When I finally made the decision to move back to NY last year, I promised to make the most of the time that I had in the city. I was going to culinary school, so it’s a given that my “make the most of my time in NYC” statement would include eating as much great food as possible. I figured that this wouldn’t be so hard because, after all, New York is home to many of the world’s culinary superheroes, and the ease of accessibility to amazing restaurants in New York is indisputable. Except for when you want to eat at the city’s top restaurants AND you’re on a student’s budget.
One of the top restaurants that I wanted to explore was Red Rooster in Harlem. The owner is Marcus Samuelsson, a world renowned chef who has been awarded some of the culinary world’s top honors including a James Beard Foundation award (and who happens to be a brother), and the location was in Harlem. Check and mate. I needed to be there… like now. Here came the reality check: It was the summer and near impossible to get reservations and well… I was broke womp, womp.
Fast-forward 6 months to Restaurant Week 2012. After a lecture from Chef Jay (one of my teachers) about it being our duty as future chefs to attend as many restaurant week events as we could, I knew that my chance had arrived. A 3 course prix fixe lunch menu for $24.07 at one of the hot spots in the city, and the chance to cross something off of my NYC bucket list – to quote my homegirl Monet “You can’t beat that with a stick.” I made reservations for 3 that night.
Red Rooster did not disappoint. When my mom and I stepped into the restaurant – we must have looked beyond excited b/c the Maitre d’ ask us where we visiting from; to which my mom very coolly replied “The Bronx”. Hahaha... I guess the Bronx is like another world. Immediately, someone asked to put our coats in coat check. We were then offered a bar seat to wait at until Faith, one of sister’s BFFs arrived.
From the bar I drank up all the sights. The beautifully funky artwork, the wide array of people, the scents of the food, the hot bartender erm…. I meant the hot Glogg simmering in a pot behind the bar lol. “Glogg”, said the hot (and knowledgeable) bartender Virgil is “A Swedish hot spiced wine punch.” I'm sure he said more, but I was too busy staring at him to follow what he was saying. Anyway, the glugg at Red Rooster reminded me of German gluhwein. It’s like a snug blankie in a mug, it was all cinnamony and warm. The perfect start to our food adventure.
Here’s a photo of mom enjoying her glogg:
Faith sitting pretty:
After Faith met us at the bar, we were off to our seats. We tried EVERYTHING. Because there were 3 of us we were able to try everything off of the Restaurant week including a few additional goodies.
Here is what we ate:
Corn Bread with Honey Butter, Tomato Jam
Check that texture :-)
Mac & Greens with Gouda, NY Cheddar, Comté
Market Green Salad with King Oyster Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Radishes, Sherry Vinaigrette
Peanut Soup with Avocado, Tomato, Chicken Broth
Blackened Catfish with Black Eyed Peas, Collard Greens
Yours truly...
Fried Yard Bird Dark Meat, with White Mace Gravy, Mashed Potatoes
Mom..
Warm Apple Crumb Tart with Buttermilk Ice Cream, Raisin Cider Sauce
Close up... Are you hungry yet????
Pecan Pie with Bourbon Ice Cream and Milk Chocolate
I tried everything with the exception of the fried yard bird and it was all sooooo delicious. Everything had a good balance of flavor and spice without the over reliance on salt. The waitress was attentive, and this is a big thing for me: we never had to reuse our utensils. After each course a new fork and knife appeared. Overall, I give Red Rooster in Harlem the thumbs up. The vibes are really chill and the food was great. I really can't wait to go back – this time probably on a Monday night so that I can get my art on and enjoy their live house band. Who's coming with me???
Red Rooster's Website: http://redroosterharlem.com/
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