Fun, creative and delectable raw bar and seafood counter in the East Village…my thoughts about Penny.
Claud owners have come up with another fabulous dining experience with the newly opened, always packed Penny.
Claud is named after owner Chase Sinzer’s mother and Penny, appropriately, is named after Chef Joshua Pinsky’s grandfather, Benny Pinsky, whose nickname is Penny.
Penny is an edgy relative perched above Claud on East 10th Street.
A reservation is a tough get. When I stumbled upon one at 6:30 on a Monday I grabbed it.
While awaiting our spot at the long marble counter at least 10 locals dropped by without a reservation and were told it was a 2 hour wait. Everyone was cool with it and I assumed headed home to await the call that their seafood fantasies would soon be fulfilled.
There is a lot of very attractive metal touches in the room designed by the owners friend, Ian Chapin of Philadelphia-based Edsel Co., who also designed Claud. The marble countertop which seats 31 patrons is very attractive. Even the handcrafted stools are comfy.
Wines from around the world are featured. There is a 3200 capacity bottle walk in refrigerator at the back of the restaurant.
I chose a crisp white Portuguese wine as it was 95 degrees outside ($19). My husband selected a lovely Sake ($16).
The homemade sesame seed Brioche arrived hot out of the oven served with a dollop of salted Perigold softened butter ($8).
The Razor Clams were fabulous served in their attractive shell with citrus accents ($19).
The Octopus and Potato Salad was wonderful. I had my reservations as I do not really enjoy potato salad. The mixture was delightful, the octopus tender and lightly steamed ($18).
Believe it or not the ample Lettuce with Mustard dressing was delicious. The chilled lettuce a perfect compliment with the delicious homemade vinaigrette dressing ($17).
The Oyster Pan Roast was fabulous. The peas and beans crisp and flavorful, oysters tender and plentiful and the brioche amazing. It really is quite similar to a pot pie ($27).
Next visit I want to try the Dover Sole and Bone Marrow creation ($49).
Dessert was creatively outrageous. All components of the ice cream sandwich are homemade. The brioche bread bookends the creamy vanilla confection with stewed strawberries ($9).
We chatted with Chef Joshua and the hard working friendly staff.
Another successful endeavor upstairs while downstairs Claud just celebrated its second year in business.
Penny 90 10th Street East Village, NYC. Open Monday-Friday 5-10pm. Reservations on Resy. Walk ins encouraged.