Every now and then I just feel like I need a total break from the NYC scene… When I’m out, I seem to run into the same people at the same places, drinking the same drinks, and having the same attitudes. I’m over it. And frankly, I’m relieved that I just discovered the cutest little place in the East Village with Steph the other night. Belcourt’s real charm isn’t necessarily in it’s food (although chef Matt Hamilton is a veteran of Prune, and diner’s certainly won’t be disappointed), or in the drinks (which are cleverly crafted with just the right balance of flavors), but in the scene. It’s honestly refreshing to find a hip little restaurant with great seating both indoors and out, good looking unpretentious waitstaff, and a damn chilled out scene. It’s just plain relaxing. There’s no “scene” here other than the legitimately “cool” people in New York. And as we all know, the “cool” crowd is effortlessly chic. Belcourt’s crowd just has a good vibe, and honestly, I’d eat with them anywhere. There’s a happy mix of intellectuals, artists, business-folk, and people that just generally seem to have interesting and worthwhile style. I like that. I like eating good food, sipping beautiful cocktails, and being in the company of people I’d certainly like to hang out with.
Belcourt’s interior was imported directly from France. The tables, chairs, bench seating, and other items are all French antique pieces that create a warm, European feeling as soon as you step in. Half a cocktail later, you’ll be confused and thinking “Wait, where am I? Cannes? Nice? Lost in Provence? Or am I still in the East Village?”
Steph and I sat comfortably with our backs along the most fabulous wooden bench ever, sipping cocktails… mine was a slightly sweet Ice Tea Italiano, which was probably the best cocktail I’ve had in ages. Steph guzzled down signature cocktails with vodka, tequila, and other things that put hair on her chest. They must have been good, because they were sliding down her throat like water after running a marathon. We shared a plate of three perfectly cooked garlic and white wine shrimp, and split a cherry, fennel and celery salad. Steph and I are very particular about shrimp. There’s a tendency in even top restaurants to overcook shrimp, leaving them tough and rubbery. I’d go back for shrimp and cocktails alone. The salad was crisp, refreshing, tart and sweet, and slightly creamy from the fresh cheese atop the greens.
We later moved on to homemade fresh ravioli with a very rustic and obviously homemade pesto and roasted beets with creme fraiche. The beets were so good that Steph and I were fighting over the last two bits in the bowl. If you’re a beet lover, get down there before they’re out of season. We ended our meal with what the chef described as a “local greenmarket peach” that was poached in white wine and served beneath fresh whipped cream and homemade blueberry sauce. I actually slapped Steph in an effort to get her the hell away from my peach.
Belcourt is the perfect place to take a date or just relax and have a drink with close friends. Conversation is easy to hear in this fun, but not too noisy East Village spot. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a French cafe, and love the drinks and easy, yet sophisticated menu. Better yet, the prices are all reasonable and there’s a $5 cocktail happy hour every weeknight.
Belcourt, 84 East 4th Street, NYC.
