Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Seas the Day: Marea

Marea blew us away. I think that says it all. I don't often open with such bold statements.
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Here's a bolder statement: I like Marea more than Le Bernardin.

Really.

We indulged in the Menu del Mare.

Crostini with sea urchin, lardo, sea salt.
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A mouthful of rich heaven.

East and West Coast oysters served with Morellino mignonette and cucumber-lemon vinegar.
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So fresh and so clean.

Assaggio di tre (tasting of three crudo) -- (1) whiting fish, salsa crudo; (2) shrimp, cucumber; (3) mackerel, mushrooms, vin.
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Chilled delights.

Astice -- Nova Scotia lobster, burrata, eggplant al funghetto, basil.
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Tender and meaty like an aquatic steak.

Soft-shell crab, radicchio, orange, ham, beans.
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Delicately fried crustacean like nothing else you've ever tasted.

Fusilli, red-wine-braised octopus, bone marrow.
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Makes love to your taste buds like a pasta Casanova.

Branzino -- local striped bass, roasted eggplant, fava, grilled ramps, apricot mostarda.
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Flawless fish.

(1) Panna cotta -- fromage blanc panna cotta, mandarin orange, pink peppercorn, thyme; (2) bomboloni -- fried doughnut holes, lemon cream, prickly pear sorbet, cassis; (3) cioccolato bianco e pompelmo -- white chocolate honey mousse, pine nut grapefruit, basil.
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Silky and smooth, hot and golden, and rich and tart all on one plate.

Coffee and mignardise.
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Truly otherworldly from beginning to end. Few meals are this perfect. Go.

9 comments:

  1. This is some seriously high praise!

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  2. Love the presentation of the sea bass. What a beautiful meal.

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  3. Daaaaaaaamn... I'm impressed by your bold statement. I can definitely understand the euphoria that comes from eating a perfect meal from beginning to end. :) Next time I'm in NYC I'll definitely pay a visit.

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  4. Sounds like a dream come true - I want to go!

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  5. Loved our lunch there earlier this year. Must try their dinner the next time I'm in NYC.

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  6. this looks so good. good seafood is the best.

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  7. yeah, if you're that impressed...it's gotta be pretty damn fantastic. you're a tough critic!

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