One of the #best restaurants to open in #NYC this year is called Kat & Theo, and you need to know about it. Located in the Flatiron on 21st St. between 5th and 6th, you might not think much walking by, (it was hidden under scaffolding at the time of my meal), but you should walk inside. It's a stunning space, with an open kitchen in the middle where you can view Chef Paras Shah and his team work their magic. A cool back room is highlighted by a beautiful skylight. But the real star, is Chef Shah's seasonal New American menu, which reflects his passion for local ingredients and penchant for Mediterranean flavors, honed after working in such esteemed kitchens as Ferran Adria's El Bulli in Spain, and Per Se and Momofuku Noodle Bar in NYC.
I stopped in recently for lunch, and was blown away. Chicken Soup comes with trahanas, tarragon, and lemon. Order it because it's awesome. Raw fluke comes with blood orange, citronette, buddha's palm, and dill. #yesplease
Chef Shah's Amish Chicken comes with carrot, cocoa nibs, and coffee jus. It's pure genius, perfect, and fabulous!
If you are a lamb burger lover like me, don't skip the one at Kat & Theo. #awesomeness
Ask Chef Shah to send out his take on patatas bravas. They are a work of beauty.
Kat & Theo's strengths don't stop at entrees. Pastry Chef Serena Chow is turning out some wonderful desserts as well. Her Oatmeal Sundae and Pumpkin Sundae are sensational. A joyful ending to a magical restaurant.
Kat & Theo is a special restaurant. For me though, what makes this an exceptional place, is more than the food and setting, it's the personality of their leader Chef Paras Shah. His playful and positive personality can be seen in plain sight in that open kitchen. And paired with some serious and delicious cooking, it makes Kat & Theo, a neighborhood restaurant, a destination restaurant. See you there soon. A magical and joyful culinary adventure awaits!
Kat & Theo
5 W. 21st St. (bet. 5th and 6th)
New York, NY 10010
212-380-1950
www.katandtheo.com