For an authentic New Orleans experience, you no longer have to get on a plane to Louisiana. Simply take the subway down to the West Village and check out Blackwood Hospitality's new restaurant Gentilly Kitchen + Bar. 

New Orleans native and Owner of Gentilly, Andre Neyrey and his team have infused the space with the celebratory spirit of the Crescent City. Between the jazz music playing and the inventive list of custom cocktails if you close your eyes you just might forget you're in Manhattan.

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The menu at Gentilly reflects creative spins on many NOLA staples. Seafood lovers will certainly enjoy the Low Country Boil which features red fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp prepared with potato and corn in a deliciously spicy broth and The Po' Boys and Classic Muffuletta are the best you will find north of Louisiana. I got to try a taste of the menu at their Grand Opening party and I can promise you one thing, you will not be disappointed. Everything was so full of flavor and just a few bites of their Torchio Mac + Cheese already has it rivaling some of my favorites in the city.

Whether you're a southerner looking for a slice of home or a New Yorker hoping to experience a taste of the bayou, Gentilly Kitchen + Bar has you covered. 

I am so excited to tell you guys about a new restaurant opening this Saturday on the Upper West Side called The Social House! 

My boss’ husband, Andre and his team at Manhattan Restaurant Consultants have been busy taking what used to be an ordinary diner and turning it into an upscale restaurant with American cuisine over the last month. And I’m confident you’ll be impressed by the concept they have come up with!

I’ve always loved the Upper West Side near my office, in the W. 80’s. It’s a great place to meet up with friends after work for a drink, and there’s no shortage of options for Happy Hour. The one thing the area has been significantly lacking on though is nice sit-down options. And that’s where The Social House comes in!

The restaurant gives off the perfect amount of class with a romantic touch. A much different vibe than the sports and dive bars that line the streets. Even if you aren’t in the mood for a sit-down meal, you can still enjoy one of their specialty cocktails in the bar at the bar tables.

Now onto the important things.. What to eat! I always enjoy trying dishes that are a little off the beaten path, and this restaurant nails a balanced combination of interesting dishes and spins on some of the classics you’ve tried before. My favorites on the small plates menu were the Figs on Horseback, Shrimp with Cilantro Aioli and the Striped Bass Ceviche with blue corn chips and avocado mousse. Mmm, my mouth is watering just typing these! If you enjoy flatbread, do NOT miss out on their selection! I tried the Roasted Wild Mushroom, Grilled Kale with Smoked Goat Cheese flatbread and it was fantastic. 

Now onto the entree! If I thought my mouth was watering before… I will definitely be back again soon to have their Roasted Hanger Steak with Chimmichurri Sauce! I order steak on rare occasion, but this one was calling my name of the menu. I’m glad I listened to the calling too, because if it weren’t completely against proper manners, I totally would have licked the plate. The sauce and seasoning on the steak was superb!

And yes, I totally realize I failed you on the pics of the food. The only downfall to fantastic mood lighting, is my pictures just can’t do the food justice, so I decided I’d leave a little left to the imagination so you have to go over there and give them a try! 

So I hope I have done just that and sparked your interest enough to get over there and give it a go. You definitely won’t regret it! Plus, have I ever steered you wrong in the food department? I didn’t think so..

Check The Social House out on Amsterdam between W. 81st and 82nd!