! The refresher, therefore, deserves a pretty special event. I always imagined how one day, the renowned chef of a restaurant would come to my table and we would have a nice chat about the amazingness of his or her food preparation. The power of this imagination came true last night! “Uber chic and warm, Mehtaphor situated in Duane Street Hotel, poised to stand its own ground amidst the Manhattan skyline, for its eclectic cuisine and charming dining experience.” Right on target!
If you’re familiar at all with Iron Chef
programs, then Jehangir Mehta may be a household name. It was Jehangir that came to greet us and let us praise the multitude of zestiness in the flavors of his food. He is a Mumbai-born graduate of Culinary Institute of America playing in the competitive restaurateur world of New York City. It was a pleasure to meet him.For the official restaurant review, I would not necessarily give the full 5 star rating. But this has to do more with the layout of the restaurant, rather than the food. Let’s just say that the intimacy and charm is probably more evident during night time, when you don’t have to look at feet of pedestrians passing by on the sidewalk. And if you think you hear elevator music during your dining experience, you’re probably right; the restaurant is practically the lobby of the hotel.
Aside from all that, the food was a true adventure! If you look at the description of the restaurant, you see a lot of “Asian” references, yet the menu includes ceviche, pizza, raw oysters, tres leches and much much more. Any foodie would appreciate the surprise and treasure hunt of guessing what’s in the food.
Pop rock oysters!
That is right, as in pop rock candy. Need I say more? Ok, lobster bloody Mary!
Or, truffle, crab and goat cheese pizza!
I would go back any day just to try the rest of the menu.
If you happened to come with a non-foodie, be prepared to hear “small plate” and “weird” every other dish. Keep in mind though that you’re always welcome to invite me and hear none of that!
