Cool "Cull"
CHELSEA, NYC | At all times I have a standing "to-eat" list of restaurants in the city that I look forward to patronizing. Some have been on the list for years now. Some show up and are added randomly and at the very last minute.
Having (formerly just Facebook) friend Dawn and her boyfriend visiting from overseas, I was tasked to find a restaurant inChelsea for the three of us to grab lunch at. I have a couple of standbys, but since I hadn't eaten in that neighborhood for quite some time, I decided a brand new place was in order.
Some quick Google and food website research lead me to the seafood-centric spot Cull & Pistol located inside Chelsea Market.
A next-door offshoot The Lobster Place, purveyors of all things seafood-related, the menu offers several traditional dishes from a variety of geographical provenance, all executed for the modern palate.
A standard raw food lists local as well as more remotely-sourced oysters whose heft, chew, salinity, and flavors can find a fan in even the most discerning palate. Classic cioppino boasts rich depths of aromatics and tastes, though with a broth that may have been a tad too thin. Hake is the clean-fishing, firm flake fish that enjoys a thin yet crispy layer of aromatic beer batter. And a "Maine-style" lobster roll respects its main ingredient by addressing it only with mayo and fresh scallions.
All three of us were quite satisfied with not only the food, but with the service and general "vibe" as well. And I was extra satisfied with myself being able to come up with such a "cool" place like Cull & Pistol to meet and eat friends (for the very first time!) and barely a moments notice.
