Ah, Harry's - a name that conjures up images of elegant dining and exquisite cuisine, now with a twist of Caribbean flair. It's a place where you expect sophistication and an air of casual grandeur. Our meal began with a solid martini, a nod to the Harry's in New York, where I spent my early Wall Street days working 80 hour weeks. Four of us ventured into the depths of the menu, each selecting a different dish that promised to transport us to another world. Here's how the evening unfolded, dish by dish as we shared each other's meals
### 1. **Grilled Octopus**
A dish that's a true testament to the ocean, the Grilled Octopus arrived with a sense of theater. Tender, smoky tentacles were paired with the earthy sweetness of sweet potato and orange purée. The chorizo added a spicy, robust note, a perfect counterpoint to the briny octopus. The grilled leek brought it all together, providing a subtle smokiness that lingered on the palate. It was a dish that reminded you of the sea, bold and unrestrained, yet delicately balanced with finesse.
### 2. **Josper Roasted Salmon**
Roasting salmon in a Josper oven is a masterstroke, creating a beautiful char while maintaining the fish's inherent moisture. This salmon was a revelation, its richness cut through by the vibrant acidity of cherry tomatoes and herb vinaigrette. The baby beets added a touch of earthiness, while the French beans brought a crisp texture. It was a dish that danced between flavors and textures, each bite offering something new yet comfortingly familiar.
### 3. **New Zealand Lamb Rack**
Lamb that's been given the royal treatment. This New Zealand Lamb Rack was succulent, bursting with robust flavors. Accompanied by mini peppers, cherry tomato salad, and a whisper of horseradish aioli, each element sang in harmony. The lamb was cooked to perfection, its deep, meaty essence complemented by the sweet peppers and the zesty aioli. It was a dish that felt like a celebration, each mouthful a reminder of why lamb is a meat worth savoring.
### 4. **24K Golden Tomahawk**
For the grand finale, the 24K Golden Tomahawk was an experience unto itself. Covered in 24-carat gold leaf, it's a dish that demands attention. The steak was impeccably cooked, its marbling creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that was sheer decadence. The gold leaf added an opulent touch, making each bite feel luxurious. Accompanied by classic sides like natural mashed potatoes with a hint of jalapeño, it was a dish that epitomized indulgence and extravagance, a fitting end to a memorable evening.
Harry's with a Caribbean twist is an experience that's both familiar and exotic, a culinary journey that's as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Each dish tells a story, and on this night, we were fortunate enough to listen. read more