The Fig Tree

This post is either about:

a) a fancy restaurant
b) a children’s book
c) a new hipster band

Well, considering all I ever talk about it food, I’m sure you guessed right. The Fig Tree is an upscale  restaurant that opened last year, just a few blocks from my apartment.  Tucked down in a basement  unit within residential Hoboken, this fine dining restaurant and wine bar comes with a hefty price tag.  And so, we waited until Hudson Restaurant Week when we could try out the $38 prix-fixe menu for somewhat of a “discount.”

Coupled with two glasses of wine with a “surprise” price tag, the bill still made us feel like we were celebrating something special. (Although Saturday dates with Tom are ALWAYS special!) 😉

First course

Fluke Escabeche – Blood Oranges, Breakfast Radishes, Jalapeno Peppers, Citrus Vinaigrette
Watercress & Frisee Salad – Dates, Pecans, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Coriander Vinaigrette

Tom decided that day that he really doesn’t like watercress.  Actually, his words were “Why do fancy restaurants always have to give you that awful lettuce that tastes like trees?”  Ok, so no more watercress in our future.  But, I had to agree… it kind of ruined an elegant salad with twiggy lettuce, but that’s a matter of opinion.

As for the fluke …. interesting, different …. I guess it was pretty good.  Too spicy for me, but it was definitely “unique.”

Second course

Pan-Seared Salmon – Spinach, Melted Leeks, Lemon Saffron Beurre Blanc
Beef Two Ways – Grilled Skirt Steak, Short Rib Ravioli, Zucchini, Black Olive Tapanade

The general consensus was that both meals were really good.  The salmon was flavorful and was actually a pretty large portion given the stereotypes of a place like this.  My steak was cooked perfectly and was so tender and amazing.  The single ravioli (I thought ravioli was always plural) was also perfect, I wished I had a bowl of them as my meal.

Dessert

Liquid Chocolate Cake – Housemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Fruit Carpaccio – Citrus Fruits, Grapefruit Sorbet, Lemongrass Gelee, Orange Tuille

Ah, the piece de resistance! I can always look forward to a liquid chocolate cake, especially if I’m still hungry after my meal (which is really rare).  Applebees calls this “volcano” cake and it actually tastes pretty similar to this upscale counterpart.  Both delicious, but I don’t think the fancy presentation warrants a higher price tag.  It was still amazing and warm and gooey, and really outshined the fruity sorbet that was just too tart for my liking.

So what did we learn from this experience? Apparently food can be too fancy, especially for a little food blogger from Hoboken.  This is a gorgeous place for a drink, but with the price tag, I don’t think I’ll be returning next restaurant week.