Hello from NYC

No, we haven't moved to NYC. And no Chez Chloé NYC isn't opening anytime soon...I'm here for the retail adventures of Chez Chloé- the New York International Gift Fair. I've been to shows in Paris that were exceptional but I'm excited about this one because it's new to me and it will be easier working with companies already represented in the US. Look for new merchandise in the store this spring!
Rolling in this afternoon with a sunny welcome, I headed to my hotel in the Chelsea district. I felt a bit estranged at first as it's quite a transition from Orcas Island to NYC. But after a brisk walk downtown the feeling was replaced with acceptance and inspiration. I may feel a little overwhelmed after 6 days but the purchase of my new red boots on winter clearance from Shooz, on 7th Ave will help me glide through the week on happy feet! I've only been to NYC a handful of times but I always enjoy the Village with it's quiet neighborhoods and small shops and cafes. I'm sure there are other great areas too but this part always attracts me. (I'm probably not the only one). Tonight I enjoyed eating (comfortably alone I might add) at Tartine at 153 W. 11th......

After reading many mixed reviews on this small neighborhood cafe, I'm very glad I went. I'm sure the experience greatly depends on the time of day or night, the number of customers being served, and the personalities of all involved. The tables are very tight.
Tonight I ordered the onion gratinée, as I am always comparing recipes. I think I mentioned in a previous post, I don't even remember ordering french onion soup once, the entire 3 years we lived in Paris. It wasn't until I opened the cafe and on a subsequent trip for a month ate about 12 orders! I gave this one an A for flavor and color and I liked that I was served a smaller portion than we have in the cafe- It wasn't so filling. Keeping the meal light tonight, I followed with a beet and watercress salad garnished with crumbled blue cheese. This too was good and you might see something similar at Chez Chloé in the spring. I skipped dessert as I was already committed to a pistachio cake I bought earlier in the evening.
As for the service, the wait staff was very friendly and I noticed they went out of their way making something not on the menu for a regular customer. Personally, I would love to go back for the food and atmosphere, but also to witness the logistics of working with this many tables in quite a small venue. Visions of bumping elbows and chairs and spilled tabasco sauce are not so difficult to imagine. One would have to come with a sense of humor, ease and willingness to share their personal dining bubble!