Lowcountry for Bold Men
Rave review of the Southern restaurant that supplies plenty of hospitality

Photo By Celida Maldonado


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the West Village, located on West 10th Street, is a taste of the South. Lowcountry, also known as a specific Southern cuisine that is usually associated with South Carolina and the Georgia coast, is now a New York City restaurant that is definitely worth paying a visit. 

Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones make their appearance on the walls of this establishment. The cozy atmosphere really sets the tone from your first step to your first bite. Modern Art, rustic-looking mirrors and hanging light bulbs remind you that you are still in New York. The exposed brick along with plywood ceilings, green-painted wooden benches with brown banquets and a green wall-to-wall cabinet that showcases all their bourbon depicts a more country-like dining experience.

In this 65-seat restaurant, records of different musicians rest high above the cabinet, which adds to the feel-at-home vibe. Along with the bouquet of decorative branches that are tucked into the corner, there is a certain warmth in the air. It is almost reminiscent of a fire place, which makes it seem like you are on a trip at a Southern cottage. Hidden in the corner rests a sign "from here to eternity," from a film which is most infamous for a love-making scene on a beach. You begin to truly understand the meaning of it all once your palate experiences the authentic taste of Lowcountry fare.

Lowcountry cuisine itself has strong similarities with New Orleans and Cajun cooking along with a vibrant Carribean and African influence. In New York’s version of the food, Executive Chef Oliver Gift has created more than his take on the cuisine but also adds a concentration of flavors to each dish.  One in particular he just can’t get enough of, bacon. 

Photo By Celida Maldonado

If you are not a fan of bourbon or pork, leave your inhibitions at the door because it's on the menu and it's stealing the spotlight. 

Even the cocktail list, for the most part, features bourbon-based beverages. One that stands out, the Loco Manhattan. This smokey-sweet cocktail will take you straight to the edge of your seat. Made from Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, brown sugar and finished with the perfect touch, a garnish of bacon. Looking for a little heat, the Ginger Julep will awaken your senses with Johnny Drum Bourbon, mint, jalapeno and ginger infused simple syrup. Even their Negroni has a secret ingredient to add flare, Wild Turkey American Honey Infused Bourbon. Want a small bite to eat with your drink? Lowcountry offers snacks for the table including Bacon Deviled Eggs and Creamy Leek Dip with Potato Chips that have the perfect crisp and are made in house. Pork Rinds could not be better, especially when paired with their hot sauce that is made in house. 

Into the rinds idea? For starters, try the Grilled Octopus with Tasso Beer Mustard that is topped off with their pork rinds. This dish is balanced with great spices and acidity. Being nothing less than fantastic, this starter has something to offer all of our taste buds. The Roasted Marrow Pipes are succulent and have more than enough flavor. Try it with the side of toast and the hot sauce that is paired with it, you won't regret a single moment of it.

Grilled Octopus with Tasso Beer Mustard
Photo By Celida Maldonado
Looking for something more traditional, Gift's She-Crab soup with cornbread is not only true to the cuisine but is mild in flavor, leaving the crab to shine through the velvety broth. The Carolina Shrimp and Grits also has that Southern feeling with andouille sausage that rests on top of the cheddar grits and a drizzle of tomato gravy that completes the dish. Authentic and delectable, this entree is worth every calorie. 

Meat and Potato men, look no further because the Sirloin Steak was made just for you. The "Hotnaise" Sauce, a bernaise with a fiery kick, is poured on top of the slab of meat with broccolini and potato-onion hash.

There is no better way to end your meal then with more bourbon. The Ice Cream Float with puppy chow ice cream and bourbon chocolate sauce, will not only add to your buzz but it will improve your quality of life. Those of you who do not know what puppy chow is, it is Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar. Yes, they fold this incredible snack into their ice cream for the float. A combination of salty-sweet is what makes the Chocolate "Rolo" Cake a must-have. Chocolate caramel cake rests under a caramel pretzel crumble and vanilla ice cream, making this dessert a fabulous way to end your meal.

Lowcountry is open Monday- Friday for dinner only and Saturday and Sunday for Brunch and Dinner. They also have Happy Hour from 5:30pm-7:30pm during the week, offering $5 fish tacos, draft beer and wines-by-the-glass.