Contra, New York City, 5/8/15

Exterior
Exterior

A real hole in the wall place that serves a tasting menu to all, which changes daily. The kitchen is at the far end of the long room and it is a constant source of movement as the tables are turned over as soon as vacated. We started with a jicama sandwich that was light, sweet and tart. The salad was next with lots of really fresh tastes in a variety of greens not usually seen. The bonito was a mild and nice combination of tastes and textures whereas the bass was amazing and extremely well seasoned. The beef was tasty but elevated to another level when mixed with the walnut puree. The corn mousse with the strawberry granita was studded with crunchy dried maize that added a fun and tasty texture. The yogurt had a similar set of textures but the chocolate hazelnut mousse was much thicker and richer. The bread is an extra charge but well worth it. Efficient and friendly service made it a quicker meal than many but still a fine taste experience.

Interior toward kitchen
Interior toward kitchen
Table set up
Table set up
Bread and butter
Bread and butter
wine
wine
wine back
wine back
Jicama slices with cashew butter and sorrel
Jicama slices with cashew butter and sorrel
fresh chickpeas, ricotta cheese, radish and greens (kale, broccoli flowers, pineapple mint, fennel...)
fresh chickpeas, ricotta cheese, radish and greens (kale, broccoli flowers, pineapple mint, fennel…)
as plated
as plated
fresh bonito, rhubarb compote, shaved fennel and lardo
fresh bonito, rhubarb compote, shaved fennel and lardo
as plated
as plated
black bass, sea beans, lemon and shepherd's purse (greens)
black bass, sea beans, lemon and shepherd’s purse (greens)
as plated
as plated
looking for a better view
looking for a better view
NY Angus strip beef, asparagus, ramps, walnut puree
NY Angus strip beef, asparagus, ramps, walnut puree
as plated
as plated
strawberry granita and corn mousse
strawberry granita and corn mousse
as plated
as plated
Frankie wants more bread
Frankie wants more bread
yogurt, hazelnut mousse, amaranth (grain)
yogurt, hazelnut mousse, amaranth (grain)
as plated
as plated
neon sign
neon sign

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