Minetta Tavern @ NYC ****

Dry Aged Côte de Boeuf with Roasted Marrow Bones

After reading a review of this restaurant by the NYT’s Frank Bruni in which he mentions “sublime hunk[s] of glorious meat that you dream about hours later [and] pine for the next day,” my appetite was thoroughly aroused. The multimedia slideshow that accompanied the article paraded an array of dishes glistening with fat, oozing sauce, and dripping blood in a manner that can most appropriately described as erotic. I was not a bit surprised that making a reservation one month in advance involved the deployment of half the weapons in my negotitation arsenal. In hindsight, I am glad that I was forced to exercise patience. Delay of gratification can only enhance the delights of indulgence, and in this case the combination of dizzy anticipation and decadent lived experience resulted in a rare and complete satiety. Each exquisite bite of bone marrow slathered atop a crisp baguette soldier was an explosion of flavor subtly sweetened with shallot confit. After a good meal, a dear friend of mine often quips that she feels like “licking the plate clean.” I think my fellow diners would have been thoroughly scandalized had I acted upon the urge to do that and more to the nearly-stripped beef bones crying out for attention. I know my dinner date was rather surprised that his humble steak tartare could cause, compell rather, a most wicked reaching across of the table. From the electric spark of fingers momentarily entwined around the same fork to the mutual sighs of pleasure in consumption, the destiny of a meal shared at Minetta Tavern is that of becoming a seriously sensual feast.

Details: 113 Macdougal St New York, NY 10012-1201 (+1-212-475-3850)