The Shops at Columbus Circle in NYC– what I still refer to as The Time Warner building, house many restaurants, shops and retail stores. (I think it’s the Deutsche Bank tower now? What do I know? I’m still calling it Shea.) Anyway, on a random nondescript Monday night, Michael and I decided to give Twin Tails a shot. Without a reservation we slid right in and scored a table overlooking Central Park. And the food was excellent. So with a little planning a month later, we decided to revisit with some industry foodie friends, Claire and Michael.
The lunch menu is similar but not identical to the dinner menu, and what’s missing that needs a special shoutout before I get to our group lunch is the absolutely glorious Lemongrass Ribs slathered in a black pepper caramel glaze. Holy mother of pork, Batman. I’m not a pork eater at all (obviously with the exception of bacon) but I could not take my eyes off these tender, fall off the bone, nibbly bites of glazed goodness whose aroma wafted over to my side of the table. So I tried one. And then another. Served with a sprig or two of fragrant mint, tiny shaved red hot pepper and cooling cukes, they were meaty, rich, delicate and superb. I am now a pork person. Please don’t tell the Rabbi. Oy.
Ok, back to the fun lunch… We shared three stunners. We kicked off with the Yellowtail that had watermelon nuoc cham and shiso and was perfect, refreshing and soft. Next up were the stuffed Maine Lobster Summer Rolls packed with greens, gorgeous lobster meat and sides of savory dips. And finally the Peanut-Ginger Chicken Satay that was savory and divine. We all had a favorite between the three starters which is always the sign of a great restaurant when everyone loves everything.
Moving onto our main dishes we all tried something different. And for the table they brought a big bowl of bunched herbs like mint, parsley and basil to tear and sprinkle on our dishes, as well as a fancy bottle of not very hot sauce that added a zingy splash to everything. I went a little cray cray with the sauce and the greens. Yum.
For lunch I ordered the Twin Tails Lobster Goddess Salad which had chrysanthemum, jicama, cucumber slices, shaved coconut, honeydew and a small mountain of lobster meat topped by a crispy rice disc. (By night this salad is called the Emerald Goddess and they 86 the lobster but it’s just as good.) The salad was crunchy, savory and unbelievably addictive.
My Michael had the Red Curry Sea Bass with galangal and lime that came wrapped in leaves. He loved it! Especially with a side of the decadent Coconut Rice that was gooey in the best possible way with shavings of toasted coconut on top. Wow.
Claire opted for the outstanding Tiger Prawn Pad Thai and kvelled over the wonderfully cooked shrimp skewers atop a dense bed of savory noodles with crunchy peanuts. This dish was a big winner. No notes.
Our guest Michael ordered the Grilled Branzino in a mekong salsa verde and although the salsa was a bit overwhelming, the fish was chef’s kiss. The Charred Brussel Sprouts on the side were so savory and salty. They slayed.
We finished with the odd sounding but gorgeous looking Ube Crème Caramel with filipino ube purple yam and a delicate floral flourish. It was firm and wiggly, sweet, smooth and custardy. I’m usually not a fan of flan-like desserts due to the consistency, but this was terrific. We also loved the super frozen Rainbow Sherbet Cake with guava, makrut lime, roasted pineapple and cashew. (I have to tell you that my whole entire LIFE up until this meal I thought it was pronounced sherBERT. OMG. Mom and Dad! Why did you never correct me?? Hilarious.)
jenslittleblackbook.com 