THE RED CAT in Chelsea

In the last year or so I've had the pleasure of dining a few times at The Red Cat, on 10th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Street, in Chelsea. Once a hot spot on the New York dining scene, The Red Cat has had its share of great reviews, and even published a cookbook. These days, eleven years after opening, The Red Cat feels more like a great neighborhood restaurant - superb dining at the bar, and a changing menu that reflects seasonal ingredients and a mature blending of cuisines. It's not overly ambitious or flashy, but my recent experiences there have been wonderful.

I'm very fond of the bar at The Red Cat, where they pour great cocktails, offer nice wines by the glass, and serve the full menu, along with some salty bar snacks. The bartenders have always been friendly and efficient. The same is true of the floor service - very professional and very aware.

The kitchen is run by Chef Jimmy Bradley, who is well-known in the culinary world and also the owner of The Harrison in Tribeca. It is essentially an American restaurant, with an occasional nod to Italian influences. Some of my favorite dishes are: soft-shell crab sandwich, organic roast chicken, risotto, shrimp fritters, New York shell steak, sauteed cod with paprika, and most recently, a delicious roast carnitas salad that featured crispy roast pork, jalapenos, sour cream, and tortilla strips on a bed of soft lettuce. The hamburger, served at the bar and available off the menu, is delicious, served with crispy herbed french fries. And I can not visit The Red Cat without ordering the addictive tempura string beans with hot mustard sauce.

Highly recommended for excellent American food, fair prices, and good service. No wonder why it's always busy.