Knife and Fork on 4th

We had walked by this place numerous times when hanging out in the east village thinking it looks rather chic but intimate and worth a try sometime. Then a week or two ago, I received an email from Zagat about Knife and Fork chef Damien Brassel, former Bobby Flay sous chef, is hosting a food and wine tasting event at his place; I decided to read about his restaurant and got a table for Friday night prime time with relative ease.

One thing that stands out about this place is their six course tasting menu that has been priced @ $45 since inception. At this day and age, this sounds too good to be true. After getting our usual white/red wine split, we went for the tasting menu. Then it came an almost 3 hour dining experience that dragged a bit too long for my liking. If we were vacationing in Italy or Spain, I totally wouldn't mind it, but in NYC on a Friday night it is a bit much? Food were pretty solid, but uninspiring. A lot of different puree, creme fraiche, foam appears on white C&B plates (which Connie really likes). Service was attentive and the fact that this 35 seat place is served by Damien himself plus 1 assistant, they run this place pretty well. Not really many memorable dishes from the tasting menu, except house cured salmon with lime creme fraiche and seaweed salad and tea smoke chicken risotto.

Coming in thinking the $45 menu is a real steal, it turns out about right for the price. This place has a good ambiance and a good wine list. I would return to try the regular menu to give it another shot. 6/10 in my book.

108 East 4th Street, NYC
212-228-4885