Terrific Takeout: Monte-Carlo NYC Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
The superlative Lobster Vol-Au-Vent of Monte-Carlo NYC
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If you haven't lived in Manhattan, you are not aware of the level of workaholism that happens here. If you want evidence, you can check out our 18,000 plus posts in 6.5 years. Tourists really don't understand (even though we love you!) especially when walking hand in hand 4 across on narrow sidewalks....When people work so hard, they want to play hard as well and time is money and there's not always time to take a trip to the real Monte Carlo principality, quite near France bien sur mes amies.
So, instead, we've a brilliant idea for you: march yourself to 181 East 78th Street to the best restaurant we've ever seen in this location. Monte-Carlo NYC opened January 21, 2015. Every thing is made fresh every day. Even the water's from France.
The brilliant brainchild of owner and executive chef Alexandra Pollet, Monte-Carlo NYC is the latest and greatest new restaurant we've found in all of Manhattan. Alexandra is smart and she means business: armed with a B.S. in Hospitality from Wales in the UK after studying hospitality in Switzerland and an illustrious career at The Waldorf=Astoria in her past, Alexandra is a total stickler for detail and we love it. We have found a new friend we believe!
The name of the restaurant comes from the principality of course and Alexandra used to go to the races herself.
We began our experience with The Monte-Carlo of the salad section of the menu. Its classic house mesclun, frisee, radishes, and fresh herbs were fresh and exactly as you'd want them to be. The marinated shallots (marinated in red wine vinegar) were standout and picky Peachy who always, always wants dressing on the side even liked the salad dressing. Its simplicity was stunning: dijon mustard from France, vegetable oil, olive oil and a dash of white wine, and salt and pepper. They make it.
As an appetizer, Peachy Deegan chose the Crab Cake. They arrive in style as a twin pair. The crab is absolutely fresh and they were well spiced with salt and pepper-again, fantastic simplicity. Red and yellow bell peppers and scallions (green onions for everyone in the UK) join bread crumbs, olive oil and mayo and the crab to form a lovely consistency of petite crabcake.
Alexandra, the consummate professional, shook our hand the second we walked in the door and sat and had a lovely glass of this wine with us as she regaled Peachy with her story of Monte-Carlo NYC.
Without a doubt, the most triumphant component of the review was the entree.
Lobster Vol-au-Vent will impress you immensely with its delicious butter poached Maine lobster, the luxurious texture of the pike quenelle, delightful wild mushrooms, fresh and amazingly delicate puff pastry and decadent lobster jus. All fish comes from a supplier in France "La Reserve."
You must try the Apple Tarte before you leave! It is even better than the one Alexandra's Dad makes, and we understand he's the master...we're going to continue to look for excellence from this new spot!
Monte-Carlo NYC is Terrific Takeout!
P.S. When we were there for the very first time, Alexandra had the pleasure of having an inspector there as well. That has never happened before-a visit from an inspector during an initial review. We agree with the letter earned:
