3 months ago when I received word that esteemed Chef and Restauranteur C. Litvack was set to open her first NYC restaurant, I called and called and emailed and emailed in order to get a reservation for opening night. When I received word that I would be given the honor of being guest # 1 on opening night I was jumping with joy. The build-up to opening night was crazy; reporters calling me to get the exclusive morning after interview, and restaurant critiques trying to buy my reservation from me.
Upon arrival last night at the Litvack Cafe and Bistro, we were greeted by a star-studded red carpet event, with the flashing bulbs of 2 dozen cameras from all the nation's top paparazzi. Walking the red carpet, I couldn't help but remember back 3 months; I was persistent and would not stop until I received this reservation to visit NYC's newest holly land. As we entered the restaurant, we were personally greeted by C. Litvack who escorted us to the only table in the restaurant which was complemented by a giant outdoor balcony overlooking the city skyline. The decor was rustic, but bold, using soft pastel colors.
After chatting with C. Litvack, discussing her culinary upbringing and education, we moved into her life goals and disappointments, all based around the recent tragic choking of her beloved Duke Basketball Team in this year's NCAA tournament. She fought to hold back the tears, but we could tell that this was a close 2nd when it came to her passion; her restaurants and food being #1.
The culinary delight was started by a delicious "Summer Salad" as C. Litvack called it. Mixed greens, diced strawberries, candied almonds, and a house-made sweet but tangy balsamic. The tang of the balsamic extenuated the sweetness of the strawberries and candied almonds. The main dish was a whole roasted kosher chicken, marinated in a flavorful broth of Chardonnay, Spanish Olives, capers, and freshly picked prunes. The chicken glided right off the bone, and was absolutely delicious. It was so great that I had to beg C. Litvack for seconds! The roasted Prunes were like nothing else that I have ever tasted.
After the entrees, we took a short break to gather ourselves, and to talk with C. Litvack as she took us through a few photo albums of her upbringing, college years, and past professional celebrations. We were stuffed after the chicken, but after the hour break, somehow we were ready to see what she had prepared for dessert as expectation were riding high.
As C. Litvack emerged from the kitchen, we gasped in excitement as we got view of her world renowned 4 (although she claimed 5) layers of euphoria sitting atop a well decorated platter. It was a house-made ice cream cake, once again featuring the freshest ingredients available, and only the finest chocolate fudge. Impressed with my smile and dueling dimples that appeared after finishing the cake, C. Litvack forced me to eat another delicious piece!
Overall the entire 3.5 hour dinning experience was amazing and would be very difficult to match. I highly recommended this to all NYC foodies if you can get the one-a-day reservation as this was truly a memorable evening. I will be returning regularly as I now have the phone number for the direct reservation line for the Litvack Cafe and Bistro. I am told this number is only for close friend and family so please don't try to get it out of me! read more