Marc Forgione - NYC

THE PLACE

Okay, so I have to admit it.  I was really excited about our trip to Babbo.  So many people had been raving about the food that it was hard not to be.  And while I was definitely eager to try Marc Forgione, I didn't have as strong of a "pre-meal excitement".  However, after both meals, I was a fool for not having such emotion.  I honestly can say that I liked Marc Forgione better.

Our NYC trip turned out to be an Iron Chef weekend.  With Mario Batali's Babbo as an appetizer, Marc Forgione was our second course.  In the Season 3 of Food Network's Next Iron Chef, which also featured Chef Celina Tio of Julian, Chef Marc Forgione beat out Marco Canora to take the title of Iron Chef.

For those of you who don't know, "Forge" is the son of Larry Forgione, who is widely known as the "Godfather of American Cuisine."  And while those may be some pretty big shoes to fill, Marc Forgione is well on his way.  Among numerous other accolades, the restaurant was awarded a Single Star Michelin Ranking, making Chef Forgione the youngest chef to receive this honor in consecutive years. 

The restaurant itself is tucked away in Tribeca and has a really cool vibe to it.  Heavy wood tables, brick walls and lanterns hanging from the ceiling really create a classic Americana feel.

THE FOOD

  

<><><><><><>

<><><><><><>

Amuse Bouche



Kiwi, Tequila, Tarragon, Cointreau

Chili Lobster, Texas Toast





This was one of our favorite dishes of the entire weekend.  A briny and spicy broth with huge chunks of lobster accompanied by this Texas Toast.

Red Snapper, Calamari Puttanesca, Sundried Tomato, Basil

An amazing visual presentation.  The calamari was cut into strips to look like pasta. 




Seared Duck Breast, Foie Gras, Thai Peanut Sauce,
Balsamic Reduction, Baby Fennel

  

Black Sea Bass, Gnocchi di Pesce, Olde Salt Littleneck Clams,
Lobster-Uni Broth

Banana Betty Souffle



Tattoos and Strawberries



When this was ordered, I had no idea it would come out like this.  Homemade ice cream in miniature ice cream cones. 

THE VERDICT

The food was really phenomenal.  We ordered so much food and drinks that it was hard for me to recollect all of the emotions I had when tasting each dish.  Towards the end of our meal, we had an opportunity to get a picture with the Iron Chef himself.  We couldn't thank him enough for a spectacular meal.  One that, as a whole, I won't forget soon.

Another thing that really made the evening special was that Alton Brown (Food Network king) and Simon Majumdar (Next Iron Chef judge and fellow food blogger) were there as well.  I, not so subtly, called them to our table as they were walking out of the restaurant.  They were both incredibly polite and chatted with us for a bit.  It was a great ending to a great night.

Food: 9/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Service: 8/10

Marc Forgione

134 Reade Street
New York, New York 10013
212.941.9401
http://www.marcforgione.com/