<< previous review   next review >>

reviews

“Txikito”

Occasion:	Cuisine:	Area:	Cost:	Rating:
Night Out	Spanish	Chelsea	Moderate	Great

erved with a rustic fireside stew of potatoes, piquillos and chorizo, which is a fantastic trifecta of flavor and texture that’s seems like it might be the mirepoix of Basque cooking.

The signature whole turbot (M/P) is simply prepared with olive oil and looks as though it’s just been pulled from the water with its slick grey skin and mouth agape. It resembles a skate in size and shape and somewhat in taste as well. It has sweet meaty flesh has a bit of that corduroy texture, and it slips off the backbone with just a nudge of a spoon. We picked at it until the bone was glisteningly clean. Another dish that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite is the txipiron enceboallado ($16)—amazingly silky, super thin ribbons of squid a la plancha that taste like homemade pasta set up with earthy, creamy puree of pine nuts and sweet onions. And don’t even think of leaving without their crispy fried potatoes (Basque French fries), served with a spicy cod roe mayo ($8).

While the food was consistently good on both visits and the kitchen keeps the food coming at a good clip, when the dining room gets to full capacity the service can get neglectful. Our waitress was lovely and she gave us a very thorough explanation of a few of the dishes that we weren’t sure of, but as the night grew later, she grew less visible. At one point I think she was just an apparition. She did reappear eventually.

I’m not sure whether Alex and Eder have considered a catering business in the Basque country (or this one for that matter) but they should. And in any case, there’s no need to wait for that business model to take off. If you’re up for a great buffet of snacks, without the commitment (or cash gift) required of a wedding or Bar Mitzvah, take yourself to dinner at Txikito. No crashing needed.

Txikito is located at 240 9th Ave (between 24th and 25th Streets), 212-242-4730.

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  

 Make a reservation

<< previous review   next review >>

Posted: February 22, 2009

Other restaurants in Chelsea :
+ Matsuri   + La Bottega   + Tia Pol   + Bombay Talkie   + Cookshop   + D'Or Ahn: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED   + Buddakan   + Crema   + InTent: THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED   + Trestle on Tenth   + Klee   + El Quinto Pino   + Socarrat   + Txikito   + Co. (Company)   

Share ! Post a comment