Solid and perfectly executed cooking awaits you in the new Lower East Side spot Contra. There is some really cool stuff going on here. I stopped in last week and was delighted with the high end cooking going on in this laid back joint. I mean, this is the LES after all. The vibe is chill, but the cooking is top notch. They only serve a set five-course tasting menu for $55, which turns out to be a pretty good bang for your buck.

Each plate is well put together, with great thought going into each dish. Everything works harmoniously. All dishes were pretty to look at as well.

The first dish was celery root and then some. A delightful little starter.

Monkfish tail was buttery, tender, and perfect. Not many chefs are cooking monkfish tail in NYC, and I knew the chefs here were special, when presented with such a unique, but perfect dish.

Pork shoulder was slow cooked, and fab. Another perfectly cooked dish. Perfect flavor, perfect texture.

We ended with two dessert course. The first a sour cream ice cream. The second, was also unique and fabulous. Hazelnut, beet chips, and yogurt.

Contra

138 Orchard St. (bet. Rivington and Delancey)

New York, NY 10002

212-466-4633