The Harrison

We have been eating out less, recently, in an attempt to eat more nutritiously (read dietetic!). We each got our own copies of the "You: on a Diet" book by Drs. Roizen and Oz (so we could mark the key passages!). We learned a lot about nutrition and some of the bad things we did. The bottom line is bread, cheese, large portions and more than one drink are out. So are a lot of other things - like snacks and sweets. But the first ones were more important to us. The third (and second!) lamb chop is a lot more important to me than a dessert. Our hope was, not to go on a crash diet, but to change how we ate to head us in the right direction. If you follow their recommendations you are never hungry (which is important) but quickly get bored (which is also important to us).

As a result, we eat home a lot more frequently. The good news is Chris has become quite adept at making really delicious fish and chicken and salads and lunches. I really look forward to lunch at home now.

Last night we ate at The Harrison in TriBeCa. It's the larger brethren of the better known The Red Cat in Chelsea. The Harrison looks a lot like a big bar surrounded by a small restaurant. It's noisy and jumping. The night we went was perfect for eating outside on the large terrace that surrounds the corner location. The food was good and the people watching even better and the service quite literally EXCELLENT! We discovered that all those young girls who wore bare midriff styles (that they overflowed) in the winter are now wearing mini (and micro mini) skirts that they equally overflow. It made us (me!) really appreciate those who looked good (make that great!).

The menu is short (only 8 items plus one special) with an interesting selection of new American creations. I started with a Sweet Pea Pancake with Small Shrimp that was delicious. Chris had the special sheep's milk Ricotta Cheese with Olive Oil and Toasted Italian Bread that sounded ordinary but was exceptional.

I followed with steamed Halibut served on Grits. The fish was perfectly prepared but the Grits were Grits. Not really worth talking about especially since I ordered a Sweet Pea Risotto served with Parmesan cheese and Truffle Oil. That was absolutely wonderful! Perfectly prepared with chewy rice and fresh peas that just burst open in your mouth. The truffle oil was just a hint and didn't overwhelm. it was the kind of pleasant surprise that makes eating out such a delight. Chris had the special Black Sea Bass served in a melange of root vegetables. The accompanying bottle of Viognier (Babylons Toren, Backsberg 2004) was reminiscent of Pouilly Fuisse and just perfect on this summer night.

I finished with a Cheese Plate. To me, cheese is one of the wonders of the world. A million different tastes ranging from the subtle to the overwhelming. Soft and runny to rock hard. A cornucopia of delights. The lack of interesting cheese has been one of the hardest parts of our diet. Having said that, their cheese plate was for Wussies. The waiter called it safe - I say wussie! I had a Maytag blue cheese, a decent cheddar and some undistinguished goat cheese. Not bad, but boring. Especially when I've been deprived for weeks!

Overall, a nice restaurant (especially outside) with an interesting menu and "reasonable" (for New York) prices.

The Harrison

355 Greenwich St (at Harrison St)

212-274-9310