From PT to prix fixe: a Midtown lunch at Legasea

I love our village of Harlem. The sense of community, the familiarity, and all of the new business openings like Same Time Tomorrow, make the neighborhood whole. Being able to have a breadth of goods and services in the neighborhood makes life a little easier and accessible. It is our job to not only patronize our local businesses, but also to offer constructive feedback, both good and bad, so they can thrive.

In recovery from my knee surgeries last year, I have found myself back in midtown Manhattan a lot — from physical therapy in the east and doctor’s appointments in the west. The progression of navigating public transportation and the streets in a leg brace, on crutches, or with a cane has been humbling. It has also been a period of slowing down, looking up more, and appreciating what’s around me and the city in which we live.

Over time my stride and gait improved, and my New York pace returned to its frenetic, eyes-forward hustle: “move out of the way, tourists,” “ain’t nobody got time for that” — the habits of a good jaded New Yorker. And there is no place in the city made for unbridled daylight hustle than midtown, from morning to evening rush hours and all of the lunch rushes in between. You feel like you are a contributing blood cell in the artery of the city making it work.

So when I was invited to Midtown West to try out a new $25 prix-fixe lunch menu, I kept my expectations low. After a ferocious PT session, I headed to Legasea Bar & Grill (485 7th Avenue at Moxy Times Square). One flight up, I instantly felt like I had entered a modern Cheers bar and might have waited to hear, “Norm!,” if I didn’t see the collective group of food writers sitting around a long table.

I sat down to the appetizers already served: tuna tartare with avocado, aged soy vinaigrette, and lavash crackers; the cutest spicy crab beignets with butter powder; the vegetarian entree-worthy chopped salad; and the surprise fave — roasted chili dry rub baby back ribs. I am not that generous when it comes to ribs in NYC, but these were so good I asked for some of the rub to take home.

While waiting for the entrees — and after my Aperol spritz arrived — I learned Legasea is part of Tao Group Hospitality with restaurants all over NYC, Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more. I have never been to any other Tao location, so I was surprised by this approachable midtown offering.

For the prix-fixe entrees, we tried their championship turkey BLT club (MSG is a stone’s throw away), PEI mussels, and my faves of pan roasted flounder with spinach, lemon, and caper butter, and thin and cheesy chicken parmigiana in vodka sauce. Since Legasea is known for their ribeye, we got to try their craveable wagyu french onion burger with gruyere, horseradish mayo, and au jus for dipping. Their one-pound lobster pasta is also not something to take lightly, but I did … all the way home as leftovers with a slice each of their carrot cake, double layer blueberry cheesecake, and chocolate cake.

So if you find yourself in Midtown West hustling while screaming at a taxi, “I’m walkin’ here!” and need lunch, dinner, or just some bar time, give Legasea a go. Tell them I sent you — and fuhgettabouttit!

Thanks for reading and happy eating!

Kysha Harris is a chef, culinary producer, and food editor for the NY Amsterdam News. As a consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 23 years, she remains on the hunt for the city’s next great bite. Follow her on Instagram and on Facebook, @SCHOPnyc.

Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! Email us at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @NYAmNewsFOOD.

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