239 E. 5th Street, btwn 2nd and 3rd Avenues, East Village
Sushi Bar style seating, reservations necessary: (212) 979-1012

Despite the exquisite zen-inspired design, sexy vibe and scrumptious food that betrays quality as well as culinary meticulousness and flawless service, “let them eat tapas” seems to be the approach to Degustation’s price-portion ratio. While the cost of the average tapa is $10.00 and more or less in synch with the median price for tapas in NYC, the portioning seems more Swiftian than Spanish.

Quick assessment: a great place to enjoy some fabulous Spanish wines with a snack, but leave your hearty appetite at home unless you’re in the mood to thin your wallet. Tasting menu is $50.00. If you get past the horribly stingy portioning, the food is marvelous and prepared with flair and fastidiousness. Ambiance and service are commendable, particularly in light of the bar seating. If you’re a foodie, and are into the pork trend, Degustation finds creative ways to foreground the sinful white meat. If you go, reservations are a must. This place is small (almost proportionate to its portioning) in size and extremely popular.

Allow the photos to illustrate what I mean by penury-inducing
portioning …

Shamelessly Small Tortilla

[Read more...]

239 E. 5th Street, btwn 2nd and 3rd Avenues, East Village
Sushi Bar style seating, reservations necessary: (212) 979-1012

Despite the exquisite zen-inspired design, sexy vibe and scrumptious food that betrays quality as well as culinary meticulousness and flawless service, “let them eat tapas” seems to be the approach to Degustation’s price-portion ratio. While the cost of the average tapa is $10.00 and more or less in synch with the median price for tapas in NYC, the portioning seems more Swiftian than Spanish.

Quick assessment: a great place to enjoy some fabulous Spanish wines with a snack, but leave your hearty appetite at home unless you’re in the mood to thin your wallet. Tasting menu is $50.00. If you get past the horribly stingy portioning, the food is marvelous and prepared with flair and fastidiousness. Ambiance and service are commendable, particularly in light of the bar seating. If you’re a foodie, and are into the pork trend, Degustation finds creative ways to foreground the sinful white meat. If you go, reservations are a must. This place is small (almost proportionate to its portioning) in size and extremely popular.

Allow the photos to illustrate what I mean by penury-inducing
portioning …

Shamelessly Small Tortilla

[Read more...]