Unlike other new “hotspots” that are overhyped but under-deliver, Narcissa, located at the Standard Hotel in the East Village, is well deserving of all its acclaim and surpassed every high expectation I had. Not only is the food incredible and the ambiance fun and trendy, but the waiters are incredibly knowledgable of what ingredients are used in their dishes, and which entrees and items are nobread approved. Furthermore, any menu that has me craving lamb and short rib over scallops and seafood deserves five stars…
The menu at Narcissa is incredibly nobread friendly. For appetizers, you MUST order the grilled short rib with pastrami spices, buttermilk, and radish salad. If you are dairy free, this dish can be prepared nobuttermilk, too. The short rib is by far the richest, most tender short rib I have ever tasted and it is the perfect size dish to wet your appetite for your main course, or for more appetizers. Other nobread approved appetizers I highly recommend are the dungeness crab salad, grilled sweet potato, and brussels sprout leaves. For my main course, I was torn between the Maine scallops with golden beets and the baby rotisserie chicken. I opted for the scallops, and I am happy I did; they were incredible. (For the chicken fans, I’ve heard the rotisserie chicken dish is great, as well). The special of the night featured lamb… NOT to be confused with the lamb loin on the menu. I typically don’t order lamb entrees, but I had major food envy after trying a bite of it. It was absolutely incredible and definitely the favorite dish of the night. Entrees that are NOT gluten free: the carrots wellington, lamb loin (however this can be made without the breadcrumbs and without the spinach pie), the carrot fries, twice-baked celery root, and potato gnocchi.
Lastly, for dessert, the popular winter sundae is gluten free when you ask for it nobiscotti, and the sorbet is gluten and dairy free, and consists of a variety of unique flavors. Incredible food and service, and a menu that is naturally very gluten free; I can’t wait to go back again soon!