Clay: A Harlem Gem
Nestled on the corner of 122nd Street and Manhattan Ave. is a real gem. Clay is run by an amazing husband and wife team and has a staff that is as welcoming as they are knowledgable. The food, service and overall dining experience was phenomenal.
To start the cocktails were delicious, very well balanced and quite spirit forward. The O Pato (duck fat-washed rye, thyme-infused dry vermouth, bitter aperitif and orange and cherry bitters) paired really well with the pork belly appetizer that is served with fermented cabbage, mustard seed and a delicious kombu glaze. The fluke crudo was light and delicate with a hint of spice. It paired perfectly with a glass of Manoir du Capucin Macon-Solutre Pouilly, France, 2017. The special of the evening was a lamb duo of PERFECTLY cooked chops and melt-in-your-mouth braised shoulder served with a rutabaga puree and spring vegetables. The subtle smokiness of the Midnight Sun (mezcal, manzanilla sherry, blood orange-ginger-cardamom shrub, chamomile tea and bitter aperitif) paired really well with the very mild gaminess of the lamb. The bucatini pasta with lobster and Calabrian chilies was a hit as well. The textural contrast of the breadcrumb topping really elevated the dish.
In addition to the amazing food, the service at Clay really makes the dining experience there exceptional . Despite it being a bustling Saturday night, our service was impeccable. The hostess was warm and welcoming. Our server was engaging, knowledgeable and very attentive. She effortlessly engaged us in conversation to make recommendations that really catered to our palates. We spoke extensively with the Bar Director, Andrea (amazing) and Gabriela, one of the Chef/Owners and discussed everything from the history of the location (once a legendary jazz club) to how they source ingredients to the experience they strive to give each guest. They have a WONDERFUL wine list that any wine lover from newbie to sommelier can enjoy. Clay was recently awarded Wine Spectators Award of Excellence (2018).
Aesthetically, the restaurant is beautiful. Small but not cramped, chic but not fussy, Clay is great for a night out catching up with girlfriends or dinner on a night you just don't feel like cooking.
I would recommend this for date night but not a first date (unless you already know you really like them *wink). The bar is small, but if you can snag a seat, you'll have a prime seat to watch the bartender craft beautiful bespoke cocktails. They have a great Happy Hour menu Tuesday-Friday from 5:30-7:00. Though I have not tried the menu (yet), they do have have brunch on Sunday from 12-3:30. I'll be certain to update this review once I do!
Cocktails: $16; Wine by the glass: $15-$17; Appetizers: $8-$19; Main Course: $22-$36
https://www.claynyc.com
