My fiance took Friday off to spend a long three day birthday weekend with me. He originally had plans to bring me to Clinton Street Bakery, but unfortunately, even on a Friday afternoon, the bakery was packed. We ended up taking a stroll in the city and hanging out at a dog park until it was time for our reservations at Esca.Esca, Italian for "bait", is a southern Italian trattoria devoted to celebrating the fruits of the sea. It was created by Dave Pasternack, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich in October 2000. The decor was elegant with a beautiful floral display at the entrance and a well lit and inviting dining room set up. There were windows behind the area where we were seated, but the weather was still too cold for the patio to be open at this time of year. From my experience here, I have to say that the service was impeccable and that the wait staff were very attentive and accommodating as well. At one point, I asked where the ladies room was and I was actually escorted by one of the members of the wait staff.
In regards to the food, we had ordered two appetizers: fresh sea urchin and ceviche, one middle course: crab and sea urchin pasta, one main course: a whole roasted sea bass for two and two desserts: banana pudding with peanut brittle and salted caramel and raw sugar gelato with brownies and salted toffee, drowned in espresso. I couldn't be bothered to remember the fancy names of all of the food here, but to say how it was in the very least, it was simply amazing. I have never tasted a pasta so smooth, so creamy, so rich and very delicious. Though it was only a fist sized portion of pasta, it was very filling and satisfying. The sea urchin and the ceviche were both very fresh as well. They were super sweet and tasty. One thing that we noted about the ceviche was that there was a definite kick that we both appreciated. The fish, though nothing special, had been roasted to perfection and skin was crispy too. And last but not least, the dessert was to die for!
I was very pleased with my first experience at Esca and would return for another visit in the near future. I'd like to see if I can get the opportunity to sit in their patio come this summer, I think it would be a very pleasant experience as well. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant to friends and family as I found it extremely enjoyable. Just make sure you make reservations ahead of time as it does get busy!
After dinner, we went to see the 8PM showing of Avenue Q. The show was funny and the puppets were cute. I think the cast did a very good job and kept the audience pretty well entertained. After the show, we called it a night and returned home.
After breakfast, we got ready and headed out to the city via public transportation. Since we had time before meeting up for Accomplice, we decided to get started on some drinks at Seaport. They were selling beers and margaritas for only $6 and it was such a beautiful day outside. We sat and chatted for a while, there actually wasn't much to see at Seasport since a majority of the shops were still closed because of of Sandy. I actually don't even know when they will be able to reopen.
After Accomplice, my bub surprised me yet again, with another dinner reservation at WD~50.
WD~50 was designed by Dewey Dufresne and Louis Mueller. They utilize elements and techniques from a wide array of cuisines. The restaurant has garnered praise for its inspired culinary combinations, cutting edge culinary techniques, and innovative use of ingredients. Frank Bruni of the New York Times awarded wd~50 three stars in March of 2008. In 2006, in the Michelin Guide's inaugural American edition, wd~50 received one star, which it has retained through 2012. Just recently on May 6th, Wylie Dufresne also won the James Beard Award for Best Chef NYC 2013.
(http://wd-50.com/)
The service, again, was impeccable with super attentive wait staff that changed your utensils after every course and cleared your plates immediately, once you were finished. There wasn't much of a wait time between the courses and I have to say the food was the most unique of what I've ever eaten. The taste, the aromas, the plating - all of it was just fantastic. The food were infused with so much flavor and every was so different, unique and tasty. Even the palate cleanser blew me away.
The dinner took about three hours and trust me, that time flew by fast! We were so full after the tasting, that we did take a short walk and then called it a night since we were exhausted from the day's activities.
Anyway, we had some munchies, walked around a bit, searched for some Kit Kats and picked up some goodies for dinner later that evening. It was a very short but sweet day and I enjoyed every bit of it. We ate and relaxed for the rest of the night and I honestly wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
That was my birthday in a nutshell. Long, I know, but so necessary! I didn't want to forget any part of it so I wanted to write it down and share it with all of you. This birthday has been the very best so far and every year, my bubs sets the bar pretty darn high for himself. I seriously cannot thank him enough for taking the time out to plan all these festivities and making it so special for me. I love him for everything that he did and still continues to do. He is my best friend, my soul mate, my better half and I'm so glad to be spending the rest of my life with him. I don't think I could've ask for more. Thanks for everything!
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