In Oct. of ’08, childhood friends Eric Lemonides and Jason Weiner brought their French-influenced American Bistro fare from Almond in Bridgehampton and Almoncello in Wainscott to the Flatiron District at Almond (12 E. 22^nd Street btw B’way and Park Ave). When Almond opened, everyone was talking about the restaurant’s cursed location (see here and here). It’s in the former Borough Food & Drink, Brasserio Caviar & Banana, and Rocco’s on 22^nd space- from DiSpirito’s “The Restaurant”. But we’ve heard great things about the restaurant from our friends Josh and Nicole who were hoping that it would survive the curse and the recession (they live right across the street- talk about a great location).   No doubt a tough time to open but with good prices and good food, the initial buzz was positive.  So, after a few months under their belt, we finally made it there last night with Josh and Nicole. The place was very busy and the bar was packed- a good sign.  We had drinks at the bar- a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (Loire valley) and a Blue Point IPA.

We sat in the back of the dining room near the pool table/lounge area.  Nicole and I ordered a bottle of Chenin Blanc for under $40, which was excellent while the boys stuck with the beer.  Now for the food… 

We started with the Fruit de Mer “tasting of all three” for about $15. 

This has to be the best value appetizer I have had in a while. The plate had a generous serving of scallop and fennel crudo, a glass filled with marinated octopus, and a curried mussel cocktail.  All four of us were able to have a couple of mussels each and get a nice tasting of the crudo and octopus.  I was hugely impressed at that price point. 

We also ordered the duck confit with creamy lentils and banyuls vinegar for $12.  This was also very tasty and classically prepared, but it was not the best choice to split between four people because we had to remove the meat from the bone and divide it up. 

The meat was tender and fell off the bone and the flavors of the lentils and banyuls vinegar came together nicely.  It was a bit on the salty side.   

BEST PART… “Le Grand Macaroni & Cheese” with prosciutto and chopped truffles for $18.  Can comfort food get any better than this?  We all shared the truffle m&c and  I couldn’t imagine eating the whole dish alone (well, I could dream about it but would have to spend a few days in the gym afterwards).  It was rich, decadent, creamy, crispy on top, flavorful, and fabulous… you get the idea. 

I do love having truffles shaved over any dish, so this is not exactly comparable to the Waverly Inn m&c, because they are chopped, but I do have to say that I enjoyed this more (and for $18 instead of $55).  Andy certainly couldn’t keep his wandering spoon away from the au gratin dish. 

For my entrée, I had the monkfish which came in a tomato broth with mussels, clams, and shrimp for $24. 

It was as hearty as a fish dish could get (besides some of the John Dory entrees I’ve tried)- perfect comfort food for a chilly night in the city.  I felt like I was eating a tasty home cooked meal and I was surprised at how many mussels, clams, and shrimp were in the dish.  The vegetables and fresh herbs were plentiful and the tomato broth was steaming.  I couldn’t even finish all of my shellfish.  Andy and Josh had the plat du jour, duck à l’orange for $29. 

I tasted a bit of Andy’s and the duck breast was perfectly medium rare.  I love this dish and it did bring me back to a bistro in Paris- job well done.  Nicole ordered the sea scallops for $22 and also enjoyed her dish. 

I did not try them, but they looked perfectly cooked- another success.   

By the time dessert came around, we were very happily stuffed.  All in all, this is not a bargain destination but it is a very good value for the amount and for the quality of food you will have and for the friendly service and bustling atmosphere.  It is also impressive to find a wine list with a number of bottles under $40.  We’ll be back and next time I’ll be challenging Andy to a game of pool.  I wish we lived across the street.

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