Fairway Market Brings Casual Dining to the UWS

When a downtown girl-about-town finds herself far, far above 14^th street, Whole Foods is the familiar and most likely place to shop for fresh produce, organic specialties and to grab a quick bite. But, with my first introduction to Fairway Market and the Fairway Market Café on the Upper West Side, I quickly learned that Whole Foods isn’t the only reliable grocery shop and foodie heaven in town.

Earlier this week I was invited to an exclusive blogger dinner at the Fairway Market Cafe and Steakhouse dubbed “Dining with the Masters,” featuring Cheesemonger Steven Jenkins and Sommelier Joshua Wesson pairing cheese and wine alongside a decadent three-course dinner.

Chef Mitchel London, Mayor Ed Koch’s official chef at Gracie Mansion for 7 years, helms the kitchen of the café space, bringing his unique culinary style to a classic menu. Open 7 days a week, the café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and they even offer $1 off beer and glasses of wine from 3-6pm for happy hour.

Tucked away a flight above the market, the café is a bit noisy, so this isn’t the spot to have an intimate date night. But, this is the perfect space to enjoy dinner before or after shopping downstairs or for a quick breakfast before heading into the office.

(Lollipop Lamb Chops with Eggplant Gratin)

The wine and cheese pairing was interesting – who know there were so many types of goat cheese? But the true star of the event was the food that Chef Mitchel London served alongside each pairing. The Lollipop Lamb Chops were tender, accompanied by Eggplant Gratin, with a cheesy melt, making this eggplant far from a healthy vegetable side. 

(Peach Apricot Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream)

For dessert, we indulged in a flaky, buttery tart, filled with sweet fruit and topped with ice cream. Such a great ending to the meal!

If you find yourself venturing away from Central Park, in need of picnic supplies or a casual spot to dine with a guarantee of more than casual food, stop into the Fairway Market Café! 

Fairway Market. 2127 Broadway (at 74th St).