Crescent Grill celebrated its relaunch this past Thursday with some local artists and grand opening of the Dougherty Gallery. This American fusion, “farm to table” style restaurant is currently debuting its first exhibition, “Urban: an Exploration of New York’s Landscapes.” New chef Milton Enriquez brings his skills to the table; this former champion of Food Network’s Chopped was named chef de cuisine of this Dutch Kills eatery. The re-launch included delicious beef and tartare hor d’oeuvres along with some interesting seasonal IPA’s on tap and some wonderful people in attendance. Many of the local artists showcased in the gallery were present. Photographer/artist/architect Orestes Gonzalez was responsible for the interior design of the restaurant; his focus to the design included textures that offer a simple, yet dynamic look. The warehouse style synonymous with LIC is updated with a warm modern look, offering a fine dining lounge with a fresh menu at quite reasonable prices.
Executive Chef and owner Shaun Dougherty spoke to me about his inspiration for the menu and his farm fresh ingredients. Dougherty mentioned the importance of building a strong relationship with his suppliers, sacrificing cost for quality. Growing up as a child, he learned various gardening and farming skills which help culminate a love for backyard produce and local business. Brother and business partner Daniel Dougherty is locally involved with the art and culture in the neighborhood. His belief in the support of local artists solidifies the local relationship narrative present at Crescent Grill. Some artists showcased in the exhibition included Jessie Winter, Craig Alan, Ronald Gehrmann and of course, Ornestes Gonzalez. Some notable pieces included Craig Allen’s statue of Liberty, which greets you almost immediately, as well as Jessie Winter’s Silver Cup photograph; truly capturing the essence of LIC. The most captivating piece is Ornestes Gonzalez’s photogravure of the Manhattan Skyline which adorns the back wall of the establishment. The local influences add a particular atmosphere and the love and personal nuances that directly invade the space give newcomers a comfortable feel and enjoyable experience.
Although the art is a wonderful detail within Crescent Grill, the real magic is in the kitchen. Shaun Dougherty has 30 years of experience as a French trained chef and his collective skills exhibit multiple influences across the menu. I had the liberty to try some of the cuisine, which included yellowfish tuna tartare, pan seared dry diver’ scallops and Anson Mills grits. The tuna was exceptional and was served with a soft flakey filo dough ring. The sesame infused squid ink puree added a notable Thai influence to the dish and also brought out the natural array of colors present on the plate. The scallops were like sugar…if possible I would have eaten an entire bowl. Served atop julienne radish with bean sprouts and a delicious citrus and ginger dressing I really loved this dish and would definitely recommend it. The grits were a excellent side dish to round out my meal. A few other entrees and appetizers include roasted Long Island duck breast, Alaskan salmon and grilled prime flat-iron steak. This weekend saw the debut of a $29 prix fix menu worth exploring, as well. My experience was positive and I think Crescent Grill will be a popular commodity in the LIC area. If you have the opportunity hop on down; it’s about a 5 minute walk from the 39 Ave station on the Q line and is worth visiting.
Crescent Grill is located at 38-40 Crescent Street in Queens.
