerly, and might I add extremely happily, dove into the Hudson Valley Duck Egg (mushroom ragout, smoked pecorino toast). This was truly spectacular and would be satisfying and appropriate for any meal of the day. To finish up we thoroughly enjoyed the Spicy Oven-Roasted Prawns (tomato, coriander, preserved lemon, garlic crostini)--a Moroccan-inspired preparation, and the perfect ending.
It is quite amazing how Café Noir seemed to not have missed a beat—quite a feat considering how long they were in SoHo and what a loyal fan base they had generated. It is apparent though, that the best is yet to come.
www.cafenoirny.com
