Ballin' like a Baller at Bagatelle

By: Finance Foodie

Unless you are living under a rock in New York, you have probably heard about the Meatpacking joint Bagatelle. Famous for its "turnt up" boozy brunches where patrons dance on tables and drink like camels all before the sun goes down, I must admit I was a bit hesitant to go when I got an invite to have dinner with a few other media foodies (my days of "wiling out" have long been burried). However, I'd always been curious about the scene and my curiosity got the best of me, so I dusted off my heels and party outfit and headed out for the evening.

Exterior

When I arrived, I was surprised to see that dinnertime was a much more subdued affair from the stories I had heard about their brunches. No table dancing and no punch bowls -- just patrons enjoying each others company in the dim-lit room.**  The meal was pre-ordered - which meant the chef basically send out everything on the menu (guess there really is no better way to get a feel for a place than to try everything)! Here were some of the highlights of the night:

Appetizers

Poulpe Grillé à la Plancha: I love a good grilled octopus and this was my favorite dish of the night. The legs were so tender and fresh I could imagine the octopus swimming the ocean just a few hours ago. The olive aioli sauce and the crispy potato were a great enchantment to the dish and added just enough flavor and texture without being overbearing.

Octopus

Ceviche de Crabe d’Alaska: This is one of the new items on Bagatelle's menu. The king crab legs were ginormous in portion and the citrus sauce was tangy and provided just the right kick.

Ceviche

Entrees

Châteaubriand For Two: 24 oz center cut beef tenderloin served with an amazingly decadent potato puree - this dish is a carnivore's dream!  The fork-tender meat was oozing with juice and deliciousness, I didn't even need the red wine and peppercorn sauce that came with the plate.

Châteaubriand

Gambas Snackées au Pastis: These prawns were as big as my hand. 'Nuff Said. Also the herb risotto these monster prawns sat on was simply divine.

Prawns

Canard aux Figues: Three quacks for a home run. The duck breasts were rich in taste and the fig and apple vinegar sauce brought out the natural flavor of the duck without overpowering it.

Duck

Dessert

(Mar)'tini Sundae: Though not on the menu officially, this over-the-top, small child sized ice cream sundae can be ordered for special occasions (or if you feel like being a super glutton). Made with a few pounds of ice cream, fudge brownies, cookies, whipped cream and chocolate and salted caramel syrup (plus sparklers if requested), this sweet treat is meant to be shared/starred at/shown off.

Sundae

Although a dinner at Bagatelle will leave your wallet a lot lighter (maybe your waist as well due to all the dancing afterwards), the food is delicious and the atmosphere is cool and trendy. So maybe not an every night affair (unless you are on an expense account), but Bagatelle is a great place to go for a fun night (or day) outing!

** I spoke too soon! When I was heading out around 10PM, there was a line of party people waiting to get in!

Bagatelle
1 Little W 12th St
New York, NY 10014
(212) 488-2110
bistrotbagatelle.com
Cuisine: French