Big City, Little Kitchen

Big City Little Kitchen Spy Shot

Last night, as a belated birthday dinner, I was treated to the towering fruit de mer “platter” at Balthazar. Also available in a smaller size (Le Grand, $58), Le Balthazar ($99) is a feast for two, generous snacking for four, and a towering, three-tiered spectacle for your neighboring diners to ogle. It is so big, in fact, that you must rise from your seat to reach for the lobster claws and shrimp on the top tier.

Here is a rundown of the goods:

Top tier: two lobster claws; one lobster tail, split; 6 shrimp; about 4 mussels

Middle tier: more mussels and shrimp; six crab legs; seafood salad (do not overlook this! It is a mix of calamari and shrimp mixed with chopped onions, herbs, and a bit of citrus–totally delicious)

Bottom tier: a dozen oysters; a dozen clams; a handful of mussels

All this is accessorized with lemon wedges, cocktail and mignonette sauces, spicy mayonnaise, and four bowls per person (don’t scoff–you’ll need them) for discarding shells and such. Throw in a bottle of champagne, and you’re all set.

Balthazar
80 Spring Street
212.965.1414