It may occasionally be worth it to go to the west side

As I’m sure you all know, it is much easier (and faster) to go North and South in New York than to go East and West. This means it takes twice as long, and costs even more, to go cross-town. That’s why we only go to places on the Westside where we can walk. Fortunately, it is also true that all the good things (stores, restaurants and museums are on the Eastside along with the most interesting people). This is, of course, where we live. As a general rule, except for Theaters and the Museum of Natural History, there is never any reason to go to the Westside. Unfortunately, because Christina is from the west (New Jersey) she doesn’t understand these verities and is constantly finding things to do on the Westside – but I’ve been able to beat her down. (He only thinks this is true! C del) By the way, as all New Yorkers know, East and West only apply above 14^th Street. Below 14^th Street is downtown and East and West don’t really apply in the same way. This is fortunate because Scott lives in the West Village.

Some of you may be carping, “Didn’t you come from Riverdale in the West Bronx?” While this is true, I was born and grew up in the East Bronx and east and west don’t apply the same as they do in Manhattan. It is easier to go cross-town so there is more intermarriage.

All of this is by way of introduction to some comments about a new restaurant we went to last night:

Red Cat

227 10th Ave. (between 23^rd & 24^th Streets)
212-242-1122

It took us over an hour to get there so it had a high bar to cross. (We took the bus!) We went there because we had enjoyed their other restaurant, the “Mermaid Inn” in the East Village. The restaurant is in a high-ceilinged location in the art gallery section of Chelsea. There is not much other nightlife in the area yet, but the Red Cat appears to be very popular with the “thirty-something” crowd - so we fit right in! The staff was friendly, accommodating and attentive. The menu very interesting with a sort of American, French, Asian fusion twist. I ordered Pirogues (small potato dumplings) and Chris had grilled sardines. I thought both appetizers were OK, but not outstanding. The strong taste of the sardines overwhelmed the accompanying beans which floated in oil and the Pirogues seemed to lack zest. On the other hand, the waitress brought us a complimentary plate of tempura fried green beans with mustard dipping sauce which was outstanding. Our main courses were outstanding also. I had Muscovy Duck with root vegetables accompanied by some interesting wild greens and Chris had Artic Char with grilled vegetable and spicy sausage. For wine, we enjoyed a nice California sangiovese (2002 Enesse). We finished our meal with coffee, but the desserts we saw passing by looked interesting. Traveling home took us half the time (so we may try something else on the Westside! C del –m seems highly unlikely! Pdel)