26 Seventh Avenue South (Leroy Street)
New York, N.Y. 10014
West Village (212) 255-1795
maslagrillade.com
“A seasonal menu of locally grown and sustainably raised foods cooked solely over wood fires of oak, apple and other hardwoods”
OHHH BABY, did this description catch my eye!! Immediately, this place was on my go-to list.
I was literally counting down the days for my Mas (La Grillade) experience- but of course, I still arrived late for my reservation! As expected, the tardiness did not prevent my friends from ordering drinks.
With a quick glance, I looked over the cocktail list and commented that a drink sounded “really strange”. Seconds later, the bartender/mixologist appeared and explained the complexities of his concoction, a fermented homebrew of a multitude of ingredients, and how it took months to perfect.
So, I tried the drink and… it was awesome!!! Kudos!
Every item on the Mas (La Grillade) menu is grilled over a wood fire -with limited choices that involve sauces or rubs. The chef sent out a wonderful grilled scallop muse-bouche for each of us at the table followed up with a grilled tartine of ricotta, anchovies, and charred tomatoes and olive.
For the appetizer, I shared wood-fired Oysters and Creamy Pumpkin Soup. When it came to entrees, we were updated that the Rack of Lamb and the Duck were sold out for the night. These were my top choices! Although slightly disappointed, the waiter raved about the grilled chicken, promising it would be ‘The Best Chicken’ I would ever eat. So I chose the Grilled Chicken! Other entrees at the table included Red Snapper, and Grilled Sweetbreads. Sides for sharing were Hen of the Woods Mushrooms and Brussel Sprouts. Despite being stuffed with our entrees, we still ordered dessert! We shared the chocolate ganache dessert and gingerbread cake with eggnog ice-cream drizzled with blueberries. Both were absolutely delicious.
From my cocktail to the amuse-bouche to the dessert- everything was sooo flavorful. The grilling technique was perfected to a tee! My chicken was the best grilled chicken I have ever had- and although grilled chicken seems like an odd item to rave about- it completely stood up to the hype! The flavors of each dish were true to their ingredients and the grill. I can’t wait to go back, especially since the menu is seasonal and ever changing!
Would I go back?- Absolutely!
What I liked most?- I loved that the dishes were seasonal, grilled to perfection, and simply delicious.
What I liked least?- Unfortunately, there were not many vegetarian options on the menu when I dined at Mas (Las Grillade). I would suggest checking the menu ahead of time if you plan to be dining with a vegetarian.
