Navarre

Navarre Restaurant Review:

Navarre is located in the thick of Northeast 28th Avenue's restaurant row. Its wine selection comprises more than 50 varieties by the glass, and half bottle, full bottle and even three-quarters of a bottle options. Based on the produce delivery from a nearby CSA (47th Avenue Farms), chefs plan the accompanying menu, which arrives on a clipboard, sushi bar-style, and diners mark off their choices of small and large plates, and the order is then whisked to the kitchen. Expect dishes to be simple, almost spare, such as homemade pickles, radishes with butter or sautéed greens. Entrées range from hanger steak to crab cakes, and trout baked in parchment to braised lamb. There's even a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Dishes sometimes arrive a bit willy-nilly, making this place off target for anyone committed to eating a meal in a particular order. One exception, dessert, perhaps almond cake, is delivered as expected at the meal's end. The kitchen also runs out of dishes frequently, but diners with a sense of adventure will find much to explore and enjoy.