Dinner at The Loyal in the West Village

The pandemic has done little to slow some restaurants down thanks to a loyal following. The Loyal, located on a busy corner on Bleecker Street, is one of them. While the weather was warm it drew a nice crowd outside and with a chill in the air now, it continues to serve diners indoors, while abiding by the city's covid-19 rules.

The wait staff is wonderful, doting over tables, while making diners feel at home. But it's the food that's truly fabulous and worth spending a bit more for an excellent meal. Michelin-starred chef John Fraser is the force behind the kitchen which relies on only the finest seasonal offerings.

Our meal began with a deconstructed martini (which we could all use right about now). The Martini Nicoise arrives with chilled gin and dry vermouth in a mini carafe. Pour it into a chilled martini glass and mix and match with olives and pickles until the appetizers arrive.

One signature appetizer is the mushroom tortellini in a luscious broth with charred corn, arugula and dried tomato chips smothered in parmesan. It's wonderful. As is the filet mignon au poivre served with silky mashed potatoes on a bed of greens.

And don't leave without trying the peach cobbler with a dollup of creme fraiche. You will regret it.

With the city on the verge of yet another shutdown, which could bring indoor dining to a halt, The Loyal offers a take-home chicken dinner with its famous miso honey chicken slow roasted and served with peanut sauce, steamed seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, caesar salad with baby romaine & parmesan, and meringue with passion fruit curd for dessert.

The Loyal is located at located at 289 Bleecker St, New York, NY (212) 488-5800