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Joe Alicata is a 2009 graduate of |
| When searching for a place to take someone on a blind date, the last thing that many people may think of is the restaurant selection. I decided that I would pick a place that looked sophisticated, yet not stuffy; and has good diversity on the menu. That way, I would be able to dispose of my sorrows in a plate if need be. While the results of my date are completely irrelevant, the outstanding culinary experience I enjoyed at the City Cellar Wine Bar and Grill in Westbury is anything but irrelevant. The décor is warm and inviting, but still bright and airy; a brightened steakhouse if you will, complete with leather couches in the bar area. In their “snacks” category, diners can choose from items ranging from crispy chick peas with warm maple and garam masala to “dirty chips” topped with Beechers Flagship cheese curds and duck confit. Moving into the appetizer category, the menu becomes seafood focused; featuring rock shrimp tempura with apricot jam, chipotle mayo and cilantro, ahi tuna tartar with avocado, citrus vinaigrette, mache and spiced crema and calamari with spicy tomato, lemon aioli and poblano peppers. For my meal, I went with the Thai mussels served in a coconut broth topped with scallions, vine ripened tomatoes and cilantro. The mussels were well cooked, and the coconut broth was outrageously delicious, prompting me to consume the remainder of the bread on the table in short order. The mushroom and onion soup was well seasoned, and the pinot grigio flavor is present but not overwhelming. Unlike other onion soups this one is cream based, so it will be heavier than others. It was delicious nonetheless. Moving onto dinner, City Cellar offers a nice variety of protein options; from Australian Lamb Chops with baby carrots, ‘nduja, parsnip puree and mustard chimichurri to horseradish crusted filet mignon served with potato lasagna, grilled asparagus, crispy onions and glace de veau (veal stock reduction). Seafood is also well represented on the dinner menu, with maple glazed salmon served with fennel apple slaw, honey vinaigrette, sweet potato purée and candied walnuts and shrimp and scallops with wild mushroom risotto, haricot vert and carrot chips. For my meal, I went with the chatam cod, a pan seared cod fillet served with cauliflower puree, roasted squash and apricot chutney. The cod was nicely crisped on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside, the cauliflower puree along with the roasted squash provided a nice textural difference and the apricot chutney added a nice, sweet note. City Cellar also offers a cheese and charcuterie selection, various flatbreads and a nice selection of pasta dishes. All in all, whether a corporate gathering, dinner with the family or a potentially disastrous blind date, City Cellar offers a relaxingly sophisticated ambience punctuated with delicious and diverse cuisine. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 