Being a journalist, especially a freelance journalist, has its challenges – tough editors, tight deadlines, conducting timely interviews, etc. But in the end, the nitty-gritty details are worth it, because being a freelance journalist is almost the equivalent to having a VIP pass to every party, restaurant opening, concert, and fashion show in New York City, which is how I ended up wandering around the Lower East Side last Wednesday night.
The 110-seat lounge, Les Delilah, was reinvented by NYC nightlife veteran Mino Habib – also known as the creative force behind The DL, Veranda, and The Attic Rooftop. According to The NY Post, this now upscale lounge used to be the home of dive bar St. Jerome’s – owned by Lady Gaga’s former boyfriend, Luc Carl.
Delilah is hidden within the heart of the Lower East Side, but don’t be fooled by the dark exterior, there is a world of magic behind those large French glass doors.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with blue plush velvet banquettes, a brick wall adorned with candles, and an ambiance that I wasn’t quite expecting, but was pleasantly surprised to find.
The hostesses were extremely kind, asked to take my coat, and quickly ushered me to the front bar, made of beautifully reclaimed wood, embellished with copper accents.
The cocktail list for the night, created by renowned mixologist Rael Petit, included eight unique mixes, with pop culture names such as the “Hotline Bling,” made with gin, lime juice, rosemary syrup, cucumber, and club soda, and “The Ramones,” consisting of a brown sugar cube, simple syrup, basil, lime, Bacardi, and bitters.
The “Hotline Bling” cocktail was my favorite drink of the night with the “Rivington on Fire” coming in as a close second – it tasted like summer on ice.
Once seated, cocktail waitresses fluttered around offering champagne and servers attentively filled our glasses of water and asked whether or not my party would like to order.
The press menu, created by executive chef Kevin O’Connell, included a Harira Soup, made with pearl couscous, chicken, chick peas, vegetables, and beluga lentils; the choice between a Kale Salad, with pomegranates and shaved Monchego, or a Roasted Squash and Arugula Salad, with a sherry/balsamic reduction and herb croutons; and the choice of two tapas, including Filet Mignon and Grilled Chicken Skewers, Prime Beef Tartare, Spicy Lamb Sliders, Grilled Octopus Salad, Lobster Pita Crisps, and Fresh Tomato, Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Lobster and Lamb Sausage Thin Crust Flatbreads.
Ambitiously, my guest and I ordered the Octopus, Lobster Crisps, Chicken Skewers, and the Baby Lamb Chop. That night was my very first time trying octopus, thankfully it won’t be my last.
Our sweet server Brittney gave us enough time to enjoy our meal, unlike most restaurant servers who rush their tables out the door in hopes of a quick tip and a reasonable turnover time. Fortunately, Brittney made us feel comfortable enough to stay until 1 a.m., in addition to serving us an extra helping of miniature dessert cupcakes.
Overall, I had a delightful experience. Whether or not the same hospitality will be offered during normal, non-critic hours is up to you to find out.
Les Delilah is open seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. And, without a doubt, I definitely recommend asking for Brittney.