As part of our monthly girls night out, we decided to take advantage of the newest addition to Savored and dine at the lavish Fishtail by David Burke. A townhouse turned restaurant, this bi-level domain has set itself in the higher rankings of New York City epicurean experiences. Following the more casual bar on the first floor, one floor up leads to white tablecloths, beautiful decor, and service of a high caliber. The seafood-focused menu expands across the board offering anything from sushi, to raw bar, to whole fish and lobster cooked to order. We decided to have a little taste of everything.

Beginning with the sommeliers assisted wine selection, we were pleased from the very start. Although not the typical accompaniment to the fish focused meal ahead, we took the red route, ordering a fabulous bottle of Syrah from California. A 2008 Herman Story Syrah, it was full of body, fruit and life. Just how we like it.

Moving onto the food, we decided to skip over the sushi, and go all out with the Grand Shellfish Tower. Beautiful in presentation, and incorporating all of our favorite crustacean creatures, we were sadly not too impressed with the quality of oysters. A mix of East and West Coast, none blew us away on the visual level or on our palates. It was a rough start but one that was quickly smoothed over by the other items and entrees that followed.

Diversifying our selections, we ordered the special of the day, Lamb Chops with Grilled Octopus, the Sea Scallops with Chanterelles, and a whole roasted Trout with a side of wild mushrooms. Each dish was as captivating in presentation as it was in preparation and flavor. The grilled octopus could not have been more tender as were the perfectly cooked lamb chops, the sea scallops were immersed in sauce yet with their identity still in tact, and the whole grilled trout was tender on the inside with a crispy skin coating. No bite was left behind.

A bottle of wine complete, and savorly satisfied, we ordered a round of Frangelico on the rocks and the Passion Fruit Pavlova. So delicate and light, it was a beautiful finale to our very memorable dinner.

Although our favorite bivalve was a miss, the experience as a whole is definitely worth a return visit.

Fishtail 135 East 62nd Street  New York, NY 10065-7301