With all the chatter about The Corner Store, the most distinguished jewel in the Catch Hospitality Culinary Crown is…

Or’Esh, the newest bauble.

Or’Esh which opened in February and is located across from The Corner Store on West Broadway in SoHo, focuses on modern Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa cuisine.

Named after light and fire, Or’Esh illuminates the dining experience. The menu pulls from across the Levant…Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and beyond.

The staff shines a light on hospitality. From the moment the door on West Broadway is opened by the engaging greeter, the staff is consistently warm, gracious and effusive, including the debonair manager, Dominic, who also designs eyewear which he impressively models.

The talented, charming Michelin-starred executive chef, Nadav Greenberg, formerly of Shmoné, creates  magic. He is on fire and fire coincidentally runs through the entire menu.

Sophia, the star of the kitchen and always on fire, touches almost every item that departs the intimate downstairs kitchen.

Our server defies the lackluster moniker. Bailey is a legit actor who brings his endless talent, banter and joie de vivre to the role of server.

He aptly guided us through the tantalizing offerings being spot on regarding each dish.

The creative cocktails were beautifully presented on trays and in glassware that would impress my grandmother who only served with the finest accoutrements.

The water is poured from an elegant Jerusalem pitcher and a plate filled with lemon, lime, orange and cucumber slices to enhance the water, is immediately offered.

The Grilled Olive Dirty Martini made with Vodka, homemade grilled olive brine, bianco vermouth, and olive oil wash was dirty in the most deliciously provocative way accompanied by fabulous stuffed olives ($20).

The Blood Orange Whiskey Sour mixed with Bourbon, amaro, lemon, and blood orange was superb ($17).

The Crispy Potato Pastel with Golden Ossetra Caviar and a dollop of Scallion aioli was an indescribably delicious, decadent treat ($18 each).

The Golden Halloumi Kadayif enhanced by hot honey melted in your mouth ($9 each).

The wood fired warm and crispy Jerusalem Bagel was served with addictive spreads of babaganoush, matbucha, mint tzatziki ($19).

The Big Bluefin Slice features a profile of the whole tuna and its various levels of taste, ranging from the leanest cut, topped off by the richest, delectable fatty Toro tuna enhanced with outstanding extra virgin olive oil, garum, red onion, Urfa chili and lime zest ($49).

The 18-layer Waygu New York Strip on Tomato Foam and tahini was beyond amazing, perfectly charred around the edges and tender, melt in your mouth slices ($77).

The Layered Ora King Salmon served on lemon shatta beurre blanc with grilled cabbage and broccolini was divine bathed in the exquisite sauce ($46).

The Greenmarket Charred Greens were crunchy and flavorful, dressed in a lovely lemon-garlic vinaigrette ($18).

The Cardamom Soft Serve with caramelized kataifi crumble, honey, lemon zest, and olive oil was more satisfying than shopping a designer discount sale. I savored every creamy bite ($19).

The Tahini Espresso Martini consisting of Vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, espresso, sesame, and salted vanilla was the perfect finish to an exquisite meal ($20).

Upon completion of the outstanding meal, Bailey took us on a tour of the seventy-five seat Rockwell Group designed restaurant with a close up viewing of the multi-million dollar artwork, including,The Nina.

The color palette features warm golds, burnt sienna, earthy browns, and deep burgundies, creating the illusion of fire. 

What a night. I am still savoring the entire experience.
      

Or’Ersh 450 West Broadway (Prince Street) New York City. Open nightly 5-11pm. Reservations on DoorDash App. .