BLT Fish (NYC)

During one of several visits to New York City, I had the pleasure of dining at BLT Fish—a name that initially conjured up an image of a Filet-O-Fish or a hamburger, though I assure you that Bistro Laurent Tourondel's seafood establishment, nestled in a charming townhouse in Manhattan's Gramercy/Flatiron district, is far removed from the greasiness that one has come to associate with American fast-food haunts such as Burger King and McDonald's.

A glass elevator whisks you up from the ground level, which houses BLT Fish Shack—a more laid-back, casual, family-oriented alternative, reminiscent of a New England oyster bar—and, upon stepping out on to the third floor, what will catch your eye are the stunning architecture (retractable glass roof), elegant décor (walnut tables and suede walls), and interesting arrangement of the dining room, which includes a full view of the kitchen, where the chefs work their magic each night of the week, with the exception of Sunday.

I ordered the Pecorino-crusted Pacific halibut in mushroom jus and truffle oil, along with the spinach sautéed in ginger and cumin. The Pecorino added a crisp texture to the otherwise succulent halibut, while the vegetable side dish made an excellent accompaniment to the fish.

What made the dining experience particularly memorable, however, was the assortment of amuse-bouche that made its way to the table throughout the evening, complimentary of the chef. Notable mentions include the green-apple-flavoured cotton candy, handsomely presented in a Mason jar, and, best of all, the cheddar and chive biscuit, creatively served with sea-salt butter and maple syrup.

Remarking just a few days prior, while atop the ferris wheel at the Park Avenue Armory Carnival, that I wasn't much a fan of cotton candy, that evening at BLT Fish, my fingers kept making their way to that jar of green confection—a tasty twist to the classic fairground treat.

Finally, the warm biscuit, though nothing extraordinary on its own, was deliciously mind-blowing when dipped in the square slab of butter floating perfectly alongside the maple syrup. Mmm ... nothing short of fabulous!

BLT Fish is located at: 21 West 17th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)