We interrupt the scheduled post on Curacao for FoodBuzz's party last night at David Burke Townhouse. The event was in celebration of the millionth post on FoodBuzz, who invited their New York Featured Publishers to attend.
Roomful of people I don't know, time for a drink. I started with this Lychee Martinee that had a heavy sprinkling of thyme leaves.
We won't notice that I actually spent most of the night with the one person I already knew: Chicky*Bits.
Strangely, this is the second time I've eaten at David Burke's gratis. In fact, the only times I've eaten at David Burke's, I have been able to leave the wallet at home. A few years back I went for a client dinner back when the establishment was still called David Burke & Donatella.
A blizzard of passed h'ors d'oeuvres presented a logistical conundrum; there were too many to try with a 45-minute late arrival.
Luckily there was time for a taste of this tuna tartare. Simple and delicious, perfectly balanced flavors, with a hint of pine nuts and a dollop of teriyaki and mango sauce.
Sadly, not all were as successful. This lobster custard had a wonderful richness that was undone by the over salting of the dish.
David Burke certainly tries hard, but the kitchen doesn't seem to be able to exhibit restraint, resulting in ambitious attempts that overwhelm the taste buds. The failure to perfectly calibrate the different flavors and textures lead to a dining experience that until I hear otherwise, will remain what it has been thus far: something I'm happy to partake in when someone else if footing the bill, but not an establishment I'm prepared to book a reservation for myself.
Bay scallops in a light ceviche were pleasant but lacked flavor contrasts and came off as relatively tepid. David Burke is going to close down the restaurant this summer and renovate the place and plans to relaunch with an increased emphasis on salt. As a NaCl fiend myself, I wish them the best of luck.
But the evening's gustatory offerings did not end with the h'ors d'oeuvres. A seafood station laden with kumamoto oysters, clams, lobster, crab, mussels and shrimp stood opposite a meat carving station.
This lady went for the steak.
Delicious.
Sadly I had to jaunt off just as the desserts began to arrive in order to meet up with a friend for a drink at Terroir (good options to try wines with their "taste" option). All in all I had a good time, and wish I could have stayed longer to meet the other food bloggers. One of the wonderful things about the event is that no one cared as blogger after blogger whisked out their cameras to take photos of the food.David Burke Townhouse, 133 East 61st St. (b/n Park and Lex), 212-813-2121
Posts
2 comments:
hey girl! it was great seeing you. funny, i really liked the lobster flan :) didn't try the sliders though, i must have been drinking then :P
let me know when you want to try co. next week!
"...the kitchen doesn't seem to be able to exhibit restraint, resulting in ambitious attempts that overwhelm the taste buds." --> I concur! Just did not have the writing skills to explain :)
Post a Comment