The Ça Va Experience at Intercontinental Times Square

During my recent stay at the Intercontinental Times Square, I had the fortune of checking out Todd English’s new restaurant Ça Va, a French brasserie and the latest for this celebrity chef.

This is an open and yet warm space designed by Jeffrey Beers International.  The surrounding art displayed throughout, from New York artist Jody Morlock, gives it an eclectic feel, though one doesn’t miss the French details also felt throughout. The soothing walnut color of the woodwork and the soft lighting glimmering from the chandeliers designed by David Weeks seem to fit well with both the cement structures of the courtyard overlooked by the private dining areas, as well as the busy traffic of 44th Street seen from the bar alongside the dining area.

Ça Va Marche, the coffee shop, comfortably sits away from the main dining area, easily catering to both hotel guests and locals alike.

I had two opportunities to eat here. For breakfast I found the menu to be pretty standard: oatmeal, eggs, yogurt. But the presentation was really what took the dishes to the next level. I ordered a basic eggs, hash brown, and sausage, and this is what I got:

Not much, but just enough to say “this ain’t no diner lady!” I love that.

For dinner, the feel and experience was a bit more sophisticated. We dined in one of the private dining areas (there are three in total). The privacy was perfect for our group and I really enjoyed that we weren’t in a completely enclosed room.

I started out my meal with a lovely glass of Au Vin Spritzer. This was so refreshing and  perfect after a day out and about in the city.

For my appetizer, I chose Foie Gras au Torchon (with toasted rosemary brioche and fig jam). This was so good, I ate it very, very slowly! It was incredibly rich, as foie gras often is, but the fig jam helped balance that out and make it just right.

I somehow missed this on the menu: Corn Ravioli. Thus, when it was placed in front of me you can only imagine my sheer joy. I mean, come on! It’s corn in a ravioli!! Yum.

I went pretty American with my entree by ordering steak, but I had steak in another restaurant the night before and wanted to compare. I wasn’t alone in my choice and it seems that everyone agreed, the Grilled Steak Frite at Ça Va is a must try. It was so tender and full of flavor, I was sad to see it finish. I ate every bite!

I missed desert, which consisted of an Apple Tart Tatin. All who had it however said it was divine. As a matter of fact, most people I have spoken to about Ca Va always recommend I try the desserts.

Duly noted for next time. I would recommend dinner more than breakfast, as breakfast isn’t anything really unique. I can’t really say that Ça Va was an extraordinary dining experience, but it wasn’t bad. The ambiance is truly the star here and I wouldn’t mind going back again with friends from out of town or on a girl’s night out.

Ca Va- 310 West 44th St., New York, NY * Tel: 212-803-4545

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

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Tags: Date Night, nyc hotels, nyc restaurants, Times Square
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