Photo Tour: Walking in the West Village and Dinner at Wallsé
A few weeks ago, Gabe and I spent a Saturday afternoon meandering around New York City. We started at the new Hudson Yards, then ambled down the High Line, taking in the vibrant art installations as we headed south. (If you’d like to see those photos, click here.)
Our plan was to dine early, at one of our favorite places – Wallsé – in the West Village. We had a little time to kill before our reservation, so we continued to wander around, strolling through Hudson River Park and the West Village.
All told, our day’s activities included about 3 hours of walking; a great way to work up an appetite for the modern Austrian delights created by Michelin star-winning chef Kurt Gutenbrunner.
Rather than describe what we experienced during our escapade, I figured I might as well post all the photos so you can see for yourself!
Working Up an Appetite by the Hudson River
A brisk walk along the Hudson, looking south to the Freedom Tower.Gabe takes five at Hudson River Park.The Empire State Building and, to the left, the coolest-looking house I’ve seen in Manhattan. It reminds me of an urban tree house and I want to live there!Plaque commemorating Chumley’s, a West Village speak-easy that first opened in 1922.Chumley’s entrance. Interesting to note that the neighboring building has a sign posted on the door saying, “Not Chumley’s!”Palazzo Chupi, built by artist Julian Schnabel, who constructed an Italian-style villa atop an old factory building. Bizarre, but fun to contemplate!The lower floors of Palazzo Chupi and the marquis.Schnabel uses the first two floors as a studio. Look at those high ceilings!
Modern Austrian Cuisine at Wallsé
Gabe and I both opted for the chef’s tasting menu: three courses plus dessert.
My favorite place in NYC is Wallsé. Gabe took me to dinner here early in our courtship and we always enjoy a return trip. The portrait is of the chef, Kurt Gutenbrunner, and was painted by his good friend and neighbor, Julian Schnabel.Fantastic BTG offering: dry Furmint from Peter Schandl. Even Gabe raved about this wine, and he doesn’t usually get too excited by wine. Me? I loved it!My first course: Kampachi Crudo with Peas, Tomato, and Cilantro.Gabe’s first course: Torched Arctic Char with Cucumber, Apples, and Endive.My second course: Turkish Morels with Sherry, Chervil, and Semolina Dumpling.Gabe’s second course: White Asparagus Soup with Lobster Ravioli.100% Grüner-Veltliner – and a sparkling one at that! Quite a lovely surprise, with floral and ripe fruit aromas. Our sommelier indicated the grapes grow on an elevated site with full sunlight.My third course: Walleye Pike with Fresh Fava Beans, White Asparagus, and Potato-Chive Sauce.Gabe’s third course: Thyme-Roasted Lamb Rack with Artichokes, Fiddlehead Ferns, and Shallots.Gabe’s Dessert: Apple Strudel with Caramel Ice Cream.My cheese plate, adorned with hazelnuts, honey, spiced rhubarb, and green apple.
Post-Dinner Digestive Walk – West Village Heading North and East
Caliente Cab Company – long-time Mexican café.Pretty doors abound in the West Village.Sunny yellow disco pantsuit in a shop window. Yeah, I’d wear it!I call this the Raspberry Beret house because its color reminds me of the Prince song.Eerily lifelike window art.Looking down 7th Avenue toward the Freedom Tower.And the sun goes down . . .
Thanks for scrolling through my photos and taking a virtual walk of your own. Do you have a favorite place to mosey around in New York City? Tell me about it!
FYI, if you’re interested in trying Chef Gutenbrunner’s food for yourself, you can reserve via Open Table for Wallsé. He also runs Café Sabarsky, located in the Neue Galerie on the Upper East Side. At 86th Street and Fifth Avenue, it’s just across the street from the Metropolitan Museum, and is a wonderful place to relax over an Austrian coffee or glass of wine.
Some day I’m going to get to NY with my man, walk your route, and eat at Wallsé. Your photos are wow! PS: I think you’d look great in that yellow pants suite 😉
The Swirling Dervish 
Great photo tour. Love all the shots.
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Thanks so much! It was a really enjoyable day.
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Some day I’m going to get to NY with my man, walk your route, and eat at Wallsé. Your photos are wow! PS: I think you’d look great in that yellow pants suite 😉
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Thanks Lynn. I really hope you do get to mosey around the Big Apple with your husband and take in the sights. It’s a great town to get lost in!
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