Claud

East Village

I would have to say that Claud is my favorite place to go to dinner in New York City. Maybe that is because I lived catty corner to this place for a year, but honestly I think it is the incredible food with a top notch, but short wine list. After walking by the place 50 times, I finally looked the place up to see that it was Co-owned by Joshua Pinsky and Chase Sinzer (two Momofuko vets), so I just had to check it out.

Claud used to be a top reservation to get, but by the time I heard about it the hype has cooled down leaving two reliable ways to dine here: make a reservation two weeks in advance, or risk the walk in – both have worked for me – walk-in best for early and sitting at the bar. Its businesses casual vibe - you could wear jeans, or work attire – but don’t worry about trying too hard, I think one time I came from soul cycle to sit at the bar. 

The menu has changed slightly every time I have gone, so no promises this will all be on the menu but my top dinner items include the red shrimp, whatever fritter they have in season, the half chicken, and the tomato mile.  Everything is fabulous and I have tried everything – even the chicken liver agnolotti– it’s even ** good. The wine ive had are all fabulous – but most of the time I go for the $13 glass of Rimbert ‘Sur La Plage’ (it’s French and light and most importantly the cheapest on the menu). 

Now for the most important things about Claud – 1. There devils food chocolate cake is the best thing I have ever put in my mouth and 2. The wine store next door has Christian who is my favorite wine guy in the world. SO, after you eat a wonderful dinner, get some chocolate cake to go, pick up a bottle of wine from Christian and go have a girls night, finish that date back at your place, have a solo wine and cake night, do something. Because you deserve that extra glass of wine, and you will not want the night to end after having such a wonderful dinner at Claud.