the {foodie} life: Barchetta
This weekend I got to check out a new spot, Barchetta, which is a new addition to restaurants in West Chelsea by LDV Hospitality’s John Meadow and Esca chef-partner Dave Pasternack. Christian Goerner is the chef de cuisine and a partner here, while Pasternack remains chef at Esca. Barchetta — Italian for “little boat” — is a more casual, neighborhood-y seafood spot in Chelsea with a focus on hyperlocal sourcing. Inspired by the simplicity of Spanish and Italian seafood, Pasternack is putting the product and local fishing community in front. My favorite dish from Barchetta was the fettuccine with lobster, the cod fish is also delish and the crudo is absolutely decadent.
The 91-seat restaurant has a nice-looking design: 1950s Danish mid-century modern school chairs, oak tabletops reclaimed from a 19th-century barn, refurbished vintage furniture gives the space a rustic elegance and an art series by Alexandra Posen, sister of fashion designer, Zac Posen.
A large crudo menu is the first thing you’ll notice here and varieties include Boston mackerel with organic rhubarb; black sea bass with green almonds and more. A crudo tasting is available for $30 and comes in two flights. As for larger plates, there will be three pastas including fusilli with Atlantic surf clam and Calabrian chiles (below) and mains like whole grilled porgy, lamb chops and Scottish salmon. Dishes will change daily depending on what’s fresh that morning.
Delivered with gracious, genuine hospitality, Barchetta brings la dolce vita to life in New York City.
I definitely recommend going to Barchetta!
