Askew - Unique Menu Provides A Change Of Pace
Written: Dec 09 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good Portions, Excellent Selections, Reasonable Prices.
Cons: None.
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| coldsteel7's Full Review: New York |
Yesterday evening, I accompanied friends in search of a restaurant that we hadn't been to before. We weren't really sure what we wanted for dinner, but figured something would catch our eye. While walking down 2nd Avenue, we found a restaurant named "Askew" at the corner of 53rd street. I have passed this restaurant several times, but never actually checked it out. My friends suggested that it might be interesting, so we ventured in. We were definitely impressed.
The restaurant is not large, but it is not crowded, either. The room accommodates around fifty people, and there are several seats near the bar. The dim lighting and pleasant music set a calm mood. Our waitress, Nataly, seated us near the windows that run along the south side of the restaurant. From this location, you can do plenty of people watching, as people hustle past steadily.
The restaurant begins your dining experience by bringing complimentary french fries to the table. These are the good fries...home-made, skin-on, like-the-state-fair-kind french fries. They are served in a large white paper triangle that is suspended in a wire frame. The fries are accompanied with horse radish, butter and ketchup for dipping. They didn't last long.
We were also treated to a complimentary glass of Lillet, served with a slice of orange. This drink normally costs six dollars. It is comprised of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Orange Liquer. The drink had a very interesting flavor. Cocktails are also available, at seven dollars per serving. However, we were more interested in dining than drinking.
The food selection is the most endearing trait of this restaurant. The menu is very different from the standard fare that I am used to choosing from. The whole concept of the restaurant is that they serve "shish-ka-bob" style entrees. The entrees run about fifteen dollars a meal. The selections are very unique, and include choices like BBQ Chicken with glazed yams, Cinnamon Chicken with Butternut Squash, Cumin Lamb with Cherry Tomatoes and Swordfish with Zucchini. There are several other selections as well.
I chose the Cinnamon Chicken with Butternut Squash, which came with cinnamon jus sauce. The entrees are served with a light salad and a choice of one side order. I selected the Braised Red Cabbage with Apple. This was an excellent choice, and had a very sweet complex flavor. Other side orders include Nutmeg Creamed Spinach, Mushroom and Onion Flan and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. The salad was crisp and fresh, cut julienne style, making it easy to manipulate with my fork.
The unique selections make this restaurant worth visiting. They also offer a take-out menu, which is slightly cheaper. Although I didn't offer any appetizers, "Askew" also offers an interesting selection of appetizers, as well. They include Duck Quessadilla with Balsamic Vinegar Glaze, Fried Chicken Spring Rolls and Steamed Vegetable Dumplings. The Appetizers run around five to ten dollars each. There are also several varieties of steamed mussels available in the same price range.
I was very impressed with the service, selection and atmosphere at this restaurant. The prices were reasonable, and the portions were filling. I spoke with Irina, who related that the restaurant runs a variety of specials from time to time, such as the complimentary Lillet drinks that we were privileged to enjoy. She also advised me that the restaurant conducts a drawing for a complimentary brunch. There is a pail located on the bar, where you drop your business card to enter.
Irina advised me that the owner, Gerard Donato, is French, and owns the restaurant next door to "Askew" as well. Maybe I will have to check that restaurant out before I leave, as well. If the service and quality are consistent with "Askew," it is also bound to be good.
Askew is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 53rd Street in Manhattan. Their telephone number is 212-421-8742. They do deliver. They also have a website, at www.askewgrill.com. There is a happy hour every day from 5:30 until 7:30 PM, if you just want to check out the drinks. Askew accepts a variety of credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express).
I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a change of pace. The prices, selection, service, quality and portions all make this restaurant worth visiting if you are in the area.
Recommended:
Yes
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