Review: Rouge Tomate

The Breakdown

Location: 10 E 60TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10022    646-237-8977

Items: 1 Appetizer, 3 Entrees, 1 dessert

Cost: $142  (with 20% gratuity)

Best Dish: The roast duck was exquisite!

Overall: A warm inviting space perfect for any occasion from Sunday brunch to a romantic dinner.

In a moment of the absolute whimsy team, XOJOHN visited one on NYC’s most exclusive eateries. Having sampled some of their cuisines at an event just a few weeks prior we simply had to experience the restaurant at full service. The menu at Rouge Tomate is ever changing and dependent on availability, season as well as locality.  The restaurant only uses ingredients sourced locally and in season. Along with its commitment to the freshest ingredients this social and environmental responsibility also plays a major role in the Rouge Tomate image, from its mature inspired decor to the presentation of its dishes and refreshments. Located at 10 East 60th street, just a few yards from the historic central park the venue is designed to highlight natural elements, featuring light-colored wood foliage and water. The elements that enhance the space from the table tops to the chairs are made of recycled and environmentally approved materials. As a sought after destination Rouge is not a simple walk in space. If a table is desired reservations may be required if you are headed there it may be optimal to call ahead. Luckily we were able to sit at the bar for lunch service. All menu items are available at the bar.

Rouge-like many restaurants in these uncertain times offer a Business Lunch prix fixe menu. The Business Lunch offers an appetizer an entree and a dessert selection.  I chose sauteed calamari.  The Calamari is sauteed and served over a bed of seasonal greens in a light sauce.

I chose the braised Duck as an entree. The duck is served in a nice savory sauce with a sweet chutney. The meat was succulent and tender, this was the best duck I’ve had in a long time.

My companion ordered the Lamb Loin.  This was served with apricot chutney, fresh chickpeas, falafel, and mint.  The combination of textures and flavors added to the amazing taste of the tenderloins.

For dessert, we shared a fragrant fusion fruit tart served with pineapple mango and a coconut infused sorbet.  This delightful dish was sweet and fragrant and left us feeling refreshed.

All in all the meal the atmosphere and the five-star service make this an experience all its own and well worth the expense.  Considering the garbage we often treat ourselves to in the name of celebration, the food at Rouge is as great for your waistline as it is for your taste buds.  Every item on the menu is handpicked by world-renowned chef Jeremy Bearman who uses the consultation of in-house nutritionist Natalia Hancock.  Treat yourself or a treasured loved one to the freshness and decadence of Rouge Tomate, it’s great for the environment, its healthy and socially conscious. It only tastes sinful.