There are some amazing restaurants on 9th avenue just west of Distrikt Hotel. From Thai to Argentinean, the options are endless! I think this is one of my favorite features of working in the Hell’s Kitchen district – I can enjoy any genre of food on any day just steps away! I always appreciate a good meal with a creative and unique twist. This, I found at Elsewhere on 43rd and 9th ave. Supposedly known for their pulled pork, rare cheese and wine selection, Elsewhere was definitely on the top of my list to check out.
With its simplistic exterior design and décor, Elsewhere is anything but simple. Originally the delicious French bistro La Madeleine, this new hot spot feels like another world outside of Times Square which is just blocks away. Chef Megan Johnson switches it up in the ol’ Big Apple by rewriting the standard menu. Elsewhere’s sister, Casselula, represents the same farm-to-table quality as a wine and cheese specialty restaurant. The two locations share a similar menu with the farm-fresh cheese, home-made ice cream and exclusive wine selection.
You step into this quaint restaurant and see beautiful wood tables and brick walls all the while hearing Billy Holiday and Louie Armstrong fill the room. A living tree grows within the dining space, while small pots of fresh herbs and plants surround the room. The menu is quite impressive with a variety of items I have never seen nor fathomed could exist. Things like House-made crackers with dancing ewe ricotta or Breast of Bo Bo chicken over rye berries with baby fennel and cider gastrique . YUM! The waitress was very attentive and gave us a basket of the home-made crackers with rosemary and salt while we browsed the menu. I ordered a ginger ale for the time being, and I was amazed that instead of Canada Dry or Seagram’s – this was home-made ginger ale with fresh ginger and some lemon. Home-made soda… amazing. I ordered the tomato soup and crackers for an appetizer, and was presented with a nice bowl of tomato soup with a form of crunchy baked cheese as the cracker.
Very clever. For the entrée, I ordered the Elsewhere skillet Mac and Cheese (with Chorizo crust topping). This was so tasty and I absolutely adored the home-made quality and taste of this dish. Despite the fact that I was full from such a rich meal, I decided to enjoy a variety of the homemade ice cream that I couldn’t resist. My favorite was the Verbena ice cream – so much flavor that it left a fresh taste in my mouth.
All in all, Elsewhere is definitely a new favorite that I will enjoy again in the near future. I think this spot is perfect for an intimate dinner celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or special occasion as well as perfect for a nice lunch with the coworkers. Elsewhere is a unique restaurant with quality meals and experience. So next time you are seeking for a little escape from Times Square, just say “Elsewhere, where else?”.
Written by Lauren Macé