Beauty and Essex, Lower East Side
(Exterior photo via The New York Times)
Of course I was skeptical of uber trendy Beauty and Essex before my dinner there last week. Hidden behind a pawn shop facade, it’s the new, younger sister to neighboring Stanton Social, which I love. So I attempted to go in with an open mind and empty belly—and left completely impressed. Yes, it’s a total scene, and our reservation was delayed, but the space is stunning, there’s free champagne in the ladies room, and the food was spot on—shockingly good, to be honest. Find out what you can’t miss and what you should skip after the jump. Hint: the two pics below won my “Best in Show.”
Do NOT miss:
- Whipped ricotta crostini with grilled pears, honey, basil, and chile
- Beer-battered lobster tacos with red cabbage slaw and jalapeno crema
Good:
- Salt and pepper shrimp with miso-sambal mayo
- Chestnut and ricotta ravioli in a butternut squash glace, with pecorino and crispy serrano
- Oven braised chicken meatballs with sheep’s milk ricotta, wild mushrooms, and truffles
- Molten chocolate bread pudding with hazelnut ice cream
Could live without:
- Crispy hominy with charred corn, lime, cilantro, and chile pepper
Do NOT get:
- Ruby Mojito (instead try the vodka gimlet or the yummy sauvignon blanc)
All this, finished off with a delightfully delicious birthday macaroon. A great ending to a fantastic New York night out.
