Visiting NY for my wife's big B'day. Looking for creative meal in a not stuffy place. Hit the jackpot with Le Turtle. I was a bit concerned when I saw the relatively small choice of dishes. The waiter explained the deal: it's designed for sharing. Four of us shared 2 small, 2 medium, 1 large from the 3 sections. Every one was awesome. The Poulet from the large meal (only 2 choices, chicken or beef; we're not beef eaters generally) was just incredible. Whole chicken cooked in some flaming way. They bring it to show you while it's flaming and then cut it up. Crispy skin was to die for. Was melt in your mouth moist. Before that, mushroom risotto (our friend said he doesn't like mushrooms and we got it anyway and he loved it. Can't recall what kind they were) was sooo tasty). Corn porridge (never heard of that) just yummy. Octopus with some crunchy stuff- loved it. Can't believe I'm blanking on the other small plate (but I'm drinking wine right now). Only 2 dessert choices and we rarely do much dessert but we shared some hazelnut something or other, cross between a cake and a mousse and it was perfect. tasty and not too sweet (I'd have preferred the chocolate selection but it was my wife's b'day so her choice). Forgot to mention that my wife and friend had some sort of tequila cocktail and they loved it. He ordered a second (we're not big drinkers). I think we were the oldest people there by about 40 years. Looks like a hoping place for the young crowd. We had a relatively quiet place in the back corner. Got a bit to noisy for easy conversation toward the end when it filled up ( we were the first in at 7:30 on a Friday night). Service was great. Attention, friendly, not stuffy. Really loved this place. Only problem- no decaf! I guess they don't expect old folks. Our friend was fine with that but I gotta have my decaf coffee of any kind to top off a great meal like this. only disappointment. Great choice for her B'day.
