The newly redeveloped Asian and Mediterranean-inspired seafood scorching spot Sagaponack is again on the Flatiron District. Impressed by the namesake city within the Hamptons, this culinary gem is a celebration of seafood paired with an array of expertly crafted cocktails (together with non-alcoholic) that elevate each eating second.
In October 2020, Sagaponack welcomed a recent perspective with the addition of Kyung-il Lee, a seasoned managing associate famend for his profitable stint overseeing operations on the Michelin-Starred JeJu Noodle Bar. His arrival grew to become a significant shift for the model, aiming not solely to reopen its doorways however to infuse it with renewed imaginative and prescient.
Which is why it was necessary to onboard a top-tier workforce. One in every of his strategic strikes was bringing on the experience of Government Chef Phil Choy, an alumnus of the esteemed Johnson & Wales Faculty of Culinary Arts. The chef’s trajectory took him to the guts of New York Metropolis, the place he honed his expertise within the Michelin-starred kitchen of Dovetail, working underneath the tutelage of Chef John Fraser. Following that, Choy’s expertise was additional acknowledged as he ascended to the position of sous chef at Boulud Sud, Daniel Boulud’s celebrated Lincoln Sq. institution.
Collectively, Lee and Choy have since introduced new life into Sagaponack’s culinary providing, from a tantalizing array of recent oysters, a Sagaponack specialty, to the newest editions of Surf & Turf (Dry Aged Ribeye & Entire Lobster) added final month. This consists of a 40 oz dry aged ribeye chilly smoked and seasoned with 5 spice rub. It’s served with a Cantonese-inspired Lobster sauce made with ginger, espelette, lemon; with an entire lobster that’s cooked of their court docket bouillon. Of the oysters, the Dressed Trio of cucumber, chili, and caviar, is an absolute must-try and a spotlight to incorporate in your expedition; an beautiful burst of flavors that dance harmoniously in your palate.
A standout was the Fluke Tartare, which was equally visually hanging as scrumptious for the style buds. Nutty and savory, this dish boasts a fragile steadiness of flavors, that includes coconut, Marcona almonds, and tobiko perched atop the fluke tartare. Its attract features a tableside drizzle of a meticulously crafted sauce—a mix of cucumber, cilantro oil, chili oil, and lime—making a sensory spectacle the place scent meets style – an intentional journey curated by the brand new workforce with all of the sagavibes, no pun supposed.
In the meantime, the Cinnamon Fizz is the perfect different for a refreshing mocktail for all you non-alcoholic drinkers have been ready for. Fabricated from ginger lemon, cinnamon, and soda, the drink places collectively a refreshing burst of flavors that works properly with any dish on the menu. However for individuals who get pleasure from a craft cocktail and feeling adventurous, you can go for a Bateau Banane, a concoction of banana mezcal and curacao, or The Seaside Sundown, a mix of vodka, Chambord, lime, lychee, and orange in every sip – all made by mixologist Alex Parker. Did I point out they’ve joyful hour on the day by day, apart from Sundays?
In the event you’re on the lookout for comforting meals, the Fried Artichokes, together with pecorino, za’atar, mint, yogurt, is your go-to, alongside the Butternut Squash Soup served with ginger coconut cream, pumpkin seeds, and Aleppo, and positively the star of the season. The brand new Lobster Mac and Cheese consists of 5 sorts of cheese, which equally they use for grilled cheese served throughout their occasions completely; in any case, the restaurant does contemplate itself an occasion area, and rightfully so. Different highlights embrace the Asian-inspired twist on calamari, which provides an thrilling dimension to the starters, seasoned with guindilla, parsley, and complemented by a zesty Calabrian chili aioli. In the event you’re out with a gaggle, you possibly can share a Seafood Paella that includes a mess of seafood, from lobster inventory, to chorizo and mussels, shrimp, and scallions.
All in all, Sagaponack blends each land and sea into an ideal pairing. The desert menu exceeds all expectations, with the Thai Milk Cake, as an impeccable option to conclude your eating expertise. The cake consists of cinnamon, pecan, and mango perfection. The potent Crème Brûlée consists of diced strawberries on high of its exhausting caramel layer; which was probably made by Lee himself who’s been studying find out how to bake throughout his time managing the kitchen too.
Kyung-il Lee tells us, “Working within the kitchen gave me insights from the chef’s and kitchen’s perspective. Embracing numerous viewpoints in hospitality, understanding kitchen operations enhances my data of processes and the individuals concerned. Being hospitable extends to workers, and dealing with the kitchen workers helps me serve them higher as an proprietor.”
This displays the sentiment on the location saying, “our purpose for the restaurant was easy – herald a gifted chef with a ardour for meals. Somebody who may whip up top-notch dishes whereas making it approachable.”
LOCATION: 4 W 22ndSt., New York, NY 10010
WEBSITE: https://www.saganewyork.com/
PHONE: 212-229-2226
INSTAGRAM: @sagavibes
HOURS: Monday–Wednesday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -10 pm Thursday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am -3 pm; 5 pm -11 pm; Sunday: Closed
Reporting by Alison Andrea Lopez
Originally posted 2023-12-08 05:03:18.