BRINGING Classic Steakhouse Fare to Bleecker Street

By W. A. Muller

Village Prime, a new temple to modern American cuisine which respects traditional cooking techniques, brings the fresh seafood and fine meats of a classic Uptown steakhouse to a hip downtown setting. Located at 302 Bleecker St, steps from 7th Avenue, Village Prime combines excellently-prepared food with polished service in a chic and ambient space.

The menu at Village Prime is balanced between quality prime steak and fresh seafood, with a host of appetizers and entrees that are uncomplicated yet palatepleasing; creative yet non-pretentious. The impressive USDA Prime Meat selection includes the deliciously-juicy Cowboy Rib-Eye, and the Bone-in New York Strip which is wonderfully succulent and chargrilled to perfection. A well-considered selection of gourmet steak sides are perfect partners to go with your chosen cut: caramelized onions, sautéed wild mushrooms, potato gratin, creamed spinach or lobster mac and cheese. The superb interplay of texture and color by Executive Chef Rory O'Farrell is equally camera- and fork-ready. Start your dining experience with appetizers from the 'Raw Bar', which offers Market Oysters, Chilled Seafood Tower for two or four, and the ever-popular Tuna Tartare, or with starters such as the Lobster Bisque, French Onion Soup or the sublime Maryland Lump Crab Cake.

The menu's seafood offerings are equally as enticing. The Chilean Sea Bass, panseared and served with crème fraiche, potato puree, Swiss chard and red wine-Worcestershire reduction, is fresh and flavorful, while the Line-caught Swordfish, served with zucchini and Brussel sprout risotto and crispy Brussel sprouts, serves as a lesson in how fish should be cooked.  Don't forget about the dizzying desserts: the Chocolate Lava is smooth and sinfully rich, and the classic Crème Brulée is elegantly presented in a long boat-like dish. 

Village Prime's weekend brunch is sure to make fashionable West Village revelers giggle in delight – featuring Cinnamon Pecan French Toast with fresh fruit, mascarpone and vanilla mousse; Steak & Eggs with homemade cast iron potatoes; or the Crab Meat Ciabatta with avocado, watercress and lemon vinaigrette. Better yet, enjoy your brunch with unlimited champagne for the fixed price of $30.  A lengthy cocktail menu features old classics and new creations alike — the Fig Blossom is composed of fig vodka, elderflower, orange juice, and splash of cranberry juice and the Strawberry Bliss is a delightful mix of vanilla vodka, strawberry puree, and basil. There is an extensive wine list, over 30 single malts from notable regions and a wide selection of craft beers.

Village Prime's interior channels the glamour and sophistication of a vintage wine cellar, of which the designer, Lesly Zamor of Seed Design Planning, says he was inspired. The simple, black-and-white exterior stands as a stark contrast to its dimly-lit, ambient interior, particularly in the evening when exposed-filament bulbs emulate candlelight  and cast an amber-glow over the front bar and intimate dining room. Unfinished wood and cow-hides line the walls, while walnut tables, leather banquette seating and wild flower arrangements give the restaurant an earthy, rustic feel – reminiscent of a luxury log cabin.

Village Prime
302 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
212.727.7463
villageprimenyc.com