The del Balso's get trendy - BLT Market

TO MARKET, TO MARKET, TO.......

Eat--of course! Food is always of such interest to both

Paul and I so you will not find it surprising that we follow the news of new"RESTAUS" (French slang) with interest. We seldom go after the better reviews because getting a table is next to impossible once it receives favorable mention in New York Magazine or the Times. Last week, however, I took a chance and called immediately after reading about the new "BLT Market" in the "Dining In" section of the Times. What a coup to snag a table before the news got around. We even got a 10% discount during the "soft opening" period. Our experience was outstanding! We went with our friends, Joe and Sheila who like an eating adventure as much as we do.

BLT Market is the latest entry in the BLT (Bistro Laurent Tourondel) empire (this is the 6th in NY). At this new facility, the focus is on seasonally prepared foods at peak freshness from local markets. They're located in an attractive and welcoming space in the Ritz Carlton on Central Park South with HUGE colourful paintings of fruits and vegetables on the surrounding walls. Like Bistro's in France, there's a weekly menu posted on a chalk board as you come in the door complete with cocktail suggestions. On this day, the specialty cocktail, an Apricot-Mint Caipiroska was a winner, it was less sweet than it's cousin, the "Caiparinia", and tasted like summer.

Our dinner began with the usual treat from the kitchen which was good (if only I could remember what it was!) Now for the hard part; making a selection from a list of items that all sounded so good, they made us want to come back again and again until we'd tried them all. After much discussion, our appetizer selections included 3 cheese stuffed zucchini blossoms (these came out looking like beautifully sculpted pears), black mission figs wrapped with prosciutto and topped with goat cheese, soft shell crab over corn/date relish, pickled ramps and other tasty morsels, and grilled baby octopus with fresh greens.

For the main course, two of us ordered the loin of lamb served with artichoke/gnocchi, and a minted Fava Bean Puree. This got rave reviews from those who said they seldom ordered lamb because it tends to be overdone. A roasted plum duck confit was served on some type of root veggie we think might have been potato or perhaps Jerusalem artichoke got a thumbs up as did my langoustine risotto served perfectly creamy with just the right amount of herb seasoning.

Joe, our sommelier of choice, selected a 2001 'Negromaro' from the Puglia region of Italy--drinking two bottles was not all that difficult!

Dessert will make your mouth water if you think about a warm Peach Tart Tartin with frangipane, black currant and frozen almond milk. For the purists, the ice cream was a creamy mix of flavours that included three perfect scoops; enough for everyone to taste.

This is a gem and being within walking distance from home, I can see it becoming a favourite.