Terrific Takeout: Monument Lane, a Peachy's Pick, Winter 2016 Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
From the Grilled Berkshire Pork Loin, above, to the Smoked and Grilled Satur Farms Carrots, below, Monument Lane will delight your appetite this winter
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
Looking back at 2015, one of the best restaurants new to us was Monument Lane, a delicious farm-to-table venue in Manhattan's West Village. We first visited in the spring of 2015:
and later visited in the fall, when it graduated to Peachy's Picks:
We love that they make a new menu EVERY DAY, and if that doesn't scream out freshness to you, we don't know what would.
Owner Josh Frum is a Cornell hospitality graduate, and that's reflected in all the little details that we continue to notice, and we re-emphasize that education is a huge asset. Some that are well-educated are academically intelligent without being personable, but you won't find that here. Josh and his team could not be more welcoming. He suggested we begin with their smoked whitefish, which is phenomenal.
The Smoked Whitefish achieves just the right balance between salty and briny to lift your spirits this winter. It's calling out summer to your palate, and it spreads like a dream and tastes even better. Also, it boasts stellar consistency. Smoked whitefish, aioli, and Meyer Lemon Zest triumph with the grilled country bread. Oh we wish we were eating this right now.
Next in the batting order, Southern-Style Northern Greens arrive in a rustic cast iron pan, adding to that countryside appeal that is Monument Lane's signature. Collard greens slow cooked with ham hocks and vinegar and finished with honey will absolutely wow you.
We decided to go for this instead of a chilly green salad because it was a cold night, and we can't remember ever liking greens as much as these. Their hearty nutrition further ignited our appetite for the best part of the dinner, the entrees.
The entree that Josh suggested will knock your socks off. Our first thought at the entree called "Smoked and Grilled Carrots" was that all of the human rabbit owners reading us will want to take home an order for their bunnies. You know there is a column called "Peachy Rabbits" because you know who's favorite animal is a rabbit.
However, our first thought once we tasted this winner was we wish all vegetables were this delicious. Smoked and Grilled large carrots rest on a bed of buckwheat, braised greens, chimichurri and lemon and you will not believe how rich and fragrant this is until you try it yourself. We are getting to know that you can count on seasonal perfection at Monument Lane. The amazing aroma of the carrots announces the subsequent knockout flavor. Eating your vegetables was never so enticing.
Miss Piggy, we hope you'll forgive us but the flavor of the Grilled Porkshire Pork Loin is indeed monumental, no pun intended. It arrived ideally medium and struck us with a symphony of flavor: house sauerkraut, barley, apple brown butter that is SIMPLY OUTSTANDING and mustard jus further enhance this animal that once oinked.
You already knew Monument Lane was Terrific.
This is your Winter reminder!
Bravo Josh and team and we look forward to seeing what you do next.
P.S. Their wine list is amazing
