An intimate, cozy restaurant in the charming West Village, Bell Book & Candle‘s rustic den vibes are a welcome beacon during these cold and blustery months. Comprised of multiple rooms, the restaurant gives guests an intimate feeling while being able to accommodate many. You can even opt to reserve the chef’s table, giving you private access to dining alongside the kitchen, watching as your food is prepared, or even reserve the pink room for two, if you and a significant other are looking for some privacy.
But apart from the welcoming ambiance, the real highlights here are the food and drinks. Equipped with an aeroponic rooftop garden, Bell Book & Candle’s menu revolves around local, organic and sustainable ingredients and finds influences from the different regions of the United States. We tried some of their classic menu staples, along with new bites from their mid-winter menu, created by Executive Chef John Mooney.
Hawaiian Yellowtail Tuna Nachos are an amazing combination of two beloved dishes — nachos and sushi. The combination of the tuna, along with sesame, guacamole and spicy mayo give it the Asian flavors you love, and the crunch of the tempura kale it sits on gives you that munchy nacho quality. New to the menu, Quail Egg Benedict, which is topped with osetra, house cured salmon and bernaise sauce, is another great dish.
Butternut Squash Soup is always a wise choice this time of year, with its rich, creamy flavor warming you up from the inside out. We loved the Brussels Sprout Salad, which is comprised of pecans, cranberries, clementines, parsley and balsamic dressing. It’s a refreshing and light option.
A new special, the Crab Stuffed Montauk Fluke, is available for Valentine’s Day, and comes smothered in a lemon seaweed butter sauce and sautéed spinach. It’s luscious dish and perfectly executed. Chicken in a Pot is one of their popular entrees, and is not for the faint of heart. A whole roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, baby carrots and chicken gravy all come in a heavy ceramic pot, making for a beautiful presentation and even tastier dinner.
To top it off, the cocktail menu at Bell Book & Candle is nothing to ignore, either. Soup of the Day is an extra dirty martini with house-made blue cheese olives that rivals the best and #Hashtag, made with rye whiskey, fig, lemon, maple and grand marnier, packs a punch. Plus, the have both American and international wines, as well as a fine selection of beer, including six on tap.
Last but not least, Bell Book & Candle offers an array of sweet treats to cap off your night, including the fun Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches, with your choice of chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter cookies, along with chocolate and caramel sauces on the side. Yum!
