Dining options in Boston are great, but dining options in NYC are fantastic. At least that is what I thought. Things went well at Calle Ocho, and my expectations were climbing. On a subsequent trip, my friends decided they were in the mood for soft-shell crab.
First Red Flag: The proposed restaurant? The Fatty Crab. My friends called ahead to find out about vegetarian options since two out of five people in our party were vegetarians. Second red flag: They confirmed they did, if we ordered the salad dressing on the side. Third red flag: When we told the waiter we were vegetarian, he recommended the restaurant down the street. Final nail in the coffin: My asparagus tasted odd, which I attributed to the mystery white chunks. I asked the waiter what they were; he gasped and said not to eat it. Lard. It was lard. On my asparagus.
However, I take full responsibility. After red flag number one, two, or three, I should have grabbed a snack and sat with my friends as THEY ate at the Fatty Crab.
Thus, my New York dining spirits were low. Last week, I returned and found myself looking for a restaurant in Midtown to accommodate everyone’s schedules and locations. I called my friend Kristen, a former New Yorker who always knows the best restaurants, shops, markets, and life choices. She was skeptical about finding a good spot in Midtown, but she delivered with a recommendation for Fig & Olive. After three delicious courses, New York dining was redeemed for this vegetarian!
We had a delightful meal, though the wait was reallllly long since it also happened to be NYC’s Restaurant Week. I ordered off the prix-fixe Restaurant Week menu – three courses for $35:
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Zucchini Carpaccio: Zucchini thinly sliced, finished with lemon juice, pine nuts, parmesan- Picholine Olive Oil |
Penne Funghi Tartufo: Cremini mushrooms, black truffle paste, scallion, parmesan cheese – White Truffle Oil |
Dessert Crostini: Local-Farmed Strawberries, Mascarpone, 18 Year Aged Balsamic On Shortbread with Micro-Basil |
I would return to Fig & Olive, but with a whole city of potentially great dining options, I think I’ll brave the potential Fatty Crabs and hope for something spectacular.
I also spent a few hours waiting out a rainstorm with a latte and the New Yorker. Another success.
Posted by Finance Foodie on July 22, 2010 at 9:11 pm
OOO is there a Fig and Olive in Midtown now? Ive been to the one in Meatpacking – cute place (great olive oil w the table bread)
Posted by unlikelyvegetarian on July 23, 2010 at 7:27 am
Yes! I didn’t realize this location was new. Agreed on the olive oil and table bread – I definitely ate WAY too much.
Posted by kristen on July 23, 2010 at 9:34 am
“…best shops, markets, and life choices”? You are SO writing my author bio someday. Next time you go back, I’ll meet you at Curly’s Vegetarian Lunch. It’s the BEST. Disco ball at lunch, anyone?
Posted by unlikelyvegetarian on July 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm
With pleasure! And I can provide examples: Should I tell the stranger on the Subway I like her purse? YES! Should I go to Mike and Patty’s? YES.
Posted by Brady on July 23, 2010 at 11:19 am
Beth, I’ve found that fish places are the. worst. for vegetarians. Steak houses are almost better. (They usually at least have a pasta, big salads, and good bread.) I think people who own seafood restaurants think that since some people who call themselves vegetarians eat fish, that they don’t have to provide veggie options.
Posted by unlikelyvegetarian on July 23, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Now that you say that, I totally agree! Or maybe they think it would be absurd for a veggie to go to a seafood restaurant. They forget we have carnivorous friends…
Posted by Leslie on August 9, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Hi Beth! Totally random on my part but I currently work for a seafood restaurant in Camden, ME and we offer a specifically named Vegetarian plate that has received rave reviews. Just thought I’d offer a counter point
Hope you are doing well!
Posted by Restaurant Week in Boston: Top picks for locally grown, vegetarian options « Unlikely Vegetarian on August 16, 2010 at 9:45 pm
[...] Week typically entails fancy restaurants offering prix fixe menus for a discounted price. I took part in Restaurant Week in New York several weeks ago. Look for Restaurant Week in your city if [...]