Tonight, the block that 10 Downing Food & Wine sits on feels much like the set of a good old fashioned broadway musical. The air is warm and dry with not a stitch of humidity to skew it. The summer has arrived with an even stronger fever than its predecessor the spring, and with that brings a street filled with restlessness people. And indeed lots of hungry people too.
On an evening like this, the delicious kitchen aromas waft their way out and into the charming dining room, itself warmed up via contemporary art from prominent American artists. Next, out through the front of the restaurant it travels, where loads of al fresco seating awaits, allowing you to stop for a nibble and a crisp glass of Chardonnay.
Looking for the whole enchilada? They have you covered here too. “Farm‐to‐table” dishes with a global spin are on a menu dog eared by enthusiastic diners, even after one nights supper rush.
Open continuously throughout the day for lunch and dinner and even a mid‐afternoon snack, Executive Chef Jonnatan Leiva brings his Spanish and South American heritage to the New American menu here. His emphasis on clean and balanced flavors artfully uses house made and locally sourced ingredients to produce culinary masterpieces. Perhaps start with a plate of select cheeses and a platter of bicoastal oysters. Pair them up with a nice light wine. Next onto a signature dish, a clear winner sure to never depart the menu by popular demand; the heirloom tomato and watermelon salad with mint, almonds and radish opens the palate with refreshing playfulness, perfect for a summer night like this.
Follow this with the Curry Spice & Coconut Pot Pie (vegetable or chicken) collides comfort food with Asian influence and pulls it off without a hitch. The Sautéed Black Sea Bass here is consistently tasty and complimented nicely by a corn potato hash.
For the hungry dining à deux, the Herb Roasted Whole Chicken for two takes the guess work out of ordering. Quintessential in its simplicity, and likened to good home cooking.
Enjoy your meal with one of the restaurant’s specialty cocktails such as the refreshing Three Gees (Gin, Ginger and Grapefruit) or a glass of your favorite wine.
And oh, the people watching opps. Just nonstop.
http://www.10downingnyc.com/
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