Ortzi is a True Find in the Theater District
Okay, I have to admit, I am pretty difficult to impress when it comes to dining in NYC, or anywhere.
I have been to so many restaurants, dining opportunities and culinary press junkets, that being blown away by a restaurant experience does not happen often.
But blown away I was by most recent dining adventure. The moment I entered the sleek, yet welcoming dining room at Ortzi, I got the impression that we would be in for a special experience.
Interestingly, this restaurant is in a part of town that is not known for culinary greatness. Located in the newly cropped up Luma Hotel, which is east of Times Square and west of Bryant park, Ortzi is owned by celebrity chef Jose Garces. Representing cuisine from the Basque region, each detail of presentation is meticulously planned, yet is not fussy.
I loved the small earthen plates, perfect for tapas, the sturdy and architecturally crafted steak knives, and the woven centerpiece in the middle of each table, providing a lovely accent. And the food. Each course served was my favorite.
From fresh sardines, to beef cheeks with polenta, to seafood paella, to diver scallops, to Waygu beef, the tasting we all shared was simply outstanding.
Ortzi is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a lounge area where you can drink and dine till midnight. As a reviewer of Broadway shows, I am delighted that this restaurant is situated near most theatres and that a pre-theatre menu is available.
The menu, served from 5 – 7 pm, offers a three course meal, with excellent options, for the price of $45 per person.
For cocktails or wine and tapas, a pre-theatre menu, breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner or late night dining, Ortzi is a true find on West 41st Street. www.ortzirestaurant.com
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
