It was a beautiful spring afternoon in the City; mid-70s, clear blue sky, and a light breeze was drifting over our table. After hours of effortless lounging at a non-descript Westside bar’s outdoor table, Stefan, Doug and I decided to move our butts in search of an appetizer before dinner.
Every place was absolutely jammed – a gorgeous spring Friday evening means waiting for a seat everywhere – so we ended up at the bar at Wallsé where we met Fran and Greg for dinner. Early arrival, we were to discover, was a mixed blessing. From our highly perched stools, we spied Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen waiting outside.
Could it really be them? Yes, indeed, and they, too, were waiting for a table at Wallsé. Was this place that trendy? I had no idea that Austrian food made it into models’ mouths – all that meat and potatoes. Three-time Super Bowl winners – yes, models – no. Our family rumor mill was on full tilt.
A half hour after our 9:45 reservation, and we were still not seated, but a table was set for 6. Guess who got it? Not us! But we did get complimentary Roederer and appetizers.
The food was good. Stefan raved. Greg did not. My plate had such an overwhelming large piece of beef on it, that I could only nibble away at the edges. The true triumph of the meal was the appetizers; Stefan’s palatshinken (ham, apples, trout and a creamy horseradish sauce) was unexpectedly robust and flavorful. For the first time in years, my dairy intolerance did not prevent my enjoyment of foie gras. Once the “caramel” was removed from the caramelized apples, my foie gras was a light, slightly sweet and satisfying treat. And the spaetzle (“shpets-le”) – from my Swiss husband it got a rave - “the best”. Alone, this was worth the price of admission.
A bottle of Henrich Austrian Burgenland zweigelt accompanied.
A highlight of the dinner table discussion: the ‘fish eye’ I received from Ms. Bundchen when she walked by our table, causing a flurry of excited whispers and lengthy giggles among my companions. What for, date-of-football-superstar? Who knows. It was good fun to speculate.
Almost delicate Austrian food, casual, neighborhood-y ambience, typical New York service. Why the painting of the Chef on the wall? I’d give it a B+.
Wallsé
344 West 11th St @ Washington (West Village)
The Big Apple
T: 212.352.2300
http://www.wallserestaurant.com/
Visited May 11, 2007Labels: austrian food, german food, new york city, restaurant, wallse