Ken & Cook, located in Nolita, has recently revamped their menu, appealing to those who enjoy a thoughtful and scrumptious meal. Sure to impress, this small space is both cozy and romantic, with exposed brick walls and vintage leather banquettes.
Step in out of the cold and warm right up with a tall glass of Rekorderlig Cider. The restaurants boasts a wide array of selections from their raw bar, charcuterie and cheese plates, but we went with some of their delectable new items, added along with a new kitchen master, Chef Hiro. We started off with the Burrata ($16), served with heirloom tomatoes, arugula and champagne vinaigrette. This was the perfect appetizer to get our feet wet and get us ready for more. We also tried the Salmon Avocado Tartar ($17), with cucumber, ginger and vinaigrette, which was a surprising treat. As someone not too fond of tartar, I found myself really enjoying this dish.
The entrees did not disappoint. Between the Rigatoni a la Buttera ($22, hot & sweet sausage, peas, and tomato sauce) and the Lamb Shank ($28, with quinoa, figs, carrots, and pignoli nuts), it’s hard to pick a winner. The pasta was fresh and flavorful, and had a perfect balance between the hot and sweet sausages. The lamb shank was fall-of-the-bone tender, and filled with mouthwatering ingredients.
With the introduction of this new menu, dessert is a must. The chocolate cake is wonderfully rich, yet not too rich to devour. The vanilla creme bruleé was outstanding – a totally unexpected standout. It was a mix between a creme bruleé and a flan, neither of which I particularly like, but this dish was a great texture and was simply divine.
For a high quality meal, great service and a charming atmosphere in Nolita, Ken & Cook is definitely your one stop shop.
Ken & Cook is located at 19 Kenmare Street.
