I’ve walked past Apple Restaurant in the past and noticed there always seemed to be large crowds entering an exiting. So I put it on “to dine” list.
Apple is what I would describe as a Pan Asian Fusion Vietnamese / Vegetarian restaurant. Since one in my invited dining party is a vegetarian, I thought it would be a good place to check out.
Apple is easily accessible being located in the Village just east of Washington Square park. This restaurant is on opentable and I always suggest using that service to book reservations. Since this was early on a weeknight I dont think we would have had trouble with a walking but I like being prepared. The dress code is very casual.
Enter the restaurant you're greeted by a dry ice display. I found that rather odd.
You then enter into a space with a gigantic bar. It’s pretty nondescript, in a strip club sort of way. The bar take up about half the space of the entire venue. You walk through the bar and you’re seated on the restaurant “half” of the venue and it, like the bar side, is pretty bland. It’s very dark, minimal Asian “inspired” decor, a high ceiling and tantric music - My God, it’s the 80’s!. I got the feeling this was a restaurant that turns into a Club MTV at night. I put on a brave face and brace for the worst.
We’re seated. The waitress comes over and is super pleasant and sweet. She goes over the menu and takes our drink order. We ordered some wine, Coconut Martini and a Daiquiri. After I sip, I thought this evening may be salvageable! The drink are nice and inexpensive!
We look over the menu and it seems pretty, but did notice quite a few vegetarian appiterss and entrees. We chose Shrimp Rolls, Calamari, Veggie Tempura and Crab Cakes for appetizer. The Calamari was perfect. The Shrimp rolls we nice and crispy on the outside and nice and meaty on the inside. The Crab Cakes smelled Delicious and didn’t crumble and were substantial in size and flavor. Skip the Tempura...it was forgettable! Other than the Tempura, overall, I’d say the appetizer are spot on.
For entrees we ordered the Chilean Sea Bass, Vietnamese duck and Chicken Lemongrass. The Sea Bass had a little too much tamarind sauce and the duck was crispy enough, for me, but both were nicely done.
The service was nice, our server wasn’t obtrusive, rude or forgetful, in fact she was a bit perky. I’ll chalk that up to first week on the job jitters.
The price is moderate although I felt the entree’s were maybe five dollars too much. The drinks and the appetizers were appropriately priced, based on portion size. I felt this was an average priced meal for three people who had multiple cocktails.
I doubt I would return for a meal, but would come for appetizers and drinks after work. I would also suggest this for large groups as there is plenty enough space to spread out without feeling crowded.
Apple Restaurant and Bom Bar
17 Waverly Place
New York, New York 10003
Tel: 212.473.8888
web: www.applerestaurant.com
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