www.cafeclovernyc.com
10 Downing St. (at 6th Avenue)
212-675-4350
American. Café Clover has that elusive “it” most places would do anything for. It’s a décor thing, a service thing, an every thing. Headlined, no doubt, by their pure and very healthy menu. Each dish I experienced was as life affirming as the one that came before.
The octopus a la plancha (seared gem lettuce, mole verde, baked celeriac) is grilled genius. Then there’s Murray’s burrata with whole wheat crostini, fig jam and rosemary — a brilliantly masterful combination. Their cod is also completely compelling, perhaps because it’s wrapped in sweet potato, surrounded by manila clams and celery root chowder.
My absolute favorite was the Meiller Farm beef striploin, 6 ounces of heaven with brussels and olive oil potato purée. So delicious, I would swear I was at a steakhouse.
You will not be sorry if you save room for dessert. Both the gelato (dark chocolate, espresso) and teff crepe cake (with marscapone mousse and espresso chocolate sauce) make it worth your while.
The same must be said of an evening spent at Café Clover. They are the whole package, a truly exceptional gift anyone would be lucky to receive.