This summer’s opening of Ken and Cook, a project from Jean Georges alumnus Artan Gjoni and Chef Richard
Diamonte, brought Nolita its newest neighborhood destination for the perfect
date night.
Ken and Cook features an exposed
brick and white tiled dining room, dimly lit with leather banquettes for a sexy
ambiance without trying too hard. Count on a high-energy vibe of well-dressed
chatty diners and an all-around great music mix to eliminate any chance of an awkward silence
with Mr. Right Now. Grab a table near the street-facing French doors during the
warmer months for al fresco dining, Nolita-style.
The hospitable and
friendly staff is knowledgeable, veering away from what you might expect at the
newest trendier-than-thou downtown hot spot. Chef Diamonte has created a Contemporary
American menu, along with raw bar offerings, with seasonal clams, oysters, shrimp and lobster.
If tequila only reminds
you of Spring Break in Acapulco, get educated with their featured Margarita on the
rocks. This strong cocktail isn’t overly sweet and has a nice bite to its finish with each sip.
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(image via Food Snob) |
To welcome in the fall,
the Heirloom Tomato Salad sings with an end-of-summer sweetness. Ripe red,
green and yellow tomatoes are lightly dressed with mini croutons, flecks of goat
cheese, red onions and fresh basil.
A standout for this cooler season is a chopped Butternut Squash and Fig salad,
with a pungent soft cheese and glazed figs in balsamic. This dish is full of creamy, sweet flavors, making it more than your typical light or boring salad plate.
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(image via Food Snob) |
Seafood lovers who always opt for
the octopus salad, shouldn’t miss the Squid Salad with yogurt, mint and chili.
The meat is cooked until tender - just
right to avoid any rubbery or tough bites.
The launch menu's seafood courses have been creatively twisted for autumn, such as their Monkfish plate, now offered
with a spiced carrot puree, making this light summer-friendly fare a cozy fall
dish.
Don’t pass up on dessert,
as the Beignets, fried crispy with a soft core and sprinkled with sugar, are a go-to for a shareable dish with
your date or best girlfriends. Served with a raspberry glaze, enjoy these hot,
fluffy donuts with or without the sweet jam for a surprisingly light end to the
meal.
Ken and Cook has also launched a boozy brunch for $30, including unlimited cocktails with your entree of choice. Make a reservation in advance to get tipsy with your crew all weekend long at Ken and Cook for girls' night out, to impress your date or to enjoy a leisurely, intoxicating brunch.
Ken and Cook. 9 Kenmare St.

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