Three Different Bougie Lunches at Gramercy Tavern
Vibes
This place is vibrant as fuck, with tons of people going in and out. It’s a busy place filled with wealthy middle aged businessman who can afford meals like this on a normal day. The staff were not condescending at all are were really kind even though we weren’t necessarily dressed up. The staff must have extensive training because the level of vigilance in the waiters is something else. I felt like I was in the midst of a choreographed dance, with waiters counting 5,6,7,8 before all grabbing our empty plates at the exact same time lol. It was weird but somewhat inspiring.
There is the outside and inside seating areas, one that serves more casual entrees and one that serves full course meals. We sat inside, and ordered the three course menus available, Vegetarian, Seasonal(5 course), and The Daily Menu(3 course). Each course is estimated to be 6 bites.
Bread
The most legendary free bread by far. Perfectly soft and steaming on the inside with a wonderful crust on the outside. Paired with a creamy goat’s milk butter. They were generous enough to offer us two rounds of bread, which was music to my ears.
Vegetarian Menu ($79)
Hakurei Turnips - Trumpet Mushrooms, Ponzu, Radish
Cauliflower - Almonds, Chile, Feta
Citrus Salad - Parsnips, Quinoa, Pistachios
Ricotta Ravioli - Arugula, Olives, Preserved Lemon
Caramelized Cheesecake - Hazelnuts, Orange, Chocolate Sorbet
This dish had the perfect level of gentle acidity from the Ponzu and the mushrooms had a really nice bite. The radish added a nice crunch.
I love cauliflower. This was really creamy. That’s all I remember.
The oranges tasted amazing, but this dish was not my favorite. It was a little too light and unsatisfying.
Seasonal Menu ($89)
Marinated Fluke - Green Apple, Kohlrabi, Lime
Halibut - Kale, Cannellini Beans, Apricot
Squid Ink Spaccatelle - Lobster, Nduja, Brussel Sprouts
Roasted Duck Breast & Confit - Celery Root, Ramps, Horseradish
Vanilla Yogurt Mousse - Pomegranate, Mint, Toffee Popped Amaranth
This is one of my favorites. It’s basically ceviche. Amazing texture, not fishy, and seasoned really well.
This was not my favorite (I thought it tasted a little fishy), but the others really liked it.
Another favorite. It’s a really savory pasta with a nice chewy texture, and a super savory sauce complete with sweet lobster.
I really enjoyed the duck. It was perfectly tender with a nice crispy skin. I don’t remember the taste of the sauce exactly but I remember it complementing the meat really well.
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD HOLY MOTHER OF FUK. SUPER creamy, like yogurt or even a creamy cheese. WATCH OUT FOR THE SAUCE. The tart, sour raspberry contrasts the mousse PERFECTLY. This is the one dish I will remember forever.
The Daily ($32)
Pan Roasted Black Bass, Fregola, Chinese Broccoli, Mussels
Chicory Salad, Black Olives, Almonds, Orange Sherry Vinaigrette
Pineapple Mint Sorbet, Coconut Granita
The staff was so nice to provide an extra “course” for those who ordered the Daily. They thought it would be awkward for us to wait while the others enjoyed their first course.
Really mild fish with crispy skin. Sauce tasted almost asian, but was full bodied and creamy and savory.
The flavors were really subtle and smooth. It’s for a more mature palette for sure. I ended up switching with a friend who had the Vanilla Mousse.
Palette Cleanser
The palette cleanser was an apple granita with a savory oil on top. It was a genius combination. I’m a fan because I’m an apple cider fanatic.
tbh don’t even remember what the chocolate tasted like, probably because it just tasted like normal chocolate. The gumdrops were nice and tasted just like the apple granita.