ladies lunch

November 10, 2011 at 9:04 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

photos: m&j

We’ve been obsessed with eating at the new restaurant, Peels on Bowery and 2nd Street – opened by Taavo Somer and William Tigertt (the owners of fabulous Freemans on Freeman Alley) – since we learned about its existence. In particular, we were excited to try their wonderful and original array of desserts made by baker, pastry chef and dessert goddess/pixie extraordinaire, Shuna Lydon. And these items did not disappoint. Her concoctions, in particular, the Blackberry Eton Mess Fool with crunchy meringue, yogurt, blackberry compote and verbena ice milk – a host of distinctly unique flavors and textures that wouldn’t normally be put together – somehow works not just well, but stunningly. It’s an intellectual combination that is very special – as every flavor stands out, yet melds together and compliments each other perfectly. The hot fudge and salted caramel sundae is no ordinary fare either – with Spanish peanuts, handmade pretzel chunks and fresh brownie bits – all topped by a fresh whipped cream with nary a hint of sugar for the perfect sweet/salty, crunchy/creamy balance … it was love at first bite for both of us. The other big surprise standouts were a super light, fresh shrimp salad with avocado, radish, wild arugula, pink grapefruit and just the right amount of tartness and heat in the jalepeño vinaigrette as well as an assortment of amazing handmade super-sophisticated soft drinks tinted with vinegar called “shrubs” – delightfully prepared and served over crushed ice by the charming bartender. We ordered the strawberry, cranberry and beet. Yes, we just typed ‘beet.’ And, shockingly, the beet was the big taste test winner with a blend of rosewater, vinegar and that earthy “beet-y-ness” that was truly out of this world in a must-try kind of way. There are a lot of wonderful items on the menu at Peels that we didn’t have the room or the time to try today. But, rest assured, we will be back for the shrimp & grits, grilled cheese and fried chicken sandwich, as well as the 3 in 1 cream pie, monkey bread, horchata and a long list of delicious sounding grown-up, evening-time cocktails galore – this place has got it going on in spades!

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