All the Fall Feels at Sesamo in Hells Kitchen
Sesamo, Italian meets Asian comfort food, is a fusion concept that is not heavily prevalent in the NYC food scene. The restaurant name, which means sesame seeds in Italian, a common ingredient in Asian cuisine. Executive Chef Sandy Dee Hall, previously from Black Tree and Flatiron Room, has crafted the Italian menu with an Asian twist, and Itameshi-style cuisine. The restaurant’s name is also inspired by the book One Thousand and One Nights, wherein the magical phrase “Open Sesame” opens a cave that leads to treasure.
Sesamo’s first time restauranteur co-owners, Sabrina Gao and Nikita Levitan hope the restaurant creates a warm, inviting environment to have a meal, and they’ve done just that. Sesamo is off the radar now because they opened stealthily during the pandemic almost a year ago. Located off 10th Avenue, the walk west is well worth it. Nestled into some corner real estate, this cozy establishment is serving up some serious seasonal eats.
While at Sesame on a Friday, afternoon, we tried some of the fusion items that are present on most menus, but with a twist that makes it special at the restaurant. We started with the Sesamo Caesar Salad, served with local Satur Farm little gem lettuce, but kicked up a nosh with 5 spice croutons and fish sauce. The toasted seeds sprinkled throughout gave the salad a good texture. Following that was the Salmon Crostini, another typical lunch staple, but beautifully plated and spruced up with pomegranate seeds and mustard ricotta, a delightful combination.
The dishes that came next were the stars of the show in my opinion. I still have dreams of the Kambocha Squash, a recommendation from our server. Added as a new addition to the fall menu, the spiced herb crusted maple roasted squashed with browned meringue is meant to be reminiscent of sweet potatoes with marshmallows you may have with Thanksgiving dinner. It was not too sweet and each bite was like a hug. The Lobster Tortelloni was also phenomenal, chock-full of lobster and each bite was complemented by the refreshing Thai basil mint pesto. We also tried the Mackerel Carbonara, Chef Sandy’s take on a traditional carbonara but made for people who usually cannot have it due to the traditional addition of pork. The mackerel is chopped and cooked to be reminiscent of pancetta or bacon pieces that are usually included in the dish and then enveloped in the usual decadent egg and cream sauce.
Because we wanted to try so many things, we ordered pretty aggressively for lunch, but keep in mind, portions are large and fulfilling, so no need to over order unless you want leftovers. While we couldn’t get to everything, we were told the Duck Ragu Pappardelle, Uni Bucatini, Wasabi Burger and Tsien Sien Chili Shakshuka are all popular, but we’ll need to save those for another time. We also didn’t drink during lunch, but we noticed boba cocktails were at the forefront!
The restaurant also does tons to incentivize customers. There is a lunch prix-fixe for $31, including a salad, main, matcha tiramisu and coffee/tea, bottomless brunch on the weekends for $32, and happy hour daily from 4pm-7pm with $2 oysters, discounted small plates and drinks, so it really is a no brainer to plan a visit.
For more information on Sesamo or to make a reservation to visit yourself, please visit sesamorestaurant.com.
