It used to be BBQ ribs and then for a while it was chicken wings, but now it’s mushrooms. If these items are on a restaurant menu, it will be very difficult for me to not order them.
So when I checked out the online menu from the recently opened vegetable-forward The Wesley and saw that fungi figured in to a few of their menu items, I knew my meal there was meant to be.
I was only able to visit at brunch, so the Mushroom Ceviche and Pressed Maitake were unfortunately not available. I made my meal up of the most obvious choice (for me) on the menu.
The mushroom sandwich resembled (in taste and appearance), a refined BLT despite the fact that it had none of those actual ingredients (aside from the bread).
Beneath the buttery grilled sourdough lay meaty charred cremini mushrooms that were enhanced and spiced by a creamy avocado mousse, peppery charred cabbage, and bits of earthy fennel. Some lemony sumac brightened the entire thing up.
It was a light, rich and flavorful afternoon meal. I am very eager to come try the dinner mushrooms. And, as it turns out, all you need to do is say mushrooms – and cook them well, of course – and you’ve won my heart. Price: $24
| THE WESLEY |
| 310 West 4th Street (between West 12th and Bank Street), West Village (646) 559-0061 |
| thewesley.co |
