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“Red Rooster, by Rachel Barbarotta”

Occasion:	Cuisine:	Area:	Cost:	Rating:
Night Out	New American	Upper West Side	Moderate	Great

an entree. Since the three appetizers had been rather filling, we decided to share it, along with two sides: Corn Bread with Honey Butter & Tomato Jam ($4) and Yam & Sweet Potato Puree with Bacon & Horseradish ($7). To pair with the Yard Bird, we each ordered a glass of South African Uva Mira Sauvignon Blanc ($11).

I’m not sure what yard this bird was plucked from, but they must be treating their birds quite well wherever it is because this baby was incredible. Flavorful and juicy with a skin that was amazingly greaseless: just a crispy golden brown. I was certainly impressed. The accompanying Corn Bread was more savory than it was sweet, and I used each slice like a mop to soak up the gravy from the Yard Bird. The Yam & Sweet Potato Puree was a little much – add on bacon and you may enter that dangerous territory of the long forgotten waistline, but it was quite tasty and therefore I continued to eat more despite the fact that I was at once too full to move.

There was simply no way we could have ordered dessert, so we requested the check and finished our glasses of wine. The service throughout the meal was attentive, never overbearing or lacking. While the restaurant can certainly become loud when crowded, it was never overwhelming in volume. The noise gave the restaurant a jolt of excitement that was apparent from the moment we set foot inside.

Our subway ride home clocked in at the same amount of time as our ride there, and it really got me thinking; 15 minutes isn't very much time at all. While we New Yorkers are used to walking only one block to get where we need to go, what's 15 minutes when you're traveling for an amazing meal in a previously undiscovered neighborhood? Why shouldn't we move beyond our comfort zones in search of new experiences and flavors? Dining at Red Rooster opened my eyes to what's available around the city.

Next time I'm craving delicious cocktails and inspired cuisine, I'll bypass the nearby options, ride the 2/3 train for 15 minutes and visit Red Rooster in the heart of Harlem.

Red Rooster is located at 310 Lenox Avenue (btw. 125th & 126th Street), 212-792-9001.

—Rachel Barbarotta

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Posted: February 25, 2011

Other restaurants in Upper West Side :
+ 'Cesca   + Asiate   + Blue Hill Stone Barns   + Per Se   + The Neptune Room   + Spigolo   + Telepan   + Aix Brasserie   + 'Cesca   + Bar Boulud   + Dovetail   + BarBao   + Dinosaur Bar-be-Que   + Kefi   + Bar Luna   + Ed's Chowder House   + Red Rooster, by Rachel Barbarotta   + Loi by Dara Pollak   

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