The very first new restaurant I dined at during my New York City re-entry was a winner.
I am high on High Street on Hudson.
The day after I arrived, the New York Post declared High Street on Hudson the best new restaurant of the year.
The chef/owner Eli Kulp, is making his mark in New York after succeeding in Philadelphia.
By 2013, he had opened two restaurants, including Philadelphia’s Fork and High Street on Market, voted No. 2 on Bon Appetit’s list of best new restaurants in 2014.
Unfortunately, Kulp was traveling between the two cities last year when his Amtrak train derailed, leaving him paralyzed, but that has not deterred him.
The 60-seat restaurant which debuted in December, is open all day, specializing in breads and pastries.
Mr. Kulp and his business partner, Ellen Yin, understand that coffee and a great pastry can be just as important as a delicious dinner.
I arrived for dinner before David and the hostess and the general manager, Julie, were so welcoming.
They sat me down next to the retail nook for breads, pastries, sandwiches and other takeout.
Julie graciously allowed me to sample some wines from their array of impressive domestic vineyards.
I chose the lovely sparkling Pinot Noir Rose from Ryan William Vineyard, New York State ($13).
We were seated in the bustling restaurant and kicked off dinner with slices of Anadama, a New England cornmeal loaf sweetened with molasses, topped with very rich, smoky eel and spicy radish ($14). It was fabulous.
Next we ordered Crispy Broccoli with pickled wood ears, chow chow (pickled vegetable relish) and scallions ($9). The tempura broccoli was lightly battered, very tasty with a bit of a kick.
The Razor Clam Strips were crispy and flavorful. They were accompanied by habanero buttermilk dip ($16).
Loved them, but we ordered incorrectly as both the clam strips and broccoli were fried. One or the other would have been perfection.
The Seaweed Bucatini was terrific. It was comprised of mussels, lobster bottarga, bread crumbs and nduja which we ordered on the side. The dish was so flavorful that you did not even need the sausage ($25).
The Grilled Squid was sensational with grilled carrots, pistachio and caramelized yogurt ($14).
Our final course was the Grilled Nebrodini Mushrooms over wild rice with mustard apples, sunchoke, chestnut and porcini vinaigrette ($15).
The dishes were all delicious, creative and visually appealing.
Our lovely tablemates allowed us to photograph their Happy Valley Beef with sweet potato and fermented broccoli jus which they said was divine ($24).
Other notable large plates included Arctic Char ($26) and Long Island Duck ($28).
Another option is to order the “Leave It To Us” menu which consists of a selection of plates to share from the contemporary American selections ($65, beverage pairing $35).
The atmosphere is cozy and the staff is friendly and professional.
High Street on Hudson is a keeper as is the gracious Julie.
High Street On Hudson 637 Hudson Street at Horatio in the West Village. Open for breakfast Monday-Friday 8-11:30am, Saturday & Sunday 8am-3:30pm. Lunch daily 11:30am-3pm, Dinner Wednesday,-Monday from 5:30pm.
