Peachy Picks La Mediterranee
Many years ago, one day our friend Ernesto Morel found out in opportune moments in life, you may go in somewhere looking for one thing and receive much more. In his case, he went in for a drink and bought the restaurant, and more about that below. We could not be more pleased that he did and we love love LOVE La Mediterranee. You need to go there because it will delight you as well. On Wednesday, June 22, Peachy Deegan had an opportune moment in life when she happened to stroll by the very same day they reopened, and La Mediterranee was first featured in Terrific Takeout: http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/06/terrific-takeout-la-mediterranee.html and it piqued our interest immensely, so we next featured it in Tasty Tidbits:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/06/tasty-tidbits-la-mediterranee.html With a tip of her Ellen Christine fascinator, Peachy Deegan gives two big thumbs up to one of the most charming restaurants we've ever encountered: La Mediterranee which has earned its spot in Peachy's Picks. We must have been destined to review this restaurant! Peachy Deegan began with the acclaimed stuffed avocado with poached seafood, cilantro aioli and blue corn chips, shown above. Every bite was a refreshing song of summer and you absolutely must order this. Even Gloria Vanderbilt orders it as you can see from the press section of their website. And once you try it, you will understand why! It's smart, it's beautiful, and it has fantastic flavor!
Quintessentially francais, the Grilled Petit Filet Mignon and Frites was absolutely delicious and one of the best menu items we believe. Though Peachy had the Poulet Rotti for takeout and that was lovely, this really trumps it and more importantly, it trumps many other steaks Peachy has had in the city. You know she is quite a carnivore...probably the best three steaks Peachy has had this year are this one, the one at Kings' Carriage House and the one at Del Frisco's. So tender and with the absolute perfect bearnaise sauce, this steak was a sugarplum dancing in Peachy's head in subsequent evenings. And you know that green beans are among her most favorite vegetables. And you absolutely cannot beat the cocktails there, and we have an exciting announcement to tell you shortly.
In a word, everything was absolutely peachy right down to the roses on the table! Considering the source, we are not sure that we can pay a higher compliment.
And for anyone that thinks that the French have a reputation of being not the most friendly people in the world, Ernesto Morel will dissipate that thought right out of your head in the first five seconds of meeting him. Though we think cuisine is of ultimate importance in these reviews, genuine care and pride is penultimate and Ernesto Morel exudes this with savoir faire. He is very popular with authors and his collection of books by those that dine at La Mediterranee is quite impressive!!! Ernesto Morel's more than 30 years as proprietor of La Mediterranée began when he stopped in at the establishment in the spring of 1980 and asked if he could buy a drink at the bar. "Not only can you buy a drink, you can buy the whole restaurant." Ernesto recalls the owner of the then-struggling bistro replying. Fresh from a five-year stint as the maitre d' at La Mangeoire, Ernesto did just that. He refurbished the space, commissioned handsome murals of the South of France; hired a chef specializing in Provencal cuisine: and within months La Mediterranée had become the popular neighborhood eatery that it remains today.
Executive Chef Edgar Navarrete trained at the renowned Patina Group under the guidance of Master Chef's Joaquim Splichal and Octavio Becerra.. He continued to hone his craft and established himself as a longtime bistro chef in some of the best kitchens in New York. City.
Don't only listen to Peachy though. The panel could not get enough (and we even brought one of our most favorite authors!) and their accolades shout "ooh la la!" Tell tell us:
What’s more French than escargot? At La Mediterranee the little delicacies are described as “crispy snails with garlic butter, Pernod and herbs.” It may be the Pernod or it could be the unspecified herbs, but whatever it is, this traditional appetizer is transformed into a surprisingly original culinary delight. And even when the last snail is consumed, there’s no reason to lament. A piece of bread dipped and soaked in the buttery mixture that remains is not only obligatory, it prolongs the pleasure.
What’s more French than Steak Au Poivre & Frites? At La Mediterranee, the sirloin is served topped with a “creamy cognac-pepper sauce” that both enhances and compliments the lean and tender cut of beef. Here, too, the chef presents a unique version of the French staple. The sauce is delicate rather than overwhelming as can be the case in lesser establishments. Thus all the flavors are given an opportunity to delight the palate. The frites round things out.
What’s more French than dessert? Our panel was served a sampling of sweets that finished off the meal in style. What’s more French that La Mediterranee? On this side of the Atlantic, nothing else quite like this. Merci Mediterranee for a very French evening without the airfare.
Though I am a pretty causal person when it comes to cuisine, I think pretty casual at its best comes from the South of France and specifically, at La Mediterranee. When you stroll into 947 Second Avenue, you will be greeted by Ernesto Morel, who is an upbeat, positive personality that lights up the restaurant. Partly French and partly Italian, Ernesto is a combination that can't be beat! The piano in the background adds to the atmosphere without being overwhelming and we were able to engage in pleasant conversation throughout our outstanding meal.
I began with the pizzette a la nicoise: flat breat with goat cheese, tomato, onions, olives and peppers. It was a great start and though I am personally Italian, it is clear that the French can do pizza! As an entree I opted for the Filet of Sole Amandine over the Grilled Salmon Dijonaise which also sounded amazing at the suggestion of our waiter with panache: Marty Cabrera. Every bite was succulent and screamed summer at the beach! I love seafood and this was so impressive.
The dessert was lovely and La Mediterranee is one of my favorite go-to hot spots in the city now. Todd Martin at the bar is great to chat with before you sit down for your dinner, so be sure to have a cocktail to start or end the night!
Peachy Picks La Mediterranee!
Whom You Know Highly Recommends La Mediterranee.
