This place self-identifies as a "Bar & Restaurant," not the other way around. They take their cocktails seriously, even listing their beverage director Jim McCourt prominently on their website. It pays off. My drinks were things of beauty, innovative, and delicious. But the food didn't disappoint either. In fact Repeal 33 is currently my "best meal ever", a position I expect it will hold for quite some time.
I decided on the Progressive Tasting Menu as a way to try more things than I otherwise would. 6 courses, the first 5 decided by the chef and the diner chooses any dessert for the 6th. The portion sizes were about half of normal appetizers and entrees (except the steak which was close to standard) and altogether was plenty, while still leaving room for dessert which was normal size.
Drink 1: Bon Appetit: bone marrow infused bourbon Old Fashioned. I was dubious: bone marrow in a cocktail? My very good waitress Carolina allayed my concerns: it's not there for taste but for body and it's only "washed" with the bourbon, not added directly. My curiosity was piqued so I ordered it. This simple classic did not disappoint. Strong, with an assertive oily lemon presence, a single large ice cube, and a curiously distinctive small cherry.
A very large whiskey collection is offered. Scan QR code for the list.
Course 1: Cod Croquette with Creme Fraiche and Caviar. Lightly golden fried and delicate in taste, elegant served with its edible flower garnish on an elevated plate. Kind of small but the courses get bigger as they go.
Course 2: Grilled Octopus (charred eggplant puree, pine nuts, golden raisins, arugula, chili crisp). Beautiful presentation, and I have never had better octopus, not in the slightest bit tough.
Course 3: Potato Gnocchi (mushrooms, sage, cranberry, brown butter, parmesan). Light in texture, subtly sagey, and the parmesan in the form of "noodles", somehow with an almost noodle-like texture.
Drink 2: Emberline Swizzle (rum, spiced pear, lime, mint, bitters): Similar to a mojito but elevated to a thing of beauty. Everything in perfect balance: the alcohol (lots), the sweet, the sour, the bitter. Visually striking in the glass, layers of colors, the big mint leaves bright and fresh. This is the one that convinced me: mixology is truly an art form, and one in which Repeal 33 excels. Even the ice gets serious attention: each of my three drinks had a different form of ice, appropriate to the style.
Course 4: Pan Seared Halibut (cauliflower puree, sweet & sour cauliflower, brown butter caper sauce, sunchoke chips: almost perfect except for being very slightly overcooked. I liked the two forms of cauliflower, especially the subtle pickling of the sweet & sour. Nicely browned top and the crispy chips added interesting texture.
Course 5: Grilled NY Strip (duchess potatoes, creamed spinach, horseradish bordelaise): their interpretation of a classic steak house meal. Perfectly cooked medium rare (they didn't ask and I trusted them to cook it correctly), topped with the sauce and micro greens, a generous portion. Perfect potato. The creamed spinach was out of this world. It sounds so unappealing so I usually avoid it. I'll probably continue avoiding it because I can't imagine anybody else's coming anywhere close.
All courses were brought at the right intervals (I was never rushed), were served hot and on a warmed plate if appropriate, and new silverware was brought for each course.
Drink 3: A mocktail this time. There would be driving in my future. "Peace In the Garden" (Seedlip Garden, lavender, Earl Grey, lime). Same attention to detail as the cocktails, with everything in balance. With the moderate sourness tangy and refreshing I almost didn't miss the alcohol.
The room was dim and done in dark wood tones, with the backlit bar and its many bottles glowing warmly in front of the antique brick wall. Unfortunately as a solo diner I didn't get a great view, sitting at a two-top against a wall of wine bottles; probably the table they try to fill last. Watching one of the runners repeatedly emerge from the kitchen, each time in a jog and bellowing "order" was pretty entertaining though. The music was mostly 80s rock: Bowie, Men Without Hats, Funkytown, Blondie. Not too loud, it was in balance with the other sounds: diners engaged in animated conversations and the ever-present clacks of cocktail shakers.
From what I overheard of conversations this is quite the "foodie" place. A group near me could be overheard often discussing the nuances of what they were eating or considering. Apparently obsessed with "bone marrow" because those words drifted over to me through the din several times. Two other parties, a couple and a single, appeared to be similarly food-obsessed based on their overheard conversations.
Course 6: Pumpkin bread sundae, with gelato, bourbon sauce, and candied nuts. The bread heavily spiced, and gelato smooth and strongly vanilla scented. A good choice to finish this fantastic meal. read more