Peachy Picks Harlow Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
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Upon entering Harlow, it is immediately apparent to the guest how beautiful the setting is. As you know we are proponents of chandeliers (see Chandelier Peachy) and Harlow does not miss a trick when it comes to decor. We were graciously greeted by the hostess who promptly took our coat and boots. (It is such fun to puddle jump in the recent wet weather with Aigle!) Harlow is a new spot on East 56th Street between Park and Lexington.
Right down to the bathrooms, which we rarely comment on, a gorgeous atmosphere won us over. Clearly, the bathrooms are PEACHY.
Upon entering the dining room, you feel like you are at a destination venue. It is a modern classic and the menu reflects that as well.
We particularly liked the palladian window by the bar.
We were happy to see they use Fever Tree-we like that brand and up with Brands from Britain!
When we were happily seated in a quiet corner, fresh bread and butter was promptly brought out and it was delicious.
It is spring-the tulips have been out on Park Avenue, the birds are chirping, and Peachy Deegan is drinking something pink.
We are glad to see they are serving premium AMERICAN alcohol brands overall on the beverage menu, and Tyler Drinkwater, Beverage Director, had a cordial chat with us and we are convinced of his depth of knowledge in the bar arena. Owner Richie Notar was a delight to speak with on the phone prior to us dining at Harlow, however, he was not present at the review. None of the chefs spoke to us during the review.
The Bedell Sparling Rose from Long Island was a welcome beginning to a lovely night at Harlow.
The menu at Harlow is quite straightforward, and Peachy had heard good things about the seafood there. The Frito Misto was a sound start.
As an appetizer, it was a bit heavy so order this if you are hungry but everything included was good, and the dip which we believe was aioli was a nice touch. King crab leg, calamari, scallop and seasonal vegetables were lightly breaded and were the party on the plate. If you go to Harlow for a drink at the bar, this would be just the thing to munch on.
The Langosta called our name and it arrived, beautifully presented. The lobster was thoughtfully sliced and easy to pull out of the shell. If you are wearing a designer dress and the thought of spilling your dinner all over you is a horrifying one, fear not at Harlow (even if John-Claude is a great pal). You will not get the lobster all over you. It was cooked properly and the grape tomatoes were fresh. The emphasis on style and beauty carries over to the culinary pursuits of Harlow.
We love a nice Vermentino in warm weather and this one from Italy did not disappoint. It was a top companion to our lobster friend.
The seasonal mushrooms were divine and had great flavor as they were oven-roasted with truffle vinaigrette. Do not miss the 4 star vegetables available as sides-it is essential to get your vegetables into your diet.
You know we told you scotch is not just for winter, and we love our pals at Macallan so Peachy had a lovely glass of the 18 year with the incredible berries parfait-mixed berries, vanilla creme and meringue cookies. She'd order that dessert again!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
It is always exciting to find a great new spot to have a nice dinner. Harlow is one of those restaurants! From the moment you walk through the door you will be intrigued and enticed by a decor that could be described as classic European meets New York chic. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling and small mirrors stud the walls. In these surroundings, it's hard not to feel VIP. Great attention has been paid to every detail, and not only to the interior of dining room. Harlow has a dedicated beverage director who oversees the bar and the parlor, and who has come up with an extensive list of signature cocktails. I sampled two of these unique cocktails,
The Martinez (Bombay Dry, Noilly rouge, Maraschino, Angostura) and the Rock of Jebroni (Ransom Old Tom Gin, Vya Sweet Vermouth, Imbue Petal & Thorn). I would say my favorite was the Rock of Jebroni.
The gin used for this drink was aged in whiskey barrels giving it a distinctive dark amber color and an earthy, oak flavor.
I started off my dinner with a special appetizer - Duck Spring Rolls with sour cherry salsa, couscous and tabouli. I love spring rolls for their crispy exterior and the duck inside was delicious. The cherry salsa was the perfect complement, and not a bit of couscous or tabouli was left on my plate.
For my main course, I had the Salmon. It was Scottish salmon with chipotle corn, asian pear cilantro salad, drizzled with miso reduction (served on the side). The fish was flaky and tender, and the cilantro salad with miso reduction was the perfect topping.
The corn was roasted to perfection, and it was not long before it was all gone. As I side dish, I ordered the Baby Beets.
These oven roasted beets were served with mint and tofu crema. The mint gave the beets just the right accent, and the tofu crema was a pleasant surprise. Finally, for dessert I had the decadent Bananas Zapin. These were caramelized bananas with semi-sweet chocolate, caramelized chocolate covered peanuts, and a scoop of peanut butter gelato.
The presentation of this dish was beautiful, and the peanut butter gelato made my taste buds rejoice! It was certainly a great way to end my meal. That along with a glass of Duck Walk Vidal Blanc 2010, and I was in heaven! This sweet and refreshing wine put me in a perfect mood for the rest of the evening. It really was a pleasure to be one of the first to try Harlow!
Peachy Picks Harlow!
Harlow is Recommended by Whom You Know.
