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Review: RDV Harlem

by Sia-Alika Battle

Location: 2072 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026

Cuisine: Modern French Mediterranean

Best Dish: Arctic Char with Saffron Risotto

Cost: $$$

Overall: An intimate French-style bistro with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and classic cooking techniques.

RDV – Rendezvous is the brainchild of Executive Chef/Sommelier Kfir Ben-Ari. RDV is the culmination of life experience and one chef’s journey. Chef Kfir was born and raised in Israel, received his culinary education at the school of Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France. After stints with Daniel Boulud and as the Executive Chef at Paradou in the meatpacking district Kfir realized his vision of opening a Modern French Bistro in his adopted neighborhood of Harlem- RDV was born. The menu features classic French provincial dishes like Cassoulet and Chicken Fricassee infused with Mediterranean flavors.

Shared Plates:

Home Spreads

Home Spreads is a wonderful orientation into the concept of French Mediterranean cuisine. Seven different spreads accompanied by crusty fresh baked bread gives you a tour of global flavors. Olive tapenade, eggplant caviar sundried tomato pesto represents a taste of the Mediterranean. Peas Basilic and Soft cheese with Herbs de Provence are uniquely French.

Small Plates:

Octopus En “Meurette”

The freshest octopus grilled to perfection accompanied by a red wine poached egg and frisée lardon salad. As you cut open the poached egg the yolk provides a sauce with the tangy acidity of the red wine. The additional frisée salad balances out the dish with salty freshness.

Escargots De Bourgogne

Escargots served out of the shell and baked with fresh herb butter, garlic and parmesan is a classic with a twist. The parmesan adds the cheesy goodness we never knew was missing from the traditional recipe. Each tender morsel is a flavor bomb of umami.

Big Plates:

Arctic Char with Saffron Risotto

The Arctic Char was cooked with a crispy skin to seal in the juices of the tasty fish. The Saffron Risotto was rich in flavor and so delicious we could have eaten a whole bowl. The dish was also served with farm fresh haricot verts blanched to preserve the beautiful color and snap. This dish was a special of the day and it lived up to the name.

Pan Seared Scallops

The second seafood dish is a close second in taste. The scallops tasted straight from the sea. The preparation allowed for a sear on both sides to lock in the flavor. Fall greens and a seasonal pumpkin risotto accompanied the scallops.

28 Days Dry Aged Entrecote

Meat at RDV is locally sourced. Local boutique meat purveyor Harlem Shambles supplied the 28 Days Dry Aged Entrecote. The steak was served medium rare with a demi-glace sauce that takes three days to prepare. The sauce is reduced down to the essence of meat that is flavor beyond compare. Paired with onion pepper jam and crunchy potato gratin, the dish reaches new heights for ‘meat and potatoes’.

Dessert

Cheesecake with a graham cracker crust was smooth and not overly sweet. The crust added the texture to keep you going back for one more bite.

The Crème Brulèe was velvety smooth and very satisfying from the first crack of the burnt tourbillion sugar top.  The fresh vanilla bean and fruit kept the palette interested in what was underneath.

Gateau Au Chocolat with salted Chantilly was sinfully delicious. The creamy Chantilly created a true balance between sweet and salty.

Ile Flottante was an airy cloud of meringue floating in a pool of passion fruit crème anglaise. Our favorite dessert was unlike anything I’ve tasted before classic French techniques that combined with tropical flavors for a faultless desert.

RDV-Rendezvous Harlem is a wonderful addition to the classic Harlem restaurant scene. With a pared-down inspired seasonal menu and an intimate décor, RDV is perfect for date night or a casual get-together with friends.

Happy Hour is 4 pm 7 pm // All You Can Eat Mussels Wednesdays // Brunch Served Saturday & Sunday

For more information visit rdv-nyc.com.

-Sia Battle

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Celebrating 20 Years of Soho Cigar Bar

by xoJohn

Last night, New York City was chilly but at Soho Cigar Bar, the atmosphere was warm, cozy, and inviting as the Cigar hotspot celebrated its 20th Anniversary. Soho Cigar Bar began as Circa Tabac and has the vibes of a 1920’s speakeasy with plush leather furnishings and art deco inspired décor. Over 150 guests packed the bar where everyone indulged in the finest cigars, signature cocktails, delicious food, and top-notch service. Even owner Lee Ringelheim and GM Michael Dounoulis, who is the only certified Cigar Sommelier in the state, greeted guests and made sure everyone was having a good time.

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Review: Le Marais

by xoJohn

Location: 150 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

Cuisine: French/Steakhouse

Best Dish: The Veal Chops were excellent. The outside has a crisp sear and the inside was juicy and tender.

Cost: $$$

Overall: A Kosher steakhouse with retro charm. An ideal choice for a quick pre-show bite in the heart of Broadway.

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Review: Greenwich Steakhouse

by xoJohn

Location: 62 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY

Cuisine: American Steakhouse/Seafood

Best Dish: The crab cake was delicious, but the steak was the star. The Tomahawk was incredible. It was tender and succulent.

Cost: $$$

Overall: Uptown meets downtown in this elegant eatery. Greenwich Steakhouse is the upscale experience the West Village has been waiting for.

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Review: Zavo Restaurant

by xoJohn

Location: 1011 3rd Ave New York, NY 10065

Cuisine: Mediterranean American

Best Dish: The Cavatelli was outstanding. The Bolognese was rich and flavorful with tender morsels of veal and beef. We highly recommend this dish, be sure to top it with plenty of shaved Parmesan.

Cost: $$$

Overall: A modern eatery with a focus on traditional Mediterranean fare. An ideal location for an impressive date night or special treat.

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A Taste of Greece: Lunch With Global Alive at Nerai

by xoJohn
On Wednesday, November 28th, we joined Global Alive founder Evageline Plakas at Nerai Restaurant, located in Midtown Manhattan. The Hellenic Culinary Luncheon took guests through a virtual journey of Greece with stunning visuals of the chic destination and delicious Greek cuisines. To get things started, Plakas welcomed guests with a champagne toast and explained Global Alive’s mission, which is to bring Greek/Cypriot-Americans closer together with the Greek community and its ever-growing enterprises. Currently, Global Live has two publications, Hellenic Golden Directory and HellenicDailyNews.com.
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