Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
I stopped into Bellwether for some quick small bites before leading a Brewery Tour. I wasn’t looking for a full dinner and I wasn’t expecting either of the small dishes I ordered to be anything more than filling. What a pleasant surprise.
Bellwether has been on my radar since they opened a few months ago in a neighborhood that is surprisingly a little light on destination restaurants. Long Island City is certainly full of hot spots and is a very desirable neighborhood, but with a few exceptions (Mu Ramen, John Brown Smokehouse, and others), there have not been many restaurants that I think are worth going out of your way for in the neighborhood.
This restaurant might finally change that. And I’m saying that based on my experience with an appetizer and a side of vegetables.
The bar was sleek and comfortable and the wait staff was attentive. I was first served their take on the now ubiquitous avocado toast. A unique twist, this chopped avocado was enlivened with hemp and seaweed and served with a thin tuile-like cracker.
I also ordered a side of roasted sweet potatoes, which is a dish I often do at home. I have even experimented with using coconut oil like this, but I’ve never quite succeeded in turning them so crisp and hearty and so full of flavor.
The sweet starch had a generous but not overwhelming amount of oil and was beautifully seasoned with a hint of nutmeg. As addicting as fries, but much healthier, I would have been happy to turn this simple plate of sweet potatoes into an entire meal.
If Bellwether’s appetizers and sides are this expertly prepared, I can only imagine how successful they are with their entrees like the pork chop or arctic char. I can’t wait to find out. Price: $8
| BELLWETHER |
| 47-25 Vernon Boulevard (at 47th Road), Long Island City, Queens (718) 392-3257 |
| bellwethernyc.com |
