The Harrison, Tribeca

It had been 25 years since I had last been to New York...and 25 years since I last saw my friend Doug Fields. We were friends at Cal and he moved to NYC and we lost touch. BUT, then Facebook came around and we reconnected as FB friends. Before my impending trip to the Big Apple, I asked him if he wanted to get together for a drink or dinner....he suggested that we go his friend Amanda Freitag's restaurant, The Harrison. She is the Executive Chef there, and participated in Food Network's last season of "The Next Iron Chef." Being the food lover and Food Network lover that I am, I was totally excited to see Doug and try this new restaurant in Tribeca. Well, this was quite a bit longer cab ride, but I saw some sights along the way, The Empire State Building, Chelsie Pier, New Jersey across the river. What an adventure I was on....I got to the restaurant before Doug (remember, I haven't seen him in 25 years) and waited at the bar. Of course we recognized each other immediately (we both look amazing)and basically had an wonderful evening of fine flavorful dining, reminiscing over funny memories and more flavorful dining. Let me start by saying this is a very comfortable restaurant, has a very cozy neighborhood feel and was packed! Let me also say that I had the privilege of meeting Amanda (photos to follow), and she is a warm, kind, unpretentious and lovely woman. Where to start...allright, from the top...Char grilled octopus- I was anxious to taste hers after having the octopus at Michael Chiarello's Bottega. Delicious. This was different, but very good, with a great smoky flavor. Amanda sent over a small beet salad and an amazing troutling appetizer as well. I have never had troutlings before...they were flash fried and tender and crispy. Really nice flavor and texture. We may have had something else as well, but at this point I have forgotten...Doug and I shared the Skate, duck fat fries and truffled orzo....you had me at duck fat fries, Amanda:) And did I say truffled orzo? We shared another seafood entree as well....I just can't seem to remember what it was- I will update when I recall...we just had so much yumminess that night and Amanda sent us things to try, so I was getting confused and just enjoying myself! Dessert....a black and white pear bread pudding made with brioche and chocolate and pear caramel yummy sauce (yum!) and a lemon and rhubarb tart....lots of wine....did I say duck fat fries? Thank you for a wonderful evening, Doug and Amanda!