French/Asian Fusion
http://www.annisarestaurant.com/
15 Barrow St. – West Village

We chose to do Anita Lo’s  5 course Chef’s Tasting Menu for $75 each. The food was classic French with some Asian influences and ingredients. No question, everything was elegant and delicious, but nothing felt fresh and new. Not that I mind going to a place not fully about local ingredients and sustainability, PORK or molecular gastronomy, as there is nothing wrong with a ‘Classic’ meal. However, we were not so blown away with the execution and flavors that we need to go back one day.  Note this was the first week of their re-pening after a full year closure because of a fire.  She competed on Top Chef Masters in the interim.

Also, the dining space is rather small, tight and QUIET. The white table cloths make it feel quite formal. Plus you need to speak quietly…in an odd way. But it is a nice location for a special romantic date.

I did my best to record the menu, as their website is under construction and I often rely on websites for details and enjoy while we are eating! Our favorites were the Shanghai dumpling, fluke duo, and then the squab. We were not full at the end of the meal and felt the ‘tasting’ menu may not be the best option here. Choose something that looks great and go with the standard menu.

MENU:
Amuse Bouche
1st Course – Tiny Trio of Tuna – Raw & Cooked
Tartar w/Bone Marrow
with Pickled Seaweed
Seared
2nd Course – Shanghai Dumpling
w/Seared Foie Gras
3rd Course – Duo of Fluke
Tartar with caviar & chives
Seared over roasted beets w/lemon creme fraiche
4th Course – Squab
Stuffed with Squab Liver on a bed of Fava beans & a Quail Egg
5th Course –
Meyer Lemon Bread Pudding w/Poppy Seeds on a bed of Lemon Curd
Strawberries layered between Phyla and Ricotta Cheese with Balsamic Reduction
Palate Cleanser Plate – Trio of Lychee Popsicle, Chocolate Mint Truffle & Candied Ginger