North Square is probably the kind of restaurant you have no idea exists. Located on the North square of Washington Square Park, this medium size restaurant is really a true find, although my first impression of the place was negative, the patrons being of a certain age, not that I have anything against it, but it definitely gave a certain vibe. Well, eating there changed my mind and I have to admit that I am looking forward to going back. The service was also on point and they addressed an issue with one of my dishes with great professionalism.
As we were looking at the menu, they brought us some bread, with olives, cornichons and pickled onions, as well as some olive oil. At least, it was not a boring bread basket: it had different kinds of bread such as one with nuts and cranberries.
The menu at North Square is pretty interesting for an American bistro as it offers Mediterranean dishes or flavors. For instance, I tried their sausage plate that was composed of
merguez (a lamb sausage from North Africa), Linginuica (Portuguese smoked pork sausage), jalapeno chicken, roasted grape tomatoes, garlic, cipollini onions, pita, as well as two sauces: hot mustard and a chive aïoli, This was a great sampler dish that is perfect for sharing. These sausages were succulent, my favorite being the merguez that was so flavorful. I should mention that the jalapeno chicken was very spicy, but so good, I could not resist going back to it.
Jodi chose the vegetable tagine, also a North African dish, made with eggplant, zucchini, fennel, Brussels sprouts, chick peas, quinoa and a crispy corn tortilla. Know that this dish is vegan and gluten free, the only one of that sort for entrees. For sure, it is an adaptation of a traditional dish as, normally, it is couscous, not quinoa that would be used. It was a pretty good dish, healthy and very flavorful, a good alternative if you do not want to eat meat.
On my side, I went for the lamb sliders.
Well, first of all, when I read sliders, I was expecting something smaller, especially after having an appetizer to share all by myself. I never resist a lamb burger, a dish that should be more often offered. It was delicious, the lamb being juicy and having this bold flavor that make this meat so particular, topped by pickles that added some crunch. It was served with some onion Rings that were nicely crunchy and not greasy, cooked all the way through, jalapeño pickled vegetables, and a lemon Aïoli.
For dessert, we went for:
The chocolate mousse cake:
And the key lime pie:
Both desserts were fantastic and, although we were full, we could not resist finishing them. If you are a chocolate lover, then the chocolate mousse cake if for you: it was dense and decadent. The key lime pie was also a hit, and I truly appreciated that it was not too sweet. This was the perfect way to end a delicious meal.
I admit that I did not expect such a fantastic meal at North Square and there is no question that I would go back!
Enjoy (I did)!
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