Butter for Lunch

(c. Google Images)

We’ve traversed the island of Manhattan side to side, from the Union Square subway stop, weaving through the NYU campus, till we find ourselves in the East Village. With the midday sun beating down on the broiling concrete and pavement, dripping with sweat, we try to compose ourselves, toting Century 21 bags with deals we couldn’t resist.

New York Restaurant Week is truly a godsend for foodies on a budget - a twice yearly opportunity to enjoy prix-fixes meals at acclaimed, upscale restaurants where the price would otherwise be prohibitive.

On our two-day jaunt to the City, we choose Butter - a restaurant/nightclub frequented by celebrities and Manhattan’s elite. We don’t see anyone famous - that we recognize anyways - besides the waitresses discussing their auditions for that afternoon.

We have the first reservations of the day, and the staff is still bustling about as we sit in the swanky lounge off the entrance. Downstairs is the club, cool and dimly lit, destined to be bustling this evening. Upstairs is the Great Room, bright and airy with vaulted Cedar ceilings and a faux mural of a Birch forest on the back wall, illuminating the room. I can almost hear the birds chirping.

I frequent the typical suburban chain restaurants: Bertucci’s, Applebee’s, etc. This is my first experience with upper-echelon dining. We are seated at a table for two; there’s a few other groups and couples dining, but the restaurant will fill up fast over the course of our meal.

The bread and butter is artfully arranged, not my usual bread basket. I order a water - soda doesn’t seem classy enough and I’m a few years premature for the wine my mom orders. For an appetizer, I get the grilled, house made organic chicken sausage with Monet lettuce salad and creamy mustard dressing. I expect rabbit food - tiny portions artfully arranged - more of a feast for the eyes than the taste buds. I’m mistaken though; my salad could be a main course. The chicken sausage is delicious, like nothing I’ve ever tasted. My mom orders the soup of the day, about which she’s less than thrilled.

Likewise, her main course of oven-roasted veal breast stuffed with sage, preserved lemon and local greens is disappointing. She’s unhappy with the consistency of the veal, and I gladly cede a portion of my homemade “pizza” tart with house made ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, grilled zucchini and aged balsamic. Again, it’s more than I can possibly eat, though I certainly try. I’m not a fan of zucchini, but the delicious combination of the aged balsamic and cheeses more than makes up for it. All in all, it’s the best “pizza” I’ve ever eaten.

The service is outstanding - my water glass is refilled every time I take a sip. To finish off an incredible meal, my mom and I both order the dark chocolate cake with homemade milk jam and candied hazelnuts. Rich and decadent, it melts in my mouth and is gone all too soon.

I could not fathom coming back and paying full price for this cuisine, yet if another visit to NYC should happen to fall during Restaurant Week, I’ll be making reservations for Butter.