Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain

One of my new favorite celebrity places to eat at in NYC is Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain and this is because there are a couple of dishes that I tasted the night of my visit that have left a memory which still lingers in my palate craving for more.

The night I joined the Family Dish Ambassadors for dinner at Bar Americain, NYC streets were glistening from the evening rains. It was one of the those nights that really called for warmth and comfort, and we were heading to the right place.

What I soon discovered upon looking at the menu was that the food at Bar Americain is much like the American comfort food we know about, except that it was done much nicer and comes with a Sommelier and a Raw Bar. But the basics of those good ol’ American dishes were in every thing I had.

I started out with a serving of Hot Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Sauce. I am not a huge fan of blue cheese, but this dip, with all its ingredients was a decadent serving of perfect combinations. I was thrilled when I saw he had the recipe on the Food Network site ready for my replication!

I also had a chance to taste the Grilled Pizza with Double Smoked Bacon, Caramelized Onion and Toasted Garlic, regularly served off the lunch menu, which was truly a meal in itself, and an explosion of flavors of all things I enjoy.

I saw Flay’s true craft in the two dishes that followed. The Vidalia Onion Soup with Parker House croutons and blistered Vermont cheddar cheese was perfect on this windy night. Keep in mind the thick layer of cheese and croutons on top make this a filling treat! The Gulf Shrimp and Grits was not only beautiful to look at, but it was definitely high-end comfort food at it’s best. The shrimps was big and juicy, the grits with a bit of bacon and green onions gave it that extra touch of flavor.

The only time I felt a bit disappointed in my dining experience was when it came to the Spice Rubbed Filet Mignon. I felt it lacked in tenderness, juiciness, and yes, even flavor. One thing I love about spice rubs is that they really just kick you in the mouth with how amazing all the spices work together, especially when paired with a nice, juicy steak. I didn’t get that at all with this dish, which was also why the next time I had a piece of steak (at Ca Va), I was so relieved and excited!

It would’ve been sad had my story ended here, but the people at Bar Americain totally came through for me at the end with nothing other than CHOCOLATE. But, not just chocolate, more like a Deep Dish Chocolate Cream Pie…all I can say is whatever it takes to try this dish at the end of your meal, do it. Even if you must start with it, because you, my dear friend, deserve it.

The ambiance was wonderful. We had our meal in the private dining area upstairs, which in part was a shame because the vibe of the main dining area was so great. There were families with kids in the mix as well, and I am eager to go back, maybe even give the steak another chance, though next time I might go for the rib eye which has rarely failed me, and definitely the Raw Bar, which I heard is pretty good too.

Date night, night out with friends, maybe even a nice early dinner for the family.  I say check it out and be ready to indulge, comfort food style.

Bar Americain • 152 W. 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019 • Tel. 212.265.9700

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit by Unilever. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Your email:

 

Tags: Date Night, food, nyc restaurants
Posted in Date Night, Good Eats | 5 Comments »