615 1/2 Hudson St. (between Jane and 12th Sts.) 212-989-3155 www.thebespokekitchen.com
American. Prior to dining here, my perception of the bespoke experience was primarily clothes oriented (those shirts and suits made specifically for the intended and at serious financial expense). To the joy of their patrons, this restaurant does its own tailoring (think food instead of fabric), yet not at an exclusionary cost. Their entrées embrace the customization concept, with locally sourced ingredients and fresh, delicious flavor to match. You choose the protein and preparation (light or rich) and they bring the dish to life. I can speak about the fish as well as the beef. Both the branzino and rib eye were profoundly tasty as were the various vegetables and or potatoes with which they shared their plates. For starters, I indulged in the self-named bacon dumplings (roaming acres pork belly bacon, sake-sriracha aioli) and local market salad with Union Square market fall greens, pomegranate seeds and pecans. As you might guess, ordering old school is as rewarding as personally designing a course. Either way, you are in their outrageously talented hands. So while you’ve been given the wheel, Bespoke Kitchen is truly doing the driving. All that’s left is the decision on how to get yourself there.