Location: 1134 1st Avenue Between 62nd and 63rd
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Items: 3 Tapas (small plates), 2 entrees, 4 cocktails
Best Dish: Who knew lamb nachos were even possible? These delectable bites are simply divine and must be experienced. The generous helping of savory and lamb with the spicy sauce is to die for!
Overall: A truly grown up space with sexy Moroccan decor. La Nuit is also a hookah lounge where you must try the various flavors!
Smack dab in the middle of some of the cities most celebrated eateries is La Nuit, a Mediterranean oasis of flavor. We ventured into this stylish restaurant lounge on a warm and slightly damp Friday evening. After being seated by our hostess we looked over the exciting menu of treats. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes for every palate. From light fresh salads to rich hearty entrees everyone can be satisfied.
We started with a round of cocktails. At our servers suggestion I sampled the “Casablanca” a sweet fragrant mix of Peach and Mango nectar, vodka and spices. My companion opted for the nutty and tropical “Mediterranean Sunrise” a combination of Amaretto, Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice and orange juice.
After satisfying our thirst we resumed choosing our appetizers. The options had us spellbound and it was almost impossible to decide with options like Duck Bacon and Shrimp Bruschetta. We eventually decided on the Kibbeh and the Grill Shrimp with Cauliflower Gremolata. Kibbeh is a traditional Levantine dish and is considered a type of dumpling. These are by no means a dainty bite, these dumplings are thick and hearty. The dish is made with Bulgur a type of cereal grain and filled with minced onion, savory meat and served with a light cucumber sauce.
The Grilled Shrimp arrived with a small portion of toasted cauliflower tossed with sweet raisins and briny capers. The balance of textures and flavors made for an interesting and enjoyable plate. The Shrimp are grilled perfectly with a lightly charred and smoky outside and a moist juicy interior.
We were almost ready to order our entrees when we overheard the next table gushing over the magnificent Lamb Nachos. We simply could not leave without giving it a try. The “Nachos” aren’t your typical tortilla chip. They are made of a phyllo dough sliced into triangles and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The “chips” are then topped with a goat cheese Fondue, tender pulled lamb, and red onions drizzled with a spicy cilantro chili sauce. These are the most elegant nachos I have ever experienced. The chips are light, crispy and despite being fried not at all greasy. They also do not get soggy or gross even though they are smothered with other ingredients. The lamb is succulent and the sauce is absolutely amazing with just the right amount of spice.
After our appetizers we ordered another round of cocktails while we waited for our entrees. For this round I chose something a little lighter and went with the “Aphrodite” a mix of champagne and ripe strawberry nectar. This is a fragrant and lightly sweet drink. It is a lovely light option for light drinkers.
For the final course we went with the mixed grill and the pan roasted branzino. The mixed grill is a meat lovers paradise, it offers several different roasted meats with a generous helping of couscous, cucumber sauce and onions. The meats include chicken, beef, and two different preparations of lamb.
Branzino is a European sea bass native to Northern Italy. At La Nuit it is served atop a bed of sautéed broccoli rabe, portobello mushroom, and garlic, then topped with Mediterranean salsa. By far one of the better fish dishes we have had. The fish was flavorful and warm and the vegetables tender and well seasoned.
In addition to its menu of delightful Mediterranean cuisine the venue also boasts a DJ, occasional belly Dancers and Hookah with a selection of flavor options. The space also offers a more than reasonable Monday night happy hour with half price drinks and tapas from 4pm to 9pm. For more information on the specials at La Nuit visit www.lanuitnyc.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/LaNuitNYC.