I realised recently that I have not really chronicled eating out in my lovely hometown as well as I could have here on this blog. I have restaurant reviews scattered about the place but not a concerted effort. So, I am going to catalog my experiences and curate reviews of some of my favorite places in this new series, {Taste} New York. I will re-tag some old posts and add many more recommendations on dining casually or elegantly, swigging in bars or lounges in some of my favorite spots around the city.
{I am not being sponsored for any of these posts and will only be writing about places that I have dined in multiple times and do not tire of going back again.}
Today, I want to talk about
Buvette - my favorite French bistro in NYC that is my go-to place for a bit of casual French fare and a lot of comfort. Located in the West Village, it is a lovely little place with a strong neighborhood feel (replete with that very French looking bicycle out front). Chef Jody Williams pairs her love for tartines very tastefully with a brilliant collection of wines from France and Italy, marrying her love and experience in both countries' cuisines.
This is a gem of a place for brunch, lunch or dinner. It has a very Parisian bistro feel; a brick walled interior facing a well stocked mirrored bar, a counter stacked with walnuts to nibble, fresh baked bread and dessert on display.
Most dishes on menu are priced between $7 and $12 and there are absolute delights in there. Some of my favorites are the oxtail marmalade, walnut pesto, rabbit confit and brandade de morue. They all come accompanied by toasted sourdough that is in itself is really good. You can totally skip the bread and just the eat the protein (as I do), so you have space for one more menu item! If you are in for lunch, the croque monsieur is always a great choice. And, the coffee is always served perfectly brewed by the baristas. I would highly recommend the cortado.
Oh! And, the dessert is always tarte tatin, which, honestly, is the best I have tasted outside of Paris!
I have, over the years, enjoyed pleasurable meals punctuated by great foo, long wine-inspired insightful conversations and scratched many interesting plans on the napkins (only to forget them in the sober light of day). If you are in area, or not, I would highly recommend a pit stop here for a nibble and a refreshing glass of wine or a bottle and an indulgent evening finished off with rich, melt-in-your-mouth caramelised apples....
Bon Appetit!
