New American, Comfort Food
http://tremontnyc.com/
51 Bank Street – West Village

‘Tremont is a small urban community on the edge of Cleveland, Ohio. The three guys behind this endeavor all spent time together there and decided to honor those memories with this name. It was the trees, the beautiful brick and stone buildings and warmth of the passers-by that in the end made the name connect our hometown with this treasured corner in the West Village.’

I had read Hamptons and assumed this was strictly seafood.  In summer months, we crave that shore feeling so I promptly made a reservation.  I was expecting a stuffier atmosphere but was pleasantly surprised by the very comfortable vibe.  We ate on a Friday after work and the bar had a nice mix of people.  There were hipsters as well as well-heeled middle agers.  Everything from guys wearing bright top siders, a girl with killer dread-locks, to full suits.  Cool.

The interior is whitewashed with wainscotting and wooden banquettes throughout.  It is cozy and tight, like most West Village spaces.  But the whiteness really opens it up and tons of light flows in from the windows lining the entire perimeter of the space.  It felt beachy.  But the food selections were comfort food rather than completely seafood skewed.  There were plenty of options and great seafood specials, so we were very pleased with the options.

Steve started with the Crab & Avocado Salad.  It was very simply prepared with olive oil and lemon.  It was so light and refreshing.  Excellent.  I had the special ceviche appetizer.  My serving was small, but the flavors were BIG.  I had ceviche the night prior at 508 Greenwich with a more traditional preparation and this blew it away.  I would have liked a bit more!  I followed with another special – the soft shell crab.  When in season, this is something I eat as much as possible. I had it again last night at Batali’s Birreria.  Tremont’s was far better.  Both were served over watercress, but Tremont added Summer Turnips, which just took it over the top. Steve had the pork belly with melon.  The pork belly was nice and crispy on the outside with a tender center.  It was served on a bed of pickled fruit and vegetables which was a nice summery compliment and subtle combination.  Last but not least, we thoroughly enjoyed a strawberry rhubarb tart with black pepper ice cream and a slice of dried rhubarb.  Yum!

CRAB & AVOCADO
lemon, extra virgin olive oil  16

CEVICHE
Crudo of the Day 16

PORK BELLY
pickled canary melon, heart of palm, enoki mushroom  16

SOFT SHELL CRABS
watercress & summer turnip 32

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB TART
with black pepper ice cream  10

Tremont is a place we will visit again and again.  I have already recommended it several times.  We had such a relaxing meal with great service.