The Milling Room is an Upper West Side NYC must. Whether you go with a big group or just solo, you will be treated to familiar dishes at their ultimate level. And leave very happy.
Who To Take: a group from the office or go for a family get together
For my friend Vera’s birthday, we headed to the Upper West Side of Manhattan to celebrate. I have long been a fan of Chef Scott Bryan, and would go to just about anywhere he is cooking and in charge. He’s got an unfussy and down-to-earth way of cooking the most flavorful dishes, that don’t ever include weird ingredients or anything necessary—just really pleasing. You’ll also get a very generous portion and will feel very well taken care of.
The Milling Room is a large space with high ceilings and an enormous skylight, that I am sure really makes a statement during daylight hours. We sat at high top tables, not my favorite, but its location on the side of the restaurant allowed for easy conversation.
Some of the dishes we tried: an excellent Grilled Octopus with ancho romesco, smoked paprika, and arugula.
Two spectacular pastas; Braised Duck Pappardelle with porcini, aromatic vegetables and parmesan; and a stupendous Squid Ink Spaghetti with gulf shrimp, serrano chiles, cherry tomatoes, chorizo oil. Still thinking about it.
Vera’s birthday dessert came delivered with a candle, so the celebration ended on a congenial note. This is a must UWS stop.
THE MILLING ROOM, 446 Columbus Ave (btw 81st/82nd Sts)
