Throwback Thursday: Red Rooster aka Uptown Baby!

Heretofore, we've been blogging about our latest indulgent experiences...well today marks the first of many posts concerning our favorite blasts from the past.  So sit back, get the Delorean up to 88 and enjoy some older anecdotes Evanessa-style.

Marty, We're Going Back To Red Rooster!

After watching Chef Marcus Samuelson on various competitive cooking shows, it's kinda hard not to fall in love with the guy.  Born in Ethiopia, raised by Sweeds - Chef Samuelson ran the popular Scandinavian NYC joint, Aquavit...and on top of it all, he just exudes cool. Seeing as there's only so much pickled herring a relatively normal American palate can handle, Vanessa and I were particularly excited when we heard about his latest foray into the NYC dining scene - Red Rooster. 

How Can You Not Like That Dude

(Interesting tidbit: We shared a 10-hour flight with him from Barcelona to NYC in August - he's got a super smile)

I'd say about 90% of the restaurants we frequent are south of 14th street. We knew it would take an act of god to get us up to 125th street, where Red Roster resides in Harlem.  One fine night we were out with some co-workers at a Yankee Game and decided to make a late dinner reservation at the Rooster.  After the game was under wraps, we began our pilgrimage to Chef Samuelson's trendo hot spot. 

Open Kitchen Goodness

The Beautiful Bar Area

Red Roster's fare is a product of the neighborhood as well as the chef's incredibly diverse background...the scene, well that's equally funky.  Aside from the awesome bar area, the open-kitchened restaurant attracts one of the coolest and most random crowds you'll find in NYC.  That's what makes the place so special - great riffs on classic soul food dishes, with one of the most wonderfully eclectic environments you'll encounter in any city.

We went with an 8 glass beer tasting menu that seemed to compliment the varied courses perfectly.  Standout dishes included the Fried Yardbird (a deliciously piquant fried chicken), Mac and Greens, and the Short Ribs (we weren't sure about ordering these and then the waitress whispered "President Obama really liked them" - done deal). There's also some Scandinavian-inspired dishes on the menu but we stuck to the classics.

It may not be the most convenient place to get to in the city BUT it's well worth the effort to get up there and appreciate the melting pot (in all senses of the term) that Marcus has created.