One of my go to places in Manhattan: Balthazar.
One of several visits to this classic French bistro in the Soho area. Met up with friends from Atlanta and South Africa to celebrate a birthday while on vacation in the City.
We tried a number of dishes with several highlights including the frisée aux lardons which was served with a warm bacon shallot vinaigrette and a soft poached egg, chicken liver and foie gras mousse served with a side of  red onion confit…..non as heavy as the duck or goose variety and the confit was a perfect accompaniment. Mains included grilled dorade, which was light and served with roasted carrots, olives and salsa verde and the Monday special….lapin a la moutarde…which I had to personally try. While I have had rabbit before, this serving was on a bed of beautiful pasta and a sauce au jus with a plated hint of  spicy moutarde….outstanding.
The wine of the night was one of the best rosés I have ever had: a 2016 Corse Clos Canarelli from the island of Corsica….definitely recommended if given the chance encounter. The wine list is extensive and is French, as would be expected.
Dessert was a nice serving of pot du creme…enough for two to share.
Also pictured is the The Balthazar…ordered by a nearby table and the largest seafood platter I have ever seen!
The space is large and typical in style. The service was good, as expected.
