
Photo by Jeff Mermelstein
Last night I had dinner at Degustation and let me tell you, it was heaven! This tiny place is a gem where the food is delicious, delectable and divine – or was it the Chef?
I might have to say both.
Degustation serves Tapas Extraordinaires – small exquisite dishes from Spain- that melt in your mouth. The restaurant only seats 16 people around a large bar that faces Chef Wesley Genovart, from which I had a hard time taking my eyes off except when the food was hitting my palate, forcing me to close my eyes to fully enjoy the pleasure of eating.
This talented and gorgeous Spaniard in his late late twenties is so charming, I would not advise bringing a date. It would be best to go with someone who enjoys the sensual food delights as much as you and who will be happy starring at the Chef view with you!
Degustation
239 E 5th St(between 2nd Ave & Cooper Sq)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village
(212) 979-1012
More on Wesley Genovart from NY mag:
“…Wesley Genovart, a Perry St. grad who looks to be about 12, fusses over his bite-size creations in plain view of diners seated side-by-side at the food bar. With its reverential service, its frequent changes of silverware, and assorted other flourishes, this isn’t your ordinary toothpick-flying, sangría-flowing tapas bar. Genovart’s menu makes use of such currently fashionable A.W. (After Wylie) cooking techniques and ingredients as sous vide and xanthan gum. But nothing tastes forced or contrived. Flavors, for the most part, are bold and harmonious, and often so rich that the smallish portions make perfect sense. “