City Grit, founded by Sarah Simmons, is a culinary salon in New York City known for its unique dining experiences. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Veggie Tales dinner at City Grit, cooked by Simmons herself. This was a chance for me, as a vegetarian, to taste her cooking, having previously attended a vegetarian City Grit dinner created by chef Dave Santos.
The Dining Experience
The meal started with what Simmons called the “best darned veggie burger” we’d ever eat, made with beets. It was indeed a very good veggie burger, with a rich texture and flavor.
Next up was market vegetable curry, with perfectly cooked tiny little okras and eggplants. The curry itself had great flavor, though the buttermilk biscuit roti served along with it was cold and off-putting.
My favorite course was the eggplant involtini. The thin slices of eggplant were rolled around a filling of sweet cornbread and topped with a marinara sauce, creating a great combination of sweet and savory flavors.
The tofu au poivre, an attempt to re-create a steak house favorite, was my least favorite course. The tofu had an odd flavor and was served in meager portions, overshadowed by a large wedge of potato gratin.
Dessert was a frozen creme caramel, topped with fresh popcorn, providing a decadent end to the meal.
About City Grit
City Grit was established in 2011 and is known for hosting guest chef dinners, offering a mix of modern American fare and Spanish-inspired small plates. They are committed to supporting various causes, such as Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
Despite its ups and downs, the meal was a good one. Dinner at City Grit is always a fun experience, offering a chance to meet new people and enjoy a large dinner format. City Grit is currently looking for a new, permanent space to host their dinners.
Our Verdict
For more information on City Grit and their upcoming events, visit their website or contact Info@ChefsDinnerTableNYC.com.
