Aqauvit

I am not formally aquatinted with Nordic food, so when I saw this two Michelin star restaurant called Aquavit was close by I decided to check it out. Hostess and server were both very warm with their greetings and made me feel right at home in the mostly empty dining room, which was not surprising given it was now 2:30pm for the start of my lunch. The server gave me a couple recommendations as I am not familiar with this style food and didn't know where to start. I took both of her recommendations and as it turns out I would not be disappointed! First course was the shrimp skagen. It came out super fast in about 5 minutes which was nice since I was starving and dining by myself. I don't usually order a dish with mayonnaise, but this wasn't your average "shrimp salad." Delicate and light in texture, the fresh shrimp taste cut right through the mayo and dill. The fish roe on top and Danish rye bread on the bottom completed the dish with a crisp and flavorful finish. Second course was the artic char. They gave me an appropriate amount of time between courses before bringing it out. The fish came out pan seared to perfection and with a delicious smell of fish and potatoes. The skin was crisp and the flesh delicate, which made for a perfect bite, highlighting by with the cucumber and new potatoes accompanying the dish. Everything worked well together and nothing was left on the plate. Third course was the molten chocolate cake. It arrived warm and gooey just as it should. The addition of caramel was a nice touch that I haven't had before with a lava cake, and along with the the ball of ice cream, it offered the perfect finish to the meal. Lastly, I ordered a cappuccino which was delivered with a jar of assorted biscotti. The cappuccino was flavorful and not too bitter, and the design on top made me ask the waitress what it was, to which she replied that she made a butterfly. That is the first butterfly on my cap, I usually see a heart or leaf, but never an insect, hah! The manager checked in and talked to me throughout my meal. After asking about my other fine dining choices in NYC, Wolfgang offered some options of other great places to try, of which his favorite was his former employer Eleven Madison Park (I've visited multiple times and agree). Great overall experience and the food was superb. They certainly deserve their two Michelin stars and I would recommend this restaurant to others looking to try amazing Nordic cuisine!

What a wonderful three and a half hour 10-course Chef Tasting experience from start to finish!Excellent-creative cooking and attentive service. We enjoyed every dishes on the menu! Couple of them really stand out, the exceptional venison truffle (so creative), and the freeze foie gras dish just blew my mind! Shout out to Chef Emma Bengtess!