BWW Reviews: APARTMENT 13 in NYC - Excellent Dining, Welcoming Spot

Welcome to Apartment 13, your home away from home. This chic new spot has a gourmet menu that is sure to please every taste. It is great addition to the neighborhood where you can relax in the street level bar and spacious lounge or enjoy fine dining upstairs. Seasonal, outdoor dining is also available.

We visited early on a Saturday night and had the pleasure of meeting co-owners, Chef John Keller and Lorrae Doig. Doig commented, "We set out to provide great food and drink in an atmosphere that makes you feel totally comfortable." Keller feels that Apartment 13 is a real extension of the neighborhood. He said, "Our goal is to make dinner feel like a relaxed dinner party; an intimate environment where guests can enjoy the best food and drink offerings." With excellent service, a remarkable menu, and an inviting atmosphere, the restaurant has clearly accomplished its goal.

The "Raw Bar" selections include succulent Chef Select Oysters (half dozen at market price). Keller's Hamachi Crudo ($14) is the best we've ever had with Smoked Tomato Ponzu, Yuzu Kosho, Garlic Chips and Micro Cilantro.

"Snacks" including Pear and Blue ($10) Roasted Sickle Pear, Mycella Blue, Candied Walnuts, Green Goddess Dressing, and Butter Lettuce or Beer Steamed Clams ($13) are just the start your culinary adventure. Try Mimi's Maryland Crabcake ($13) with Coconut Crema, Sour Mango and Scotch Bonnet.

Your dinner entrees can range from The Burger ($15) to specialties like Fish Tea ($28) Atlantic Cod, Miso Butter Lemongrass Dashi, Baby Bok Choy and Hon Shimeji Mushrooms. We enjoyed The Angry Bronzino ($27) Whole Crispy Mediterranean Sea Bass, Five-Chili Garlic and Lemon Sauce and Broccolini.

We sampled some of their original and refreshing cocktails that are all priced at $13. "Ducktails" has Aylesbury Duck Vodka, honeydew, lavender, coconut water, lemon and honey. "Jamaica" is summer in glass with Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila, hibiscus, strawberries and lime. They feature a carefully selected wine list starting at $9 a glass. Handcrafted beers on tap ($8) include some of New York's finest; Brooklyn Brewery Chocolate Stout and Ommegang Witte from Cooperstown.

Their menu suggests drink pairings to for the perfect complement to your food. For a wonderful experience in Alphabet City, visit Apartment 13. Open for dinner and late for drinks from Thursday to Saturday. So, leave your apartment and visit Apartment 13; better than any cocktail or dinner party you will find in the city.

Apartment 13, 115 Loisaida Avenue (Avenue C) New York, NY 10009. Phone: (917) 475-1213. Reservations@apt-13.com. Visit their web site at www.apt-13.com.

Photo courtesy of Apartment 13.

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