Peachy Picks Orient Express Encore Review Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Orient Express Founder and Owner Osman Cakir
Osman and his cousin Sam
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If you like cocktails and fine dining, there are few cocktail venues that are of the caliber that Orient Express is, and we first featured them in May 2013:
Of the hundreds of Manhattan restaurants we have considered, few have earned an encore review...the minute you enter the Orient Express you feel like you have left the city and are on vacation.
Literally.
Osman is committed to authenticity; he is from Istanbul and as you know, the real Orient Express, which we were born too late to travel on, had his city as its last stop. Equally important to our cocktail connoisseurs, Osman is just as committed to making terrific cocktails. AND, fine food.
We began with the Mata Hari, above: Bulleit Bourbon, Mineral Mezcal, Lemon Juice, Agave and Fresh Ginger Beer. The fresh ginger flavor is amazing as it is freshly made, and even though it has bourbon it is light and refreshing. A touch of smokiness is a nice accent.
We also tried Death on the Orient Express. Note THIS ONE is PEACHY. Composed of Four Roses Bourbon, Peach Liqueur, Champagne, Absinthe Rinse and Peach Bitters, this cocktail is the ultimate in sophistication. And though there is Death involved in the name, we surmise you will live to tell about your experience!
When you drink, you must eat. Finding great cuisine at a cocktail bar is not easy, but we found it here again. Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Hummus, Lebni, Lentil Balls and Smoked Eggplant are the perfect finger food to start off with. They are delicious and fresh, just like the cocktails and their contrasting textures make the plate interesting.
We also tried the Red Pepper Rollatini Salad, attractively arranged. Roasted red pepper stuffed with goat cheese, dill and parsley added a bit of nutrition into a fun night, which is a great balance. As you can see, our "angel of nutrition", named Bloomberg, was with us.
The Tuna Tartar is absolutely superb, and not too cold like it can be at other venues. Succulent Yellow Fin Tuna graces your palate served over cucumber and avocado with Arugula! This is to die for and you want to try it if you like fish. Peachy does.
The champagne cocktails are a strong part (in more ways than one!) of Orient Express's menu. Strong in drink strength and also strong as a highlight. Here we present the Classic: Bitters soaked sugar cube with Champagne.
It's an inviting hue and the bitters add depth. Sip and savor the champagne!
Champagne on its own is just as fabulous.
Another inviting menu item is the Merguez Flatbread: Merguez, Gruyere, Tomatoes, Green Olives and Arugula team up for a winning bite.
Other than the tuna, we are super impressed with the Chicken Panini, which is probably the most American aspect of the menu (we're sure you are all shocked Peachy liked this American bit a lot.) Though simple and straightforward, it absolutely hits the spot during cocktail hourS. You will be here for much longer than one hour after your first sip, you'll be hooked. The Chicken Panini is pressed with Coriander, Fresh Mozzarella and Braised Onions.
The night was complete with chocolate, beautifully presented, and the Agatha V, which you must try. Nolet's Silver Gin, Lemon, and House Made Strawberry Soda is refreshingly delicious. An ideal balance is reached between tart and sweet, and it's so fresh.
If trains were like this bar today, train travel would be happily preferred over air...
Peachy continues to pick Orient Express!
