Friday, March 7, 2014

EAT: DINNER AT CHERI

The Bespoke team headed over to try out the new restaurant called Cheri at Lenox and 121st this week and were able to sample a full set of dishes that the Table d'hôte had to offer.  At this type of establishment, one is experiencing a dinner at an elegant home in which the menu is set for the day.  More photos and a review of the dishes served on the first night after the jump.







There is a good wine list selection at Cheri along with ample cocktails but that is probably the most varied items on the menu.  We had the Malbec which was on point for the evening in.  Our first course was a plate of gruyere feuilletés which were savory puff pastries that were well received with all at the table.  Then arrived the beautifully presented ratatouille stuffed zucchini which had a bit of goat cheese added in for a great depth of flavor.

Our main entree was a set of pork medallions with a sweet balsamic glaze and robust olive oil mashed potatoes of which my table companions raved about.  A personal favorite was the tiramisu dessert which was more like a light custard that hit a fresh note with the right balance of strawberries that garnished the dish.  A two-course dinner for this particular night was set at $32 and the wine and dessert are added on a la carte for those indulging in more for the evening.  A few more curious locals dropped by as the night progressed just for a taste of dessert and wine which is also a great romantic idea.  

This eclectic and artistic dining experience is something new that Harlem has not seen before so we do recommend dropping by.  Also, brunch service will apparently launch this weekend so also keep that in mind. Reservations can be made at: 212.662.4374

9 comments:

  1. Looks lovely. I really want to check this place out but my wife is a vegetarian, so I can't run the risk of having them bring us pork and beef for dinner. Does anyone know if brunch is served in the "Table d'hôte" style, or by menu selections?

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  2. This will probably not be a good fit for selective or restrictive diners. As far as brunch goes, Cheri will have the first brunch service tomorrow so we shall find out at that point. Dessert and wine is also an option for later evening which tend to be okay for vegetarians who don't mind dairy.

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  3. I'll take a look at what the brunch situation is like, but dessert and drinks sound wonderful. Thanks.

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  4. After reading your post, I took some friends there on Saturday. The decor was lovely and the service team was very nice however the food was pretty terrible. The service was also very slow. It looks like they put a lot of money into the buildout, so hopefully they can fix their food issues. It would be a great addition to the neighborhood.

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  5. Went there on Sunday. The decor and look of the place is absolutely gorgeous. Didn't try the food but it's a beautiful place to get drinks. Plan on trying brunch or dinner here soon.

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  6. My husband and I peeked in on Sunday afternoon, and we were waved in and invited to look around. The design is amazing and the outdoor area in the back looked cozy. Not sure about the dining concept of being served whatever the chef prepares that night. Will definitely try it, and hope they succeed, but it does feel a bit restrictive. Perhaps they could offer two options... Looking forward to trying it out.

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  7. We did not get a menu at the soft opening but from the daily menu out front, it appears that a burger option and salad option has been offered in addition to the main entree each night. Scallops in Buerre Blanc was the special this weekend.

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  8. interesting. I've been watching for this place to open. seems like the build out took a very long time.

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  9. That's good to know - thanks Ulysses. Re: the build out taking a long time - these things always do - it's not unusual. If you go inside, you'll see the decor looks grand. We're just hoping the food is good too!

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