From a meat-free iteration of keema at Indian Accent to a gourmet take on lo mein at Clancey that will make you rethink leftovers forever, here’s what the Gotham team ate this month….
Soy keema at Indian Accent (123 W. 56th St.).“I didn't believe Indian Accent's version of keema—which traditionally comprises bits of ground lamb and peas stewing in a mélange of spices—was meat free. But it didn't matter that this dish uses soy curd and is accompanied with tiny rolls lacquered with lime leaf butter; it's addictive. I kept thinking I was eating a vegetarian sloppy Joe—a much better one, meat or no meat." –Bao Ong
Roti with Banana and Coconut Palm Sugar at Pinto Garden (117 W. 10th St.). “The roti on the menu at Pinto Garden's newly-launched Bangkok-themed brunch are akin to Thai-style pancakes. Swathed in caramelized banana, housemade coconut palm sugar, seasonal fruit, walnuts, and coconut flakes, they're decadently eclectic, while simultaneously catering to nostalgia.” –Gabrielle Pedriani
Yesterday’s Lo Mein at Clancey (79 Clinton St.). “This is not your average takeout lo mein. All the salty, sweet, and satisfying flavors of the usual Chinese food favorite are there, but this dish gets kicked up a notch with decadent pieces of pork belly that are crispy on the outside and tenderly juicy on the inside. The noodles are served cold, and the pork belly hot to appeal to both camps of leftover enthusiasts—those who enjoy their food as-is from the fridge and those who heat it up in the microwave. Did we mention that this dish arrives artfully spilling out of a takeout carton, just like the real deal? Pro tip: Order this as a shareable app and then the unparalleled truffled grilled cheese as your main.” –Cait Rohan Kelly
Burger at Chumley's (86 Bedford St.). “Does New York really need another $25 burger? Ordinarily, I'd say no, but after trying the one here—it's drenched in bone marrow, giving it a deliciously unctuous flavor, and served with a side of twice-blanched French fries—I've changed my mind.” –Oussama Zahr
Big Fat Greek Bowl at Two Forks (119 W. 40th St.). “New fast-casual eatery Two Forks is all about slow cooking served fast. The pulled lamb with green herb sauce, cucumber, tomato, and olive slaw tasted like a dish at a high-end Greek restaurant, but was easily consumed on a lunch break.” –Jordi Lippe-McGraw
Tarte Flambée at The Bar Room at The Modern (9 W. 53rd St.). “This dish is spoken of in such reverential tones, you would think it was sainted. I finally got the opportunity to try the Alsatian appetizer this month and I now fully understand the adoration. The crust is impossibly thin and crunchy, the bacon perfectly salted, and the onions satisfyingly sweet. My only regret is that I didn't order two.” –Juliet Izon
Ropa Vieja at Cuba (222 Thompson St.). “Though this spot is tucked away in the Village, the ropa vieja (which translates to “old clothes”) is hearty, delectable, and as authentic as what I tasted when I was actually in Cuba. The delicious mojitos, live music, and cigar rollers definitely don't detract from the experience either.” –Francesca Conlin