Exquisite Tasting Menu at Wicked Jane
Wicked Jane is located on West 8th Street in NYC, home to some of the best food and drink experiences in the city. The lighting in the front of the restaurant sets it apart from its neighbors, creating a sexy ambiance for a cozy dinner. Once you find out that Chef, Zod Arifai, is a retired musician, the cool environment makes sense. What is surprising though is that Arifai has been preparing dinner for a 34-seat restaurant with multiple seatings for 9 months by himself, equipped with only an electric stove!
Arifai is more well- known for his NJ restaurants, (Blu; Next Door, Montclair, NJ; The Duke and Elephant, Bridgewater, NJ; Daryl’s Wine Bar, New Brunswick, NJ), and is the only chef/owner to hold the distinct honor of having two of New Jersey’s top 25 restaurants at the same time, which is clear once you try his dishes. Since it opened at the height of the pandemic, Wicked Jane, Arifai’s first Manhattan restaurant, has gone a little under the radar, but once you taste the food, it is unforgettable.
I started my experience at Wicked Jane with a cocktail, the namesake of the restaurant, The Wicked Jane. Comprised of vodka, hibiscus, Cointreau and citrus, it was a refreshing way to begin my culinary journey. I also knew I was in great hands for the rest of the meal with Sommelier, Alvaro Mondaca. Previously from Gramercy Tavern, Mondaco has a knowledge and joie de vivre that people only aspire to!
Our first course, including two bites, were delicate unexpected concoctions, which rightfully set the bar high for the rest of the meal. Onion Soup with Truffle Custard was a perfect start for the chilly winter night we were there and the Baccala with Yogurt and Red Pepper, doesn’t necessarily sound appetizing, but it was just the right amount of each ingredient where nothing was too overpowering.
We were treated to homemade sourdough, which changed my life and the Ocean Trout, Miso, Scallion and Cabbage course with seafood broth was delicate and flavorful.
The Lamb Belly course is the star of the show, which is why it’s the last savory dish. The combination here, was just art in your mouth. We were also introduced to the wine that changed the course of Mondaco’s career at Gramercy Tavern, which made you feel like you were dining with close friends.
We ended on two delightful sweet notes, the latter being a pumpkin, walnut caramel and fresh cranberry medley of flavors. All unexpected flavor profiles, but all more than welcome. Suffice to say, I left more than satiated and a little tipsy.
The menu changes every few weeks, which keeps diners coming back. I was told the ingredients may change, where most of the composition of the dishes will remain. Wicked Jane is currently offering a 7 Course Tasting Menu ($95), plus optional Wine Pairings (Classic $95/Library Wine $150), which is a steal in the city. To try for yourself (you may see me there as I plan to be a regular!), please make a reservation via RESY.
