For my birthday, we went out twice, first to Chanterelle, then to Jazz Standard which uses the restaurant upstairs, Blue Smoke (a Danny Meyer eatery), for its excellent ribs and other Southern-themed food. For me, it’s one of the few places in New York where you can find very good ribs, mac and cheese and other comfort food with a Southern twist. More on Blue Smoke later this week.

Chanterelle is always a lovely experience. The room is elegant and calming, with exceptionally widely spaced tables. Our waiter, the one with the goatee and over-sized black-rimmed glasses, was attentive without being fawning.

Now, for the food. I love oysters but the Blue Island oysters with sauerkraut and American black caviar were over the top. I like the bit of acidity from the sauerkraut that colored the cream sauce but it overwhelmed the delicacy of the oysters. The wild striped bass saute with sauce charcutiere was pleasing, the fish perfectly prepared. The menu turns over monthly, so there are always new items to sample.

Regrettably, I had to pass on the cheese course in order to make room for dessert. For chocolate lovers, the chocolate trio is sensational. I adored the sorbet and the chocolate ganache-filled beignet.

Chanterelle
2 Harrison St.
NY, NY
212 966 6143

Related posts:

1. Virginia Restaurant: Southern Kitchen
2. Where to Eat (Out) on Thanksgiving in New York
3. New York Restaurant: Grill 44