CATCH, NYC: Top (Chef) Seafood

Big Apple Bites

I had my heart set on trying Catch Restaurant in the Meatpacking District before 2012 came to a close. After weeks of attempting to get a reservation, my dream came true! Catch won me over on all fronts - starting with the relaxed yet trendy and upscale vibe.

If you can't find the restaurant, don't panic...it is above the Sephora on the corner of 13th Street and 9th Avenue. Yes, we walked around the block three times before finding the front door...

But, the restaurant's location on the 2nd floor provides a great view of Meatpacking!

Onto the best part: food.

Like I've said before, you know a restaurant is going to live up to your expectations when the complimentary bread is good. Well, Catch exceeded those expectations...

Braided pretzel rolls with honey mustard butter...can you say, YUM?!

Next up? The meal.

 With a menu like this, how do you narrow down your options?

Hamachi Tartare

pear, avocado, and potato chips.

So fresh and so clean.

Red Mussels

chili, tomato, extra virgin olive oil.

Best part? The crunchy toast dipped in the delicious tomato broth.

Herb-Roasted Branzino

creamy vegetable basmati rice.

Perfection.

Sauteed Snapper

lobster mash, truffle, lemon-brown butter.

I'll eat anything with "truffle" and "browned butter" in the description.

Overall rating: fantastic. A little tricky to find, but it's well worth the scavenger hunt. Last but not least, the executive chef is Top Chef winner Hung Huynh...and we all know how much I love Top Chef.

Thanks for the amazing meal, Hung!