Mercat — a hip Spanish restaurant and tapas lounge in Noho on Bond Street in Noho — served foods typical of the Catalonia region of Spain. Mercat means market in Catalan — the language spoken in the region.
As we perused the small but oh, so interesting menu, we sipped some sparkling cava — the Spanish wine made in the style of champagne.
First, we nibbled Croquetes de Gambes ($8) – crispy fried pieces of shrimp in a bechamel sauce (three for $8) as we opened a bottle of a full-bodied all-grenache – or garnatxa in Catalan — Vespres de Celler Dosterras 2008 Montant ($50).
You’ll have Morticia A. Addams-like lips after eating Fideau Negra ($18) – squid served with short noodle turned black by the cephalopod’s ink – but it will be worth it.
The Amanida de Merdat ($10) salad of arugula, sliced fennel, small dried figs, julienned apple and cheese, walnuts is drizzled with a light orange vinaigrette. The seared Brussels sprouts ($12) in a butter and chicken stock reduction are topped with golden raisins and spicy chorizo.
Don’t miss the Trencat d’Ous ($13) — a cooked egg over a mixture of shiitake, crimini and white mushrooms in a truffle vinaigrette, or the Vedella – perfectly cooked, pan-seared shirt steak, roasted red onion, crispy cheesy mashed potatoes wrapped in a spring roll covering with grilled onions and tomatoes in a chimichurri sauce ($17).
With no room for dessert, we did order coffee made from freshly roasted beans, whose aroma aroused our senses as we entered this 90-seat restaurant.
Note to self: Head back to sample the rest of the menu offerings
– bonnie
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Mercat
45 Bond Street
New York, NY 10012
212.529.8600
www.mercatny.com
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