We chose the rooftop at No Mad wanting to continue to eat outside as we were trying to be careful about COVID. Their so-called roof is not outside; some areas had an opening to the outside, others had plastic covers stopping the flow of air. We sat inside a tent, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, packed with people. I was uncomfortable in this setting. They do have three small tables that are outside; if you — like me — prefer to dine outside, ask for one of those.
Once we ordered, we were served complimentary house-made warm dinner rolls with herbed butter, watermelon & mozzarella salad and marinated tomatoes. Little did we know that would be the best thing we ate all night.
Understanding times are tough for restaurants, I’ve lowered my expectations. I do though expect to receive silverware when asked. With the multitude of service personnel in the room, you’d think they’d respond when asked for a knife. Inappropriate for any restaurant, especially a Michelin-starred one.
I sampled the En Maison, their idea of an Old Fashioned. It’s a well-blended cocktail with Japanese whisky, rye whiskey, Amontillado sherry, rye whisky, Benedictine, maple, verjus and coffee. I’d recommend. One friend had an Aperol Spritzer, the other an Espresso Martini, a blend of vodka, aged Aquavit with cold brew coffee ($16 each).
My friends started with the scallop crudo ($20), a small bland blend of the seafood, charred corn and chilies. Our entrees of baked seabass fillet ($38) were not with arugula and fennel, two of my favorites, as the menu-described. Instead, it contained Gigante beans, snow peas and couscous. I did notice two tiny leaves of arugula as a garnish. Disappointing. Pricey.
One friend asked for the blueberry crisp ($24) with summer herb ice cream that is offered on the NoMad chicken dinner menu ($78). That menu is only available for the entire table. At least this exorbitantly priced dessert was tasty.
I’ll consider my pricy bill as a donation to The NoMad, part of an industry trying to recover.
The No Mad
Gramercy-Flatiron
1170 Broadway (at 28th Street)
New York, NY 10001
(347) 472-5660
thenomadhotel.com/#/dining
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