Dear Food Diary:
StalkerBoy kept our date night spot a secret. I was puzzled while heading uptown towards museum row after dark on a Friday night (clearly dead). He kept hinting “museum” as I laughed at him while assuring him it was closed by now. Only to be pleasantly surprised by Untitled, a Danny Meyer’s restaurant in the basement of the Whitney Museum. I had no idea this place existed!

The space is modern yet warm and welcoming. Wall to ceiling windows, there’s an airy openness with an intimate setting.

The lights above captured my attention the minute we started heading down. It’s romantic yet casual, nice for a get together with friends too.

The amuse bouche came in the form of an avocado puree, lightly drizzled olive oil and pepper.

The crudites had a creamy anchovy dip. The beets were pickled. Not exactly a fresh plate like the one from abc kitchen, but this was complimentary, so no complaints.

We opted for a 3 course at $49

STARTER: Pumpkin Soup with Crispy Quince Ravioli
The pumpkin soup had a natural sweetness, smooth and creamy. The crispy quince ravioli added the much needed texture, but at the same time, it added sugar level. Making it borderline dessert level.

SHARED SIDES: Potato-Celery Root Gratin and Honey Glazed Carrots and Turnips
Good and simple.

MAIN 1: Ricotta Gnocchi with Butternut Squash, Kale and Pickled Peppers
The broth had a hint of sweetness contrasted nicely by the tart peppers. I love the crisp crunch from the kale. The gnocchi quite light maybe not as fluffy as I would of liked, but the charred bottom made up for it.


MAIN 2: Striped Bass with Lentils, Endive and Red Wine
I enjoyed it but really missed the crisp skin on the fish, this came sans, but had grill marks instead. The endive was lovely. Tender, bittersweet and smokey. Lentils were cooked right and though the red wine wasn’t as deep and luscious, it also managed not to overpower the fish.

DESSERT: Chocolate Bread Pudding with Coffee Ice Cream and Peanut Brittle
We are both chocolate lovers, so this was the clear choice over the selection of artisan cheeses. The chocolate bread pudding was moist, sticky and sweet. It reminded me a bit of a chocolate lava cake only more dense. I enjoyed the java ice cream with the peanut crunch a bit more though. Would of loved another scoop of deep coffee aroma to end the meal.

Overall I had a delightful time. Though nothing stood out in a good or bad way, I think in this case, the ambiance and company played a big part. The price was pretty reasonable and next time around, I would try to squeeze in a stroll in the museum. Regardless this was a great date idea.

Brunch, then exploring the exhibit sounds like a wonderful way to start the weekend, maybe next time…

P.S. Chubby’s Rating:
www.untitledatthewhitney.com
945 Madison Ave.
212.570.3670