Buttoned Up Farmer’s Fare at Black Barn
Just a couple weeks ago, some family of mine reached out to my brother and I about visiting town for the day. The group of us, nearly all from the rurals of Upstate New York, grew up on farm-to-table cuisine before that name had ever even been popularized. Fast forward a decade and a half, we find ourselves back together around a table laughing and sharing some of our favorite dishes just like old times. Black Barn served as the perfect venue for our group to share a meal together once more. The group of us (one pescetarian, one gluten-free, some additional allergies, and one with a close eye on her watch in order to catch a train) were knowingly not the easiest to accommodate, but the staff at Black Barn made us feel as if we were no trouble at all. Serving up the matured version of the type of fare that we each grew up eating with one another, Black Barn made us feel both at home in a whole new way. Upon our arrival to the restaurant, half of our group arrived just moments prior to the other half, so we were able to get drinks while we were seated at the stylish bar area. The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and held themselves like true professionals. Even with our additional diner to our reservation, the reservationist was able to accommodate our party without trouble. As we browsed the cocktail menu, we were excited by a listing that featured an array of top shelf products, fresh ingredients, and a clear artistic approach to classic American drinks. Our favorites included the Constant Gardener, Nomad, and the Farmer’s Daughter. As the remaining of our party arrived, we were sure to grab a picture together (a first in far too long) and find our table.
Constant Gardener Botanist Gin, dill, basil, red and black peppercorn The Upstate New York Family
Quickly upon being seated, our server was able to share a full listing of specials and featured items. Black Barn’s sharable items and platters were for a great way for a larger group to be able to fill their table with an array of dishes and treasures mounded high. The seafood platter transports you to that vacation you took as a child to the beach, the ravioli to walking through the pumpkin patch in the fall, with each bite I was transported. Over a few rounds of the Constant Gardener, the clear crowd favorite, we found ourselves sharing old stories and making new memories all at once. I must also be clear in stating that the restaurant was neither distracting to our conversation nor allowing the company to walk over the experience of the restaurant itself. The balance of staying interesting enough and yet comfortable enough for a group like ours can be difficult, but Black Barn serves as the perfect model. Finishing our meal off with an immaculate chocolate soufflé, espresso, and some dessert wine, Black Barn stood it’s ground as being bold, innovative, and stylish yet also somehow nostalgic and approachable as well. I will surely return myself, and if you ever find yourself near Madison Square Park needing a drink or a bite to eat, than be sure to stop in and see for yourself.
From left to right: assorted oysters with mignonette, shellfish latte, and butternut squash ravioli with Swiss chard, toasted pumpkin seeds, and bacon lardons
Website: blackbarnrestaurant.com
Phone: (212)-265-5959
Address: 19 E 26th St., New York, NY 10010
Pricing: Cocktails- $15 Appetizers- $7-$25 Dinner Mains- $29-$58 Dessert- $11