OSCAR CAFE
50 MacDougal St, New York 10012 Nearest Transit: Spring St (A, C, E) Houston St (1, 2)
It's 95 degrees in New York City and I decide to go shopping. Not a smart idea in the oppressive heat! Ahhhh...then relief came when John finished his session in Brooklyn earlier then expected, and was able to meet up for lunch before hopping on the train back to Providence. We were starving, walked by several places that didn't really appeal to us.
Until we came across a charming bistro, away from the hot, assiduous streets. We were not in the mood for anything too swanky, and this cafe fit the bill. Just a few tables outside, substantial bar space for the casual eating and several dining tables...it had a great cozy vibe . Although always a gamble trying a new spot, the smells ruminating from the small kitchen, which was visible from where we were sitting at the end of the bar, was right on! As we were deciding what to eat, I couldn't help but notice that the server greeted patron's by name and they all seemed to know each other, which I consider to be a good sign of a local neighborhood hangout, where there must be great food!
O.k. ( sigh ), now I'm happy. We start off with an ice cold Stella Artois on draft to cool off, and even the beer couldn't escape the heat, as droplets continuously poured from the chilled glass. Solution, drink'em and drink'em fast . The menu was small, simple and the prices are reasonable. The ambiance was quaint Frenchy/Italo and the decor a rustic plaster finish on the walls covered with European chachkies... and the food... well, its just all around goodness! We both decided to order the same thing, mainly because I'm not the sharing type when I'm starved, and I couldn't resist one of my favorites. A panini with bresaola, goat cheese, arugula and truffle oil....I mean, do I need to say anything further? NO...but I must
Firstly, the texture and taste of the panini crust was perfectly golden brown, and not too thick, with an airy yellowish middle, a sign of great bread. Secondly, the bresaola which is a air-cured beef originally from the Valtellina, a valley in the Lombardy region of Italy, which has only recently been approved by the U.S. agriculture along with another one of my favorite's mortadella. The bresaola was sliced paper thin, moist, lean and very flavorful, as it should be. Finally, a spread of soft goat cheese and mildly spicy arugula precisely stacked... proportionately perfect, finished off with a drizzle of truffle oil...What a marriage of flavors! The side salad must not go un-noticed, crispy mixed greens garnished with red sweet onion, sweet corn kernels and white beans in a tangy vinaigrette that was not overly dressed. The portions of lunch and dessert were more then satisfying... a few Stella's later, and we're on to the final course!
The most appropriate way to end the day, banana & chocolate crepes and an espresso...both were very impressive. The dessert plate was gently blanketed with two crepes that were delicate and light golden, served warm with a side of fresh cream. What better way to compliment dessert...an espresso with a perfect thin layer of crema atop, just as you would expect from a good espresso!
As we were sadly finishing up and raving about the meal to our server, he suggested that we try their famed burgers, made with lamb...I was ready to do it all over again!
Until we came across a charming bistro, away from the hot, assiduous streets. We were not in the mood for anything too swanky, and this cafe fit the bill. Just a few tables outside, substantial bar space for the casual eating and several dining tables...it had a great cozy vibe . Although always a gamble trying a new spot, the smells ruminating from the small kitchen, which was visible from where we were sitting at the end of the bar, was right on! As we were deciding what to eat, I couldn't help but notice that the server greeted patron's by name and they all seemed to know each other, which I consider to be a good sign of a local neighborhood hangout, where there must be great food!
O.k. ( sigh ), now I'm happy. We start off with an ice cold Stella Artois on draft to cool off, and even the beer couldn't escape the heat, as droplets continuously poured from the chilled glass. Solution, drink'em and drink'em fast . The menu was small, simple and the prices are reasonable. The ambiance was quaint Frenchy/Italo and the decor a rustic plaster finish on the walls covered with European chachkies... and the food... well, its just all around goodness! We both decided to order the same thing, mainly because I'm not the sharing type when I'm starved, and I couldn't resist one of my favorites. A panini with bresaola, goat cheese, arugula and truffle oil....I mean, do I need to say anything further? NO...but I must
Firstly, the texture and taste of the panini crust was perfectly golden brown, and not too thick, with an airy yellowish middle, a sign of great bread. Secondly, the bresaola which is a air-cured beef originally from the Valtellina, a valley in the Lombardy region of Italy, which has only recently been approved by the U.S. agriculture along with another one of my favorite's mortadella. The bresaola was sliced paper thin, moist, lean and very flavorful, as it should be. Finally, a spread of soft goat cheese and mildly spicy arugula precisely stacked... proportionately perfect, finished off with a drizzle of truffle oil...What a marriage of flavors! The side salad must not go un-noticed, crispy mixed greens garnished with red sweet onion, sweet corn kernels and white beans in a tangy vinaigrette that was not overly dressed. The portions of lunch and dessert were more then satisfying... a few Stella's later, and we're on to the final course!
The most appropriate way to end the day, banana & chocolate crepes and an espresso...both were very impressive. The dessert plate was gently blanketed with two crepes that were delicate and light golden, served warm with a side of fresh cream. What better way to compliment dessert...an espresso with a perfect thin layer of crema atop, just as you would expect from a good espresso!
As we were sadly finishing up and raving about the meal to our server, he suggested that we try their famed burgers, made with lamb...I was ready to do it all over again!
Until next time...
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| Panini with bresaola, goat cheese, arugula and truffle oil |
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