Chez Sardine

I love this place. Then again, I went into it kinda knowing I was going to love it. Little Wisco and the Gabe Stulman crew can do no wrong in my eyes.

Chez Sardine is an intimate and fun Japanese fusion and sushi spot on West 10th street in the West Village. Rocking music (think Biggie Smalls), friendly service, and awesome food. Who wouldn't love a place with a mezuzah on the wall and a photo of Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid) above the bar! Even though they made us wait a while on a cold Thursday night for a 9pm reservation, they were so apologetic and nice about it, it was hard to stay mad (the free round of salt cod fritters also didn't hurt).

We started with the Edamame with lime sea salt and another round of deliciously fried Cod Fritters. Then came the sushi pieces. I didn't think I was a big Mackeral fan (left), but it was smooth and silky and went down in one delicious bite. The Smoked Arctic Char (middle) was also great. Smoky and meaty tasting, get this. There was only one piece left of Hamachi (right) when we were there, and the 4 of us had to fight for it. So good. Each order only comes with one piece so be sure to order enough sushi, they are addicting.

 Next came the Iceberg Wedge with creamy sesame dressing. Good, but not the reason you came here. The Sushi Rice Balls get mixed reviews, but I like it a lot. It was a mix of tuna, salmon, and mackerel sashimi, with deep fried rice balls with avocado, spicy mayo and tobiko. YUM. I also enjoyed the Breakfast Pancakes, with fish tartare, salmon roe and yogurt. May sound like a strange combo but it works. Smoked Cheddar Grilled Cheese (minus the Foie) was good but a little greasy, and would probably have been a whole lot better with the foie gras. Brussel Sprouts were sweet and tangy and went well with all the fish.

The highlight of the meal though, is their famous Miso Maple Salmon Head. Wow. It sounds gross, and  looks kinda daunting but it is the BOMB. We destroyed it. All that was left was the sad looking eye ball. Little tough to find the meat, but definitely worth the effort. Just look at the before and after shot. 

They finish off the meal by giving everyone a taste of Maple Pudding. 
Great ending to a great meal.

Chez Sardine is a lot of fun, definitely a Brooklyn Bite approved spot. Go with 4 people so you can get a reservation online on their website. Cool, trendy, friendly staff, and delicious (but pricey) food. If you like fish and enjoy being a little adventurous, this place is definitely for you. 

Neighborhood: West Village

Bite Mark: *** and a half

Good For: Date Spot, Drinks, Fresh Fish

Chez Sardine, 183 West 10th between W 4th & 7th Ave South 646-360-3705 www.chezsardine.com

Perla

Gabriel Stulman is definitely doing something right. I don't know how he does it, but he has the magic touch. Every couple of months he manages to open up a new spot, and they all f**king rock!

His whole Little Wisco operation is right on the money. Joseph Leonard, Jeffrey's Grocery, Fedora, Perla, and now Chez Sardine. I have never had a bad meal at any of them. What do they all have in common? They are all located around the West Village area, are all small intimate spaces that play awesome music, and the food at each one is top notch. No matter the cuisine, it is innovative comfort food, in the best possible way. I didn't even menton yet how the service is always friendly and knowledgeable. They make you feel the Little Wisco love.

The first time I went to Perla last June was when they first opened, and I fell in love. The other night we returned, and the love affair continues. Helmed by chef Michael Toscano (Manzo), Perla is an excellent casual Italian restaurant, that stands out amongst the dozens of its kind. Located on the quiet Minetta Lane in Greenwich Village, Perla is stylish and trendy, but not pretentious. The place has a downtown hipster vibe (our server was wearing a fedora), but not in an obnoxious way that makes you feel out of place.

We were a party of 6 at 9PM on a busy Saturday night, and after just a few minutes we got seated at the comfy leather booth all the way in the front. Although we had to flag down someone to take our order after the drinks were in, they were really gracious about it and the service was spot on the rest of the night.

The food. We received an amuse of Crostini with ricotta, honey, and sea salt. Sweet and delicious. Next we shared some apps including Red Beets with macho, hazelnuts, and robiola cheese, Arugula with roasted cauliflower and anchovies, and a bunch of sides. The spicy Brocolli Rabe was good and not too bitter, the Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts was licked clean, and the Soft Polenta with asiago & ricotta was insane. Creamy and cheesy and delicious, order it. The Mixed Mushrooms were also a hit. When I took a breather from inhaling this delicious food, I realized there was not a bite left to be had on the whole table. 

For the main we got the Whole Roasted Branzino with escarole, orange mint, and fried basil for the table and we each got our own pastas. WOW. I remembered that the pastas were great but this BRANZINO was the bomb. I wanna say it's the best whole fish I've ever had. It was lemony and salty and crispy. Do yourself a favor and get one.

The Gnocchi with spicy tomato sauce and ricotta was delicious if not mind blowing. Creamy and a good solid sauce. The Tajarin (angel-hair like pasta) with black truffles, sage, and parmesan was also delicious.
Everyone is smiling.

Dessert was an Apple Sauce Torta with mascarpone, quince and honey which I felt was a little weak, but the Praline Semifreddo with salted rum caramel & croccante more than made up for it. GET THIS.

Overall another great experience at Perla. This is what dining out should be. It was not cheap, but we were not complaining. Excellent food, chilled ambience, friendly service, and good tunes. Who could ask for anything more?

 Can't wait to try Chez Sardine next week. Will keep you posted ;-)


Neighborhood: Greenwich Village 

Bite Mark: ****

Good For: Date Night, Girl's Night, Family Outing, Foodies

Perla; 24 Minetta Lane, 212-933-1824, www.perlanyc.com