We visit the Lower East Side - The Orchard restaurant

Growing up, we would visit the Lower East Side once or twice a year to buy linens and luggage at small discount shops. We would see the remaining vestiges of the many Jewish immigrants shops; (e.g. Katz's, Russ and Daughters, Jona Schimmel and Gus, the Pickle Man). Even then, the neighborhood was changing, mostly becoming Hispanic. It is now, along with the East Village, the new vanguard of small, interesting restaurants opening in the City. It's clearly an area in transition, with many interesting restaurants and shops popping up among the clubs and slums.

One of the larger of these restaurants is "The Orchard" on Orchard Street. The room is very 'clean' in design with lots of wood, chrome and mirrors. The false ceiling panels and huge florals and branches give it a warm and inviting feeling. The menu leans towards Italian (especially pastas) but with a strong New American influence.

We shared both our starters -

• Flat bread with Robiola Cheese, Spinach, Cranberries and bacon--it was wonderful. We don't usually go for flat bread or pizza, except at a bar but these sounded so interesting. We'll try another one when we return (maybe the braised short ribs and cherry tomatoes with horseradish cream!)
  
• Tuna Tartare - Crispy tostones (plantains), guacamole and creme fraiche . Chris is the one who usually likes plantains and guacamole. but this was exceptional. We scraped every crumb off the plates. It's really nice to be surprised with something new.
  
• Butternut Squash Ravioli with Hen of the Woods Mushrooms. The ravioli was a little limp, but the mushrooms were outstanding.
  
• Halibut which Chris thought the was a little overcooked but loved the accompanying greens..
  
• We departed from our tradition and shared a dessert, Tartufo, that was just OK. We've renewed our no-dessert pledge.
  
• We both had wines by the glass from a reasonable list.
  

Overall, we really enjoyed our meal and will return. Perhaps a drink and flat bread at the bar. The only quibble was that it was a bit expensive for a place in that area.

The Orchard

162 Orchard St.
(bet. Rivington & Stanton Sts.)
Manhattan, NY 10002
212-353-3570