Guessing the photo has given it away, huh? Yes, this past Saturday night another gaggle of gals took me out for a celebratory birthday dinner. This time, it was at the newly opened Porcupine restaurant in Nolita.
In a word: GO. I mean it.
The atmosphere was casual bistro with a handful of rustic touches. The staff was warm and inviting. And, the food was deceptively simple in presentation and long on layered flavors.
Case in point: Our appetizer of Slow Roasted Cauliflower with a walnut mash and sour cherries. A beautifully balance dish of sweet and savory that captured the best of the winter season with three solidly prepared ingredients. In addition, my main dish of Roast Suckling Pig with roasted apple and slices of roasted celery knob, on a plate sauced with a pomegranate reduction, was equally heartwarming, comforting and daring in its tender-loving assault on all my tastebuds.
Oh, and then there were my other buds - three friends with whom I not only relished in the meal's delights, but in joyful swapping of tales and even a brief jaunt into baby-naming. (Don't be alarmed - we weren't just talking to talk. One of my pals at the table was actually pregnant!)
All in all, Porcupine's name is a total misnomer. This downtown dining establishment isn't in the least prickly - but quite the opposite - as comforting a brand-new cashmere sweater that is destined to become your "favorite" for the season, if not years to come.
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