Ambiance

Inside the Virgin Hotel in NoMad is the restaurant Everdene. Everdene has that sceney vibe you’re looking for in a night out … or so I assume by the combination of a beautiful bar, a red grand piano, and a stage set up for a DJ to park at and, well, their Instagram feed. That all said, I visited in the daylight for lunch and am happy to report that, outside of a cocktail fog, the details of the space when amplified by the light shining in through the huge windows are so thoughtful. The space is framed by arched wooden details from color-coated books inside a bowed built-in bookshelf that mimics a rainbow to the curved layered wooden pieces that gently obstruct the furthest window to give that extra oomph to balance the space. Sandwiched in the middle are six blue couches situated back-to-back each with oval wooden tables pulled up in front of them each topped with the coolest set of silver plane engine salt and pepper shakers I’ve seen. Such a truly cool vibe.

Cuisine

Executive Chef Freddy Vargas (click here for my interview with him) helms the Everdene kitchen creating playfully delicious dishes. Coming from Aman New York and Scarpetta he knows how to make food, well, exciting. From the Falafel Wrap, to the Lobster Roll, to the Wagyu Beef Empanadas, the menu takes you on a flavor journey around the world making for such a fun meal where there is something for everyone and their every mood. They are good versions of those somethings too. When I bit into the crab cake, the dynamic crunch outside juxtaposed with the shredded creamy inside, all perfectly spiced, of course, I couldn’t have been happier.

My Favorite Dishes

WHIPPED RICOTTA Truffle Honey, Balthazar Brioche

CRAB CAKE SANDWICH Sauce tartar, Preserved Lemon, Lettuce, Tomato

SHAVED CARROT & ENDIVE Labneh, Medjool Date, Harissa Vinaigrette

What To Wear

Lean into one of your more “I want to be seen” looks. That said, you won’t stick out like a sore thumb or anything if you show up in jeans and a tee. I wore all black—what’s new, New Yorker?—black jeans, black patent leather platforms, a black long-sleeve fitted top, and a pleather cropped puffer vest and I felt perfectly placed for lunch. If you go for dinner, go sexier, everyone else surely will.

Kid Friendly

While I didn’t see or expect to see other kids, the restaurant staff loved my little guy. We felt so welcome. He loved eating and lying on a couch. It was great having him there! That said, there isn’t a kid’s menu or crayons or anything like that, so if you have picky eaters, save this restaurant for a moment out without them.