23 Aug 2010, Posted by admin in L'Epicurien, 0 Comments

step back into victorian days at rabbit in the moon

Rabbit in the Moon is the latest gastropub to enter the New York dining scene, which includes uber successful variations like The Spotted Pig and the Waverly Inn. And this young restaurant isn’t straying from the tried and true formula of its predecessors–fail-safe, gourmet, comfort food is the name of the game at this restaurant. The atmosphere is warm with wood paneling, a fireplace and Victorian style oil paintings. Old English prose on the ceiling brings diners back to Chaucer’s days. The restaurant boasts an opulent private dining room, as well as a VIP entrance for those looking to stay out of the limelight. The bi-level arrangement allows for late night partygoers to enjoy a bar scene upstairs while others can dine quietly below. Cocktails are innovative and a draw, especially the Manor Fizz, a concoction of gin, pears, egg whites and lemon.

My meal’s highlight was the ricotta gnocchi topped with a pesto-like sauce of artichokes, parsley and pine nuts. Fluffy and light, they are by far the best I’ve had in New York, and could even contend with those made in Italy. Another thing that wowed me was the chilled, sweet pea and zucchini soup with shrimp confit. A great seafood option is the filling and tasty roasted scallops topped with American, sturgeon caviar–they are seared perfectly.

Of the main courses, the Scottish salmon with sweet corn and ripe tomatoes is fresh and light. Grilled beef tenderloin was popular with the men at my table–not surprising since the dish is a traditional take on meat and potatoes.

Vanilla pot de crème, a variation on crème brulée suits those looking for a creamy, indulgence. Banana profiteroles, a slightly lighter choice is comprised of banana creampuffs topped with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce and chantilly cream. For chocolate lovers, the dark, molten chocolate cake will certainly not disappoint.

Rabbit in the Moon

47 West 8^th Street (near 5^th Avenue)

201-473-2800

RabbitintheMoonNY.com

–Melissa Matarese