Coarse

Coarse Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: An ambitious and affordable tasting menu is what Coarse offers as an alternative to the high-priced set meals notable in NYC. Chef Vincent Chirico (Vai) together with chef Marco Arnold create a changing selection of Mediterranean/American shareable small plates that can be ordered on an à la carte basis or as part of the Chef’s Spontaneous Menu for $59 or $79 inclusive of wine pairings. Given the ultra-low price, the set menu is what most diners choose. The concept is novel and as exciting as the room, an open wood and art-filled space with graffiti-style drawings by artist Noemi Manser. Guests sit at a communal table or at smaller individual tables scattered around the room with a view of the open kitchen and are served by the chefs.

Likes: Nowhere else in New York City will you find as ambitious a tasting menu with personalized service for this price.
Dislikes: Close seating and hard surfaces can create a boisterous environment.

Food & Drinks: Choices change seasonally with a mix of seafood, vegetable and meat dishes that include the likes of asparagus, roast duck, fluke crudo, hamachi and short ribs. Wines from Europe and the U.S. are poured. The feeling is like a giant dinner party, loud and boisterous, overseen by the two chefs and their sommelier who wander from table to table, discussing each table’s preferences and dietary restrictions, and ultimately serving the customized prix-fixe meal, a mélange of à la carte choices and some off-menu surprises. Meals are bookended by a welcome Prosecco cocktail and a coffee liqueur.