New York City’s landscape and culinary scene is undisputable—inspiring and ever-changing. Off-the-menu items that are all the talk among your favorite restaurants at the moment! SOMETHING NEW Caffe Commerce and Aqua stand out above the rest of this year’s culinary nuggets. Their one-of-a-kind creations always keep the regulars coming back again, and again!
Cafe Commerce, known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic menu, features a popular off-menu item: the buri shabu shabu. Here’s a plate of yellowtail sashimi that costs $36. It’s exquisitely prepared in a hearty garlic dashi broth and served with a soy-egg sauce for dipping. Local diners have proven this well-kept secret to be one of their favorites among those-in-the-know.
Besides the buri shabu shabu, Cafe Commerce has a just as jaw-dropping off-menu chicken parm. The centerpiece of this dish is the flawlessly crispy, thinly sliced chicken. It’s served with a atchara red sauce that compliments the dish without masking the dish’s complex flavors. The chicken parm might be the unsung hero, but it has created the most ardent following. Every night nearly three dozen portions are purchased!
Viva chicken parmis a new regular at Cafe Commerce, with favorites frequenting it an average of 20 orders each night. Emmett Burke, owner of Emmett’s on Grove, told us about what an amazing experience it was. They ate it up and thought it was cool. It made them feel like VIPs!
Additionally, Cafe Commerce has an off-menu pasta dish that’s racked up awards for its “velvety sensual wonderful sauce.” It’s a top order from many frequent diners, making it one of the further crowning jewels of The Cow’s hidden treasures. The establishment boasts a $22 off-menu noodle dish that many patrons rave about, although the pasta remains the top choice for those seeking something special.
Aqua has a rare fine/casual dual dining experience. Here, you’ll find all your Italian standbys mixed with a sushi bar, robata grill and tons of other Japanese fare. We want guests at Aqua to experience fine dining at its best, and that begins with an extravagant multi-course set menu, priced at $195-$235 per person. For another $295 per person, diners can access a scarce list. Among these is Aqua’s world-renowned duck dish, which is a culinary experience for serious foodies!
Aqua’s duck dish is sublime, a tribute to “revered French tradition” that speaks a complex and elevating artistry behind duck’s preparation. Guests need to order this dish ahead of time. Aqua cooks fewer servings each evening, so be sure to get yours while you can! Chef Harold Moore remarked on the allure of exclusive offerings, stating, “It feels special, and people like being in the know,” highlighting why patrons seek out these hidden menu options.
The trend of off-menu dining experiences is not just relegated to these two fine establishments. Colleen Croft, co-owner of Elio’s, told us that this situation is indicative of a larger trend that is building. More restaurants are adopting secret dishes to create a sense of exclusivity with their loyal customers. As more diners seek unique culinary experiences, off-menu items offer an opportunity for restaurants to showcase their creativity while fostering a loyal customer base.
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