If you are craving a taste of London but taking a six-hours long flight from New York City is not in your plans, satisfying your appetite is right at your grasp. Prepare to have your yearnings for British cuisine quenched at The Fat Radish in the Lower East Side.
Located at 17 Orchard Street in Manhattan, The Fat Radish was designed and founded by Phil Winser with partner Ben Towill in 2010. After its profitable success in New York City, Phil wanted to share his food with the world. In 2012, he took the concept of The Fat Radish to Paris during Paris Fashion Week, and then made his way to Rio de Janeiro for the 2014 World Cup. Phil continued to take the concept around the world, including Shanghai, together with designer Tory Burch, and to Tel Aviv for Round Table by American Express. Manager partner, Natalie Freihon, oversees all restaurant operations, and with her extensive knowledge of the food and hospitality industry, she continues to bring Phil’s inspiration and ideas to life.
As a nod to its British roots, The Fat Radish has a rustic and simple interior. When it comes to its menu, you will find dishes that are both healthy and hearty. The ingredients chosen by Executive Chef Nick Wilber, who joined The Fat Radish team in 2009, are meticulously selected to produce colorful, aromatic, and delectable meals. Chef Nick Wilber began his work under the James Beard award-winning chef, Bradford Thompson. In New York City, he has worked as Chef de Partie for Chef Daniel Boulud. While at Boulud, the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars.
Two of the most popular starter dishes at The Fat Radish are the Scotch Egg with seeded mustard and cornichons, and the Baby Beets Salad, accompanied by pistachios, pecorino cheese, and chamomile dressing. If you are feeling adventurous, you do not want to miss the Long Island Fluke Crudo with young peach ceviche, and purslane. For a more robust meal, our choice is the Bacon Cheeseburger, with lettuce, herb fries, and house pickle. The burger will satisfy your craving for some grease without the heavy after effects that some burgers can cause.
The Fat Radish also shines thanks to its list of cocktails. The Bamboo, a mix of Lo-Fi Sweet Vermouth, Lustau Amontillado & Pedro Ximenez Sherries, and chocolate is a low ABV option. Generally, this is a drink stirred with vermouth, sherry, and bitters, but The Fat Radish take on this classic is packed with unforgettable flavors. The cocktail was specially created to be paired with seafood dishes in the low country. You cannot leave The Fat Radish without having their popular Gin & Tonic. Their take of this very British cocktail is made with Fords Gin, cucumber, Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, and cracked black pepper. The result is a cocktail that is crisp, and refreshing, and that boasts an extra kick from the black pepper.
Skipping all the hassles of plane travel, and just a train or taxi ride away, The Fat Radish in the Lower East Side is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for British cuisine. If you think British food is all about greasy fish and chips, a visit to The Fat Radish will vanish this misconception away. Emphasizing locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, this cozy little restaurant offer dishes that will leave you pleasantly surprised. – GM
