Recette NYC: A New Restaurant in the West Village

January 19, 2010

Not so long ago Jesse Schenker and Christina Lee–whose stellar resumes include stints at Gordon Ramsey and Per Se, respectively–were only whipping up their bold, inventive creations in a private supper club in Manhattan's East Harlem. It was fun and all, we heard, and undoubtedly delicious, but the setup was pretty low on the pop-by-for-a-bite scale. As of last Wednesday night, however, things have changed for Schenker and Lee (and us), as they opened the doors to their lovely new restaurant in the West Village, Recette NYC.

Recette is a New York City treat, warm and pretty and cozy, and even on night two the room was lively and friendly, the kitchen clicking. We sampled just a couple of dishes (sitting at the bar, which you should avoid eating at all costs unless you are without legs), and will definitely be back for more, if only to taste some of Lee's scrumptious-looking desserts. The savory menu at Recette is broken up into Snacks, Charcuterie, Cheese, Plates and Sides, all served as a "generous tasting portion". First up for us: Raw Fluke, cut into chunks (rather than the more familiar super-thin slices of the Japanese dish Usuzukuri) and topped with shaved fennel, sprigs of watercress, and a touch of caviar sabayon. Considering our usual lusting after all the above, we were surprised that this dish was just OK. There was a slight sourness to the proceedings, and the caviar got lost.

Our next plate was significantly more successful, a perfectly cooked Poussin, the crisp, tender and juicy half-bird set atop a pile of baby winter vegetables and pool of mustard soubise, this was nicely done. Best of all, perhaps, was the Anson Mills "pot of grits" on the side, which was rich and creamy and stick-to-your-ribs, in a good way. The grits at Recette NYC came with the poussin (making for a fairly hefty "tasting"), but is also available as a side and should be ordered, if you're a fan.

Recette NYC Details

Recette is located in the West Village on the corner of West 12th and Greenwich Streets in NYC (in the former Jarnac space), and is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until midnight, and on Friday and Saturday until 1:00 a.m. For more information and a look at the menus, please see the Recette NYC website, here.