Hearth
403 E 12th St
New York, NY 10009
I finally made it to Hearth last weekend while in NYC. It had been on my list of restaurants to try, so I was thrilled when my friend let me know she had made reservations.
Numerous friends and co-workers had recommended the restaurant, giving it glowing reviews. One of my friends claimed Hearth was his favorite place in the City, and his go-to restaurant to impress a date. While I wouldn’t necessarily ask him for dating advice, I tend to agree with his choice in restaurants.
The atmosphere was cozy and romantic, yet there were several large tables in the middle of the main dinning area, appropriate for groups. We were warmly greeted and treated extremely well. The entire staff was very knowledgeable, some of the best service I’ve ever had.
Alright, now for the food. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, or a restaurant by it’s bread, but I was disappointed. I love me some carbs and the bread received was plain old sliced seeded Italian bread, the kind my family has been buying in the grocery store for years.
Luckily, Hearth quickly redeemed themselves by presenting chilled soup of chard, fennel and cucumber with hints of basil. It was delicious, velvety and smooth, a nice start to the meal. For the first course I ordered the artichoke salad with escarole, Parmesan and black truffle purée. Who doesn’t love a good truffle purée? Coupled with the artichokes, it was a winning combo.
Sturgeon wrapped in prosciutto, sautéed and accented with figs and fennel was served for the main course. The prosciutto was perfectly crisp on the outside, however the fish itself was a bit overcooked and dry. The figs created a complementary sweetness to the prosciutto and fennel. As a side, we ordered the gnocchi, one of the house specialties. To be perfectly honest, I have not had gnocchi since I was in Italy, about four years ago. I was skeptical; so few places can create the perfect balance of potato and dough. Aside from the slightly excess amount of Parmesan on top, it was delicious, Bravo.
The dessert consisted of sweet corn ice cream and berry compote. The ice cream did not have actual kernels mixed in (phew), but rather was accented with warm ones instead. The ice cream was sweet, but not overpowering. When is this coming to my grocer’s freezer section?
Also of note, was the extensive wine and beer list. Overpriced, but they always are ($8.50 for a Brooklyn lager?). The list was sliced and diced by red, white, glasses, bottles seasonal and region.
Overall, Hearth provided good food and great service. I would recommend this as a place to be in Winter months, with the fireplace running and perhaps a date by your side, but I provide restaurant reviews, not dating advice.
