“Forbidden” Japanese

Seriously, this should be forbidden it’s so good.  I’m talking about Koi at the Bryant Park Hotel at 40 W. 40th Street where I had the opportunity to eat with a friend this week.

Koi New York

Billed as “Japanese-inspired cuisine with California accents,” this takes the cake when it comes to Asian cuisine as it’s inventive, has a unique flair, and everything is downright yummy.

We started off with the Seaweed Medley Salad with cucumber in sweet vinegar, followed by the Koi Crispy Rice (a true signature) featuring spicy tuna and yellowtail tartare (yes, admittedly I got seconds), the Tuna Tartare with crispy wontons, and the Creamy Rock Shrimp.  

Seaweed Medley

 

Koi Crispy Rice

 

Tuna Tartare

 

As if that weren’t enough, the food kept coming with the main courses including the Seared Golden Tilefish featuring Black “Forbidden Rice” and garnished with a Sesame Tomato Relish. Fun fact: The “forbidden rice” gets its name as during the Ting Dynasty, only the king was allowed to eat it.  The color makes it rich in antioxidants so it’s not only tasty, but good for you.  Following the Tilefish, we received a new dish, the Peppercorn Filet Mignon topped with truffled mashed potatoes (at which point I could only take a small slice and long for a nap asap)!

Seared Golden Tilefish with Forbidden Rice

Peppercorn Filet with Truffled Mashed Potatoes

To complete the meal, we enjoyed a taste of the Banana Spring Rolls which oozed with chocolate sauce and are served with a creamy anglaise for dipping.  Can it really get any better? 

Milk Chocolate Banana Spring Rolls

Now you know what I’m talking about when I say “forbidden,” but you should really try it for yourself – if you dare.  Bon appetit!

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Tags: amaretto, banana spring rolls, Bryant Park Hotel, disaronno, filet mignon, forbidden rice, Koi, lychee martini, maker's mark, mashed potatoes, milk chocolate, seaweed, shrimp, tilefish, truffle, tuna tartare