Celebrating a New Beginning at Saxon + Parole

Last Sunday, we needed a restaurant that would accommodate a larger group for a little celebration in honor of JZ and her new job.  It seemed somewhat appropriate to have it at a space that has experienced a rebirth of its own.  Saxon + Parole, right off of Bleecker on Bowery, was in another life time the Asian fusion restaurant called Double Crown and had recently transformed into a large spacious romantic country inspired restaurant.  We were able to snag a large table in the back dining room which was separated from the main bar area and offered the feel of a private room.

After sipping on cocktails, we started on warm housemade sourdough rolls.  And what better to accompany the slightly tangy and chewy rolls than whipped foie gras butter?  Delicious.

With 6 of us, we were able to sample what seemed like half of the extensive menu.  Below is just a peek of what crowded our table.

A nice mix of West and East coast oysters to kick off the meal.  I love that there is quite a distinction between West and East coast oysters that I have begun to pick up, preferring the creamy sweet aftertaste of the West coast.

The portobello mushroom mousse layered with whiskey truffle jelly was nearly as unctuous as the miso glazed bone marrow.  And what does bone marrow taste like?  Incredibly rich flavorful butter that melts in your mouth.

For something lighter, we chose the mini seafood tower, razor clam salad and mussels in tomato caper broth (not pictured). Each were beautifully presented and generously portioned. The seafood tower was brimming with treasures and the razor clam salad perked up with a spritz of lemon juice.  The mussels were definitely more than an appetizer portion, piled high in a shallow bowl.

And how was the Big Guiness & 5 spice short rib, the meat dish of the night?  Not too shabby with its tender falling-off-the-bone meat, flavored through and through with the savory sauce.

We topped off the night with a round of the boozy ice cream (hard sauce, whiskey and almond rum) and a few after dinner drinks.  Before we knew it, the whole night had passed amid a fantastic atmosphere, a table full of delicious food and drinks, and amazing company.  Now, what are we celebrating next month?

Saxon + Parole | 316 Bowery Street, New York, NY 10012 | http://saxonandparole.com