Ahhh, the city that never sleeps…we ate our way through the Big Apple and thoroughly enjoyed it. JT booked us into all new restaurant experiences (not that we don’t like tried and true, but we’ve been there and done that, so we wanted something new!).
Saturday night we went to Raoul’s just a short cab ride from our hotel (could have been a short walk had I not worn my 2 block shoes)!
It’s a very quaint restaurant with seating in the front and in the back behind the kitchen, in fact, we had to walk through the kitchen to get to our table. We sat facing the back in a lovely little circular booth, so romantic. The front of the restaurant was much more lively than the back, which I suspect was reserved for the more romantic guests! The back was also not nearly as crowded as only every second or third table was filled. I know a lot of people prefer a lively place, but I actually like to have a conversation with my date and not have to yell at the top of my lungs!
It was very dark so I was unable to take any photos of the food, but let me tell you about it, it was very good. I know I’m on a raw kick, but I can’t help it, I do enjoy it very much. I started with Bigeye Tuna Tartare with Grilled Squid Salad, Mango and Avocado ($16) it was delicious. The tuna was delicately seasoned and the grilled squid was perfectly cooked, not chewy or rubbery at all. And you all know how I love the sweet and salty contrasts so the Mango and avocado went so perfectly with this dish. I’d go back for it! JT had Farm Beet Salad with Watercress, Shaved Fennel, Chevrettine and Aleppo Dressing ($13) he said it was tasty but the beets were too few to make any kind of impression.
For my main course, well I just couldn’t help myself and had to have the Steak Tartare with Quail Egg and Cornichon Salad ($16 appetizer portion). It was very tasty, not the best I’ve ever had but very good. The tartare was roughly chopped in larger pieces, which I normally don’t love, but I must say it was a fantastic cut of beef so it lent itself to the chop well. The Cornichon (pickle) salad was a nice contrast of textures to the steak, and it worked well softening the richness of the meat with the acidity. JT had Grilled Colorado Rack of Lamb with Roasted Asparagus and Ramps ($49), the lamb was done well but could have used a few more asparagus.
Our waiter was attentive but not in your face, which is always very nice. He has worked in this particular restaurant for several years, and that is a good sign that it’s a good place to work.
Overall rating of Raoul’s (in my opinion): Decor 4/5, service 4:5, food 4/5, Value 4/5, Noise: 4/5 (1 being very noisy, and 5 being very quiet). We paid for our meal in full.
Sounds like a wonderful meal and a wonderful experience. Love that antique looking postcard!
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Glad you had a grand time in the city that never sleeps.
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Sounds like a fantastic meal Eva! All of the food sounds delicious… wish you were able to take photos!
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Another great review and another address to keep. Your meal sounds excellent. I also prefer restaurants where I am able to talk…
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Now this is a restaurant I would enjoy. As we’ve commiserated before, a high noise level will ruin a dinner, pretty much regardless of what’s served. This place, though, sounds perfect and I’m glad you guys found it. All in all, it sounds like you had an enjoyable vist in NYC. 🙂
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Thanks John, we really had a great time.
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Once again, I’m eating what JT eats! When I was a child I ate raw ground round (my Dad thought it was cute). Now I don’t eat raw meat or fish — that just leaves more for those of you who like it.
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I do appreciate that Sharyn, thank you.
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What a great place. When we walk to restaurants I walk up in my thongs and just before I enter the restaurant I throw them into my handbag and put on my heels – it works for me! We once went to a restaurant with great friends we hadn’t seen for ages and really wanted to catch up. The food was great but the restaurant was so noisy we couldn’t hear each other at all. I don’t understand why people want to go to restaurants where you’re not going to be able to talk. That night I had to shout so much I went home with a hoarse voice. Never went there again! xx
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That’s a great idea Charlie! I have recently switched to carrying a larger purse so I could do that too! When we were in NYC I always had a pair of ballerina flats in my bag!
That’s too bad about that restaurant; I really hate it when that happens.
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Sounds like another fun restaurant outing. 🙂
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Thanks Maria, it was quite yummy!
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I would love to dine there too.
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Thank you kindly Angie.
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Sounds like a great meal Eva.
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Thanks Barb. Your comments were caught up in my spam filter, not sure why.
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Sounds like a great meal Eva!
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Quaint restaurants are often the cutest and tastiest places to eat 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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That’s true CCU, this one is a winner for sure.
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You’re having a well deserved great time in NYC Eva! 😀
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Thanks Lorraine, I wish I stopped forgetting to take photos of the food.
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