From conch croquettes to escargots de bourgogne, at Chez Omar in NYC’s West Village diners get a taste of both Paris and Jamaica.
At Chez Omar in the West Village, you won’t hear back-to-back Buju Banton, and you probably won’t see celebrities like Selene or as many Caribbeans as you would at Omar’s Kitchen, at least for now. However, make no mistake, this new West Village spot, by Chef Omar Walters, is where you’ll get a taste of Paris and a bite of Jamaica, combining fun food from both destinations.
The new restaurant aims to introduce more people to Caribbean cuisine and demonstrate that it can be just as wonderful with some innovative twists. The restaurant’s location, right on West Street steps away from the Hudson River, makes it worth the journey from Queens and Brooklyn. It’s also a worthwhile culinary experience for both locals and tourists who have been strolling along the river and want to try a different cuisine beyond pizza and hot dogs. Regulars of Omar Kitchen, the sister restaurant in the East Village, will also find it worthwhile to explore here and savor something that’s both familiar and new.
The Interior
The venue has a relaxed atmosphere with vibrant French Caribbean bistro touches. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a modern bar in the main room, decorated with bottles of rum and vibrant Jamaican art on the walls. There are high tables and seating with tan leather stools and photos of Jamaican art, creating an immersive environment.
In another area of the main room, there is more formal seating with white tablecloths and velvet booths. The focal point is a brick wall adorned with colorful Jamaican art, celebrating the Chef’s homeland.
The private dining room, known as the Chelsea room, is vibrant with red printed wallpaper, antique gold frames, and Jamaican records on the ceiling. There are also art pieces, including popular Jamaican phrases, creating a lively ambiance perfect for hosting Jamaican gatherings with friends.
What’s on the Drinks Menu
Mixologist and Sommelier previously at award winning Crown Shy, holds the fort at the bar. If you are overwhelmed by the choices, let him help guide you, and suggest ways you can pair dishes with the right drinks, whether it be a wine or specialty cocktail. Some of those cocktails include;
West Side Story – A fragrant and fruity cocktail where a herb-infused syrup brings out the flavors of mango and pineapple fruit puree. Cognac takes the lead.
The Jamaican Rum Punch – if your Jamaican Rum Punch recipe is using a rum that isn’t Wray & Nephew you should question the authenticity of the recipe. Thankfully this one does and mixes it with a fruit juice puree, ginger, bitters, pimento dram, cane syrup and lime.
Summer on West – a creative drink that’s tart, savory, smoky, spicy and has a hint of sweetness.
What’s on the Dinner Menu
The menu begins with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, including Conch Croquettes, a French twist on the classic conch fritter with a lobster tomato sauce and Ackee Tuna Tartare with fresh tuna, ackee, avocado, and a mango salsa with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Standouts include:
Escargots De Bourgogne – the snails are covered in a buttery garlic sauce and comes with some crustinis for dipping. First timers to escargots will say the flavor is amazing the idea of eating a snail will take time to digest.
Croquettes aux conques – It’s a fete in your mouth. For anyone unfamiliar with the term, “fete” means a way of life that is more all-encompassing than just partying. It’s an immersive experience that combines all of the unique traditions that make the islands so special. These croquettes, two decently sized ones per serving, are exactly that. They’re also the preferred evening snack for the bartender.
Special shrimp curry – No chief powder used (if you know, you know). Spices and herbs make curry something truly special, and every chef has their take on these sublime sauces. A certain kind of bliss will roll around in your mouth when enjoying this dish, all that’s missing is a side of roti to soak up the curry sauce.
Escovich Branzino – Caribbeans are very harsh critics when eating outside their family home. This pan-seared branzino with lemon-caper white wine sauce will win the approval of all your aunties.
Lychee Cheesecake – the texture is softer than expected in a typical cheesecake; however, the lychee flavor is strong throughout every bite and will have you singing “One Love” by Bob Marley.
Pistachio Cheesecake – If lychee isn’t your thing, rest assured the pistachio cheesecake here is also a winner.
As the restaurant is fairly new, it’s exciting to see what the future has in store for them. Perhaps they will offer a French version of Jamaica’s national dish – ackee and saltfish. Even better if it’s served on a bed of boiled dumplings and green bananas, or with a thick slice of buttered hardo bread, topped with crumbled bacon and a reduction of tomato and pear sauce. Yum!
Chez Omar
394 West St, New York, NY 10014
