Lazy Point- Montauk in Manhattan!
By Jennifer Shanteau
The stretch on Spring Street between Washington and Hudson feels a bit sleepy for New York City, that is, until you walk into Lazy Point. Everyone in the area must’ve been packed into this electric Montauk inspired hide away! On a random Wednesday night at 7:30 there was standing room only. I have to admit I double checked my outfit upon entering; because everyone was dressed really cool…..not dripping with labels and fancy, but casual cool.
The service I received from bartender Eric that night was beyond impeccable. I mean, the bar, as I said, was packed, there were only two bartenders to serve food and drinks to everyone, and I was greeted in about thirty seconds. This made me instantly happy. Nothing is more frustrating than standing at a bar waiting for forever and three days just to get a beverage which feels less and less festive every second you have to wait for it. Not only did I receive fantastic service, but also amazing drinks!
I asked Eric for a recommendation, and he suggested the Pistachio Mule. Being a big fan of the classic Moscow Mule, I accepted. I couldn’t detect any pistachio, but the drink was to my liking. If the Moscow Mule and the Gimlet had a baby, this would be it. It tasted liked a Gimlet with a Ginger kick– great drink!
My companion for the evening was running late, so while I was waiting, I had time to peruse the menu. I noticed a cocktail called the Bramble Rose consisting of Gin, Lemon and House Made Rose Jam. House made rose jam?! I have no idea what this is. I’m in! Danger is what this drink is. “Danger, Will Robinson, danger!” (You Millennials won’t get that, sorry.) The Bramble Rose turned out to be my favorite drink of the evening. The Rose Jam looked a beautiful red and added a tart sweetness. It was pretty, tasty and strong, without tasting alcoholic.
Then, like a gift from the gods, a surprise libation appeared before me; the most popular drink amongst the ladies, The Volstead; Reyka Vodka, Prosecco, Elderflower and Fresh Strawberries. Being more of an old Martini drinking lady, it’s not something I would typically order beyond brunch, but it was delicious. Strawberries and champagne, it’s the classic combination. How can you lose?
My companion finally arrived. (Yes, I had to drink all of those cocktails all on my own. Oh, the trials and tribulations I must endure.) He ordered the Underhill’s Tab: Millagro Tequila, Lillet Rose, Lime, Cointreau, Pineapple. I tried it, of course…..so refreshing, perfect for a summer night.
After all of that drinking, we needed food, and Lazy Point has the best menu for tasty after drinks nibbles. Whenever there is an opportunity to eat Fish Tacos, guarantee, it will be taken by me. Imagine my horror and dismay when I learned that my current dining companion has never partaken in this particular eating pleasure. Immediate measures had to be taken to remedy this situation. Lazy Point is a Montauk inspired bar with upscale food, and the beachy theme reads clear in the Fish Tacos. The first time you try anything is significant and memorable, and I was so happy that these Fish Tacos were good enough to impress upon my friend that he had been missing out all of these years. I will definitely order these the next time I return.
Despite my love for avocados, I would not have been inclined to order Avocado Toast, but since all of the recommendations of the evening had so far been on par, I felt trusting. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong with my avocados at home, but I never get them to be this creamy and delicious. Seriously….do they have special magical avocados back in their kitchen?
Next, we tried the Fingerling Potato Tempura with Chipotle Aioli. I’m not a huge fan of fried food. I feel like the breading often takes over, and causes the dish to be heavy. When I do occasionally have something of this sort, I prefer tempura to be the breading of choice, because of its light, crunchy texture. I’ve had various vegetable and seafood tempura, but never Potato Tempura. This is the best substitute for French Fries, crunchy on the outside, yet creamy on the inside, served with Aioli…..so much more interesting and satisfying. I loved this!
We finished off the evening with the Spicy Chicken Sandwich with Cumin Buttermilk Slaw. Oh my god! The chicken was tender and well-seasoned, the bun was fresh and soft, and the slaw was both creamy and crunchy….chicken sandwich perfection. The House Made Lemon Parmesan Potato Chips bear mentioning. They are definitely not an afterthought just to fill up the plate like in most places. They are light and crunchy, so light they literally melted in my mouth. Not a chip was left on our plate.
Looking for a casual, fun, lively place with great service, inventive cocktails and amazing food? Head to Lazy Point on Spring Street. You will not be disappointed.