I'm Becoming Obsessed with ABC Kitchen

Monday I woke up- did some cleaning around the apartment (did that hurricane somehow come through the window?) and then walked down to ABC Kitchen for their $28 Lunch Special. I thought the place would be empty but it was packed with a 30 minute wait for a table! I grabbed my usual spot at the bar instead and ordered the prix fix lunch. Now let me start by telling you I was actually a little disappointed that I was eating here again. I hemmed and hawed about where to go a little too long and by 2:30 most places had stopped serving lunch. I was hoping to try out somewhere new and this was my last minute back up. Let me tell you…any doubts or disappointment I initially felt was blown out of the water with the very first dish. Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho with Basil.



I’ve never been a huge Gazpacho fan- it’s okay but I’ve never felt love for the dish. Well love came a knocking this day my friends. It was easily the best gazpacho I’ve ever tasted. Big pureed bites of heirloom tomato married with the cool watermelon. I felt like someone had just gone into the garden and plopped this in my bowl. It was a revelation of balance and flavor. This is what Gazpacho should taste like!



Out next came my entrĂ©e of Steamed Hake with goldbar zucchini and nasturtium vinaigrette and again I was blown away. The fish was delicate and moist with some delicious squash underneath but man oh man what was in that vinaigrette! It was amazing. I tasted lemon and chili oil but there was so much else going on. It was velvety rich and bright. I asked the bartender what was in it and he responded with a flat “squash”. I didn’t feel like arguing I was enjoying it too much. I finished the entire thing even though I knew what was coming next.



Last but not least their sundae which can only be described as sinful, salty and decadent. I have to say I was thrilled when I noticed only two scoops salted caramel ice cream instead of the past experiences of three. This sundae is so good I can never stop myself and always end up feeling sick at the end. Two was the perfect amount and I was able to enjoy every last bite with some decadent chocolate sauce, candied peanuts and caramel popcorn.



I concluded my fancy lunch with a very fancy little espresso. I loved the china and was again reminded of Mr. T saying this place was feminine. Feminine and fabulous is right!



They even had two different kinds of sweetener and three different kinds of suger- regular, raw and organic.

ABC Kitchen is very quickly becoming my favorite restaurant in NYC. Whenever I’m there I find myself shaking my head in disbelief and asking why are you so good! It truly blows me away and takes fresh, organic cooking to a whole new level. It’s not cheap, Jean-George never is, but it’s fabulous and if you can make it for the lunch prix fix it’s quite a steal.

ABC Kitchen

Comments

kim said…
I came here when it first opened up, so it was still easy to get a table (for two). I would love to go back for the prix-fixe. I really want to try the carrot avocado salad. You think they could omit the ricotta for a vegan? Resorting to my 'comfort zone' never disappoints me. :)
Roze said…
I'm sure they would. They're very accommodating and that Carrot Avocado salad is delicious! Had that my previous visit!