March goes Nish!

In the latest reflection of the egomania of the "chef as celebrity" world we live in, 'March' has been reopened as 'Nish' in tribute to Chef Wayne Nish. It is still in the lovely townhouse on 58th Street and still features Asian-inspired New American specialties. The menu has been revamped somewhat and now features a la carte selections as well as a Prix Fixe menu offering any four courses from the menu (including cheese and dessert) for $59,

We went last night after seeing a notice in Zagats. It was completely empty when we arrived and only two other tables had been seated by the time we left at 9:30 pm.

We were pleasantly surprised by a very creative menu (the complete menu can be seen at Menupages.com) featuring many non-traditional items. We had the Tasting Menu which was supposed to have the portion sizes adjusted. They did not seem to be and were very generous. That may change when they have a crowd.

• We started with a glass of Guy Larmandier champagne which was a winner in Chris's eyes. (Cotes de Blancs" Vertus NV Premier Cru Brut). Apparently available here in NYC.

• Warm salad of baby bock choy and mushrooms with a light sauce of some kind
• Littleneck Clam Ravioli with preserved lop chueng sausage and salted black beans
• Calf's Sweetbreads with raater bastuma and wild mushrooms
• Ballotine of Marraganselt Turkey with sweet fennel sausage and broccoli rabe
• Braised and Grilled Squab and Quail with cumin and apricot pilaf
• A Selection of Handmade Raw Milk Cheeses
• A lemon Raspberry dessert
• A California Zinfandel a delightful surprise

The menu thoughtfully provides a lengthy glossary of all the unusual ingredients.

Overall, we were delighted by our meal. Everything was prepared beautifully prepared and contained many new tastes. We especially liked the Ravioli, the Sweetbreads (the best I've had outside France!) and the Squab. We found ourselves fighting over who's selections were better.

To my mind this represents what I love about the NY restaurant scene - small, initimate, places serving innovative and unusual dishes in lovely surroundings. I avoid the Meatmarket behemoths and the ultra-trendy Asian and Greenmarket places. Maybe I'm just getting old!. I suppose I would have tried them when I was at Pfizer and entertaing a lot.

Nish

405 E. 58th St.
New York, NY 10022

212-754-6272