Terrific Takeout: Tessa Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
The superb Braised Pork Belly Provencale
Fresh Origins is America’s leading
producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal
climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products
are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located
in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect
weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces
almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and
related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions
nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in
the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve
fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online
sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our
first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website
at
Not since Taverna Kyclades have we been this excited about finding a new Manhattan restaurant! Located on the Upper West Side and named after the daughter of one of the partners, Tessa opened April 3, 2014 and its Modern Mediterranean cuisine really impressed us on our inaugural visit. It's no surprise that one of the partners has been in the Manhattan restaurant business as an owner since 1982...We began with our salad. We always order a salad and the Market Salad at Tessa is outstanding. Escarole, arugula, shaved fennel, asparagus and radishes shine in a citrus vinaigrette which is delicately dressed and did not overwhelm the girl that usually does not like salad dressing. She liked this one.
You absolutely have to try the Braised Pork Belly Provencale! Teamed up with confit turnips, tomato jam and garlic pork jus to-die-for, these are hands down the best pork anything we've had in Manhattan in awhile. (The last time Peachy had pork this great was at Mio in Washington, D.C.) This appetizer surpassed our expecations.
The owner suggested we also try the Razor Clam Escabeche, which we also reveled in. It was enticingly refreshing and ideal for the summer season just around the corner, if you are going by calendar. Piperade, toasted marcona almonds and vinegar have a party with the Razor Clam and we suggest you try this appetizer as well. Note how thoughtful Tessa is in their preparation-everything was beautiful in presentation.
For our main course we were in the mood for something straightforward; sometimes we order dishes that are less complicated to see how well they are done. Tessa hit the high mark again with the Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast which was perfectly tender and so flavorful. This is the kind of entree we want to eat on a rainy day like today because it's warm and comforting. We are huge proponents of mashed potato and these were excellent, highlighted by fava beans that gave them a nice hint of color. Yes, Tessa is Terrific Takeout and we will have to go back and learn more about this hotspot.
