(NYC) THE GREEN TABLE: I say go green !!!

THE PLACE: The Green Table

LOCATION: 75 9th Avenue New York, NY 10011

MY EXPERIENCE:  A friend of mine, Kelly knows I appreciate good food. Who doesn't right? She came up with the idea for us to go to The Green Table while we were in NYC. Since she had eaten there before, she wanted me to give it a whirl and give my opinion. Lucky for y'all... you get to hear it too!

While meandering around the Chelsea Market (if you have not been - GO) in New York, we met up with Wesley (a previously mentioned foodie friend) for what I was thinking was going to be a little "nibble."

We meet up. (Wesley beat Kelly and me there , and he was already staring inside at the food on other people's tables)

As soon as we open the door we are greeted by a smiling (and quite pretty) hostess. She sits us at the corner table.

Hands us our menus and politely tells us to enjoy our meal. (once more with a smile)

The server comes over almost immediately and asks us what we want for drinks. I believe he introduced himself, but I was too amazed with the menu to catch his name at first.

Wesley ordered a blackberry soda, and Kelly and I said we were going to have water. (at first)

Once he (later we found out his name was Justin) came back with Wesley's soda, I had asked him about the "adult-soda" that was on the menu. There was a version of this soda that was ginger ale and I love a good adult ginger ale. Justin said that this was just the name... however if I wanted an "adult" beverage like I was thinking, he could recommend one for me.

After asking the proper questions (give this man a raise) I decided on getting a drink that had rum, Q-Gingerale, lime and... well... ice. (what more do you need).

When the drink came out, I was shocked at the amount of the rum that was there.

After sending Justin away several times (it was hell trying to decide what we all wanted, so much of it all of it sounded delicious) we decided.

Kelly was going to have the Caprese Salad and Macaroni & Cheese (side size).

Wesley wanted the Chicken Pot Pie.

I wanted the 1/2 Grilled Cheese and the Gazpacho Soup.

I honestly could have made a lunch out of the "adult-drink."

When the food came... I thought I was going to as well. (hey, I said I wasn't going to censor myself)

Our water glasses were never close to half empty (and it was a hot day so we were guzzling down the water, trust me) and when Wesley and I completed our drinks, Justin promptly asked us if we wanted another.

The service was quick, friendly, and witty. Just enough time spent at the table to give great service, and leaving just in time so you did not think the service was "annoying."

We joked with Justin because we did not get the "green" table - and gave him a little shit about it. His quick wit said, "We put all the trouble-makers in the corner... so  next time... make a reservation!

Well said Justin... well said.

The check came, we paid. The hostess made a point of saying thank you, bidding us a good day. When we exited, Justin was at another table and made a point to thank us and also tell us have a good day.

I cannot speak for Kelly and Wesley, but I know for me - this dining experience was amazing.

I will be back... and I will get that damn green table!!


THE RATING : 

PEOPLE: From the time you walk in, you feel like they have been waiting for you all year. Everyone makes great eye-contact. I was greeted by everyone I saw that worked there. Truly pleasant. Justin our server was amazing. I have served before, and I know it is not an easy job. I paid close attention to how the servers were with their tables, and they all seemed to be great at "feeling out" their tables. Some people there were less chatty, and some (like us) didn't know when to shut the hell up! No matter which extreme, the servers went right along with the flow.

FOOD: YUM! I was expecting good, and what I got was GREAT! At first I thought the ratio of bread: cheese was going to be a bit much... how I was wrong. The bread was perfectly toasted so that it was crisp on the outside, yet soft as butter when bit into. The cheese gave just enough "fattiness" to the bread to give a nice texture combination. As for the gazpacho, there was something missing... as in another bowl! I would have drank it if it wouldn't make me look like I had zero class. Of course I had to try everyone else's food at the table as well. The chicken pot pie that Wesley had...I need to pause for a moment to swim in my mental memories of that buttery crust (complete with a cutout of a lil chick). I was happy and angry at the same time; happy it was so good, and angry I didn't order that... in addition to what I ordered. Kelly's salad was incredible. The tomatoes tasted like the chefs walked out back and pulled them off the vine right after God him/herself (or selves for our multi-dietied worshipping friends) personally kissed them! And the Mac& Cheese... please give me another moment... thanks! As a southern boy... I know Mac & Cheese... and I can happily say... so does The Green Table.

ATMOSPHERE: I was waiting for them to tell me my room was ready. I felt like I was at a relative's house. Trendy, Homey (not as in the clown, or your thugin' gangbanger) Clean, Cozy! Everything you want it to be. The mix of people eating there was great. Older couples, younger couples, straight couples, gay couples, Business people, Families alike - all enjoying the food and the atmosphere! The cost of the experience was worth it. It was more than your trip to your local fast food joint... but cheaper than the medical bills you will eventually have to pay for the damage done to your body by those establishments! Considering the quality and the portions, it really was priced very well. I left there overly satisfied. I would say stuffed, however the food was so good (and fresh) I did not feel like I had a lump of nothingness inside me.

This place gets a 3 FORK YEAHs!

Did I enjoy my experience - FORK yeah!
Would I eat there again - FORK yeah!
Would I recommend this place to others - FORK yeah!


I love a restaurant that has seasonal menus, and utilizes fresh ingredients from nearby farmers, dairies etc. Throw in a nifty little name, and a gimmick (I am determined to get a Green Table my next time there) - and COUNT ME IN! I fell in love with THE GREEN TABLE.