Peachy Picks Respite Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
Executive Chef Nahid Ahmed
The Best Dentist in Manhattan
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30 E. 40th Suite 1001
212 683 1960
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When you are in east midtown and in the mood for some relaxation and fine food, in a nightclub-like atmosphere, look no further than Respite! Open since September 2010, Respite proudly boasts a stellar Executive Chef, Nahid Ahmed, who has nearly 20 years experience in cooking and has been influenced around the globe. Born in London, Nahid also lived in South Africa and India and at Respite, has created a lovely New American menu with strong French and Asian influences. It is quite an eclectic mix and if you are into creative food, this is a place for you! The wine list is strong and Peachy Deegan treid the Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley by the glass to begin with: Yardstick Ruth's Reach 2007 which was a full-bodied red, but soon after, Nahid graciously greeted us with sparkling wine (pictured above) and oysters! Respite is hidden away but it is so worth discovering! Advance past the bar, for sure.
Respite was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
And we are pleased to say it has graduated to Peachy's Picks!
At Respite, you will find these oysters are the most interesting you've ever seen.
At left, we first met the Ginger and Pickle oyster, which was actually quite sweet. Orange and nutmeg meringue grace this lovely little number, and this is not a regular menu item yet.
In the middle, which was Peachy's favorite of the three, we experienced the chilled oyster with hot spices, and mango sorbet, which worked so well with this delicacy!
Finally on the right, we rendezvoused with the chilled smoked oyster, which was smoked for two hours in lemon and brown butter. Peachy detected notes of coffee here, and we believe this should be added to the menu.
Each was presented with artistic flair from the side as well:
Then, time for the starter. The menu is succinct yet imaginative. Peachy thought the most convincing choice for this course was the Veal Cheek Tortellini:
Morels, fresh English peas, Dungeness crab and bone marrow, CO2 queso fresco compose this terrific number. They thoughtfully flag dishes that have nut or shellfish allergens, but you know having a flag identifying shellfish is a way to attract positive attention for Peachy! Colorful, creative, and delicious, the Veal Cheek tortellini we believe will delight you as well.
Paulina was a gracious server with an upbeat attitude and when we arrived, Sam the bartender greeted us with a smile at the bar. If all of the people at the bar knew what they were missing by not taking advantage of the culinary expertise of Nahid! If you go to Respite, do not only drink, though the wine is fantastic. Above is what Respite chose for us to match our entree.
Nahid had it all right coming out to greet us and educate us on each dish.
When she heard the word lobster in the special, she had to have it and you know the she in the sentence is Peachy! Lobster tempura, risotto, coconut and nantucket bay scallops were a total summer party waiting to happen in your mouth! The flavor and textures were notable: the lobster was crispy and we don't know that crispy is ever a word we've used to describe lobster. The scallops were battered in cream of wheat! A lovely tawny port was the proper conclusion to the evening and the bite of molten chocolate cake was the strongest dessert component in Peachy's humble opinion.
Our esteemed panelist adds:
Respite, something different, something new, upscale cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Tucked off 50th street, you may mistake Respite for your average midtown bar, but make no mistake about it, it's a gem. Chef Nahid Ahmed executes with flair and passion, his new American, French, Asian-influenced food is sure to delight.
Greeted warmly at Respite's bar by resident "booze chemist" Sam, we were promptly seated and then greeted by our lovely waitress, Paulina. Soon the Chef himself, Nahib Ahmed was at the table explaining his training and influences. His impressive resume includes stints in London, Switzerland, and 13 years at Cafe Grey. Growing up in South Africa and India, spices and unique flavor heavily influence the Chef's style today.
Pre-dinner cocktails sampled include the tasty Brazilian 57, Veev Acai liqueur with fresh lemon juice, muddled berries and sparking wine. Ready for the first course Chef Ahmed treated the table to glasses of delicious Willm NV sparkling wine accompanied by his famous Chilled Oysters. A trio of beautifully presented fresh oysters all uniquely dressed to tickle your taste buds. From the sriracha mignonette with mango sorbet to the smoked oyster with dandelion and candied chili, you won't be disappointed. A vacation for your mouth!
Also enjoyed was the beautifully presented Tuna Tartare Canolli, with jicama, passion fruit mango ginger coulus, soy gelee and mustard oil ice. A very different, flavorful and fresh take on a classic.
Next it was on to the main event, Pan Seared Barramundi accompanied by a delightful glass of Vina Gormaz 2009 Ruela. We should mention that Respite's wine list is killer and offers many unique quality wines that are not found everywhere. The Barramundi was amazing, served with pickled vermicelli, green mango papaya, Dungeness crab, and lemongrass coconut curry. We can confidently tell you, this a dish you will not find anywhere else. The Barramundi, a flavorful white fish was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside but soft, flaky and juicy on the inside. Expertly seasoned and paired with light and sweet vermicelli, an Indian, French, Asian flavor explosion that will keep you wanting more, we were presently surprised with quality and flavor sophistication found in this entree.
We were satisfied but our palettes were taken on one more savory taste excursion with a sampling of Chef Ahmed's signature desserts. From black truffle gelato to banana panna cotta, sweet, creamy happiness. The best selection from the sampling was the delectable warm white chocolate soufflé, a pound cake like taste with a whipped texture, which had us begging for more. Sipping a great French roast coffee, we could not ask for more.
Next time you are looking for a culinary journey, expect the unexpected at Respite. It is a hidden gem, that should not be missed. Adventure out and take a trip around the world with Chef Nahid Ahmed's wonderful cuisine.
Peachy Picks Respite!
Respite is Recommended by Whom You Know.
