A "Secret Society"-esque restaurant in NYC. Associate writer Alix Liiv reports on BOHEMIAN.

BOHEMIAN

Chef: Kiyo Shinoki

Cuisine: Japanese, French, American Nouveau

Neighborhood: NoHo

Price: $70-80 average per person for food + drinks

Attire: Casual

I started my foodie ways in NYC, so naturally, when I was back home, it made sense that I had to test out some of the latest and newest restaurants that had popped up while I was gone. Two good friends and fellow foodies recommended Bohemian saying it was now their favorite restaurant in New York City. Pretty outrageous statement. What they neglected to tell me was how the process of making a reservation to dine at this establishment is extensive and time consuming and actually makes you think. This restaurant is very much like a secret society. It is classified as what one would call “invite only” or “members only”. I didn’t even know that this concept had made its way to restaurants now, silly me. To even potentially get a reservation, I had to email someone explaining a little bit about myself and why I like to eat out. There is no phone number listed on the website. In true pretentious foodie fashion, I loved how this simple yet cumbersome task makes you really assess the way food affects our culture and our neighborhoods and our state of mind. We live in such a fast paced world and we sometimes forget to take a moment to enjoy what we are eating and tasting and how it is making us feel. The whole idea that food and cuisine is really much deeper than just something to provide us with energy.

After being buzzed in at an arbitrary apartment building looking door with no sign or logo, my friend and I walked down a hallway and to be buzzed into yet another door where we were greeted by a very nice gentleman who asked for our names. I noticed right away that the décor was very minimalist. There were maybe 8 tables in the whole restaurant along with the bar that can seat 6. There was a sky light in the middle with a small garden in the back wall. The chairs were loungy and comfy, almost as if they came from your living room-- clearly designed to suck you into staying awhile. The room, although intimate and just one open space wasn’t too noisy and people took their time eating and had many courses. The aura reminded me very much of Europe and the long lunches or dinners focused on conversation and savoring the food.

From deductive reasoning, I expected the cuisine to be predominately Japanese. However, I was way off and thrown a complete curve ball and would classify this restaurant as eclectic Japanese, Spanish, American, and French Fusion. With a focus on French key elements. Actually, there was very little traditional Japanese food on the menu.

Apparently the Wagu Kobe Beef Burgers are supposed to be excellent. Unforuntately, it came out last and we were so full I could barely eat the mini guy, but also found it to be quite dry. Unacceptable. My friend ordered the Mushroom Croquette with Uni and said that it was interesting, but nothing to write home about. We both agreed on ordering the Jamon and I couldn’t believe how tasty it was. I think it was better than any Jamon I have had in Italy or Spain. The Foie Gras Soba Noodle was another dish we both thought would be good, but turned out to be a major mistake. What a seriously bizarre and wrong combination of two food groups. Cold Soba Noodles with room temperature fatty duck liver equals not appetizing and quite vile tasting. The two textures are very distinct as well. Just wrong. I could not even eat a third bite. The Sashimi Rice Bowl and Uni Rice Bowl were excellent choices and were a wonderful simple yet affective way of serving sashimi and rice with some flavor.

This restaurant is not for everyone-- even a foodie like me. Foolishly, my friend and I ended up spending quite a significant amount of money on items that were recommended but also a mix of things we liked. We should have just done the $65 tasting menu.

Overall, I was sadly disappointed and annoyed I spent $80 on a meal I thought would be divine. On the positive side, Bohemian has an awesome sake selection and cocktail menu. And not to mention I am now a part of the secret society of Bohemian. If you want to check it out, you can ask me for the phone number and just say I referred you.....  You'll have to search yourself and your palate and explain why you're passionate about food and eating and just maybe I'll give you the number.