Blue Smoke
116 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
BBQ 212.447.7733
Jazz 212.576.2232
Leave it to restaurateur Danny Meyer and friends to spin the term "urban barbecue" for us city dwellers. What's even better is that they have been thoughtful enough to include a gluten-free menu for us.
When I finally made it over to Blue Smoke for dinner it was a humid evening and the place was jam packed. We opted for an outside seat, despite the heat, and our cocktails quickly cooled us off.
Evidently, as manager David Patterson told me, Danny Meyer has relatives that have various food allergies along with gluten issues. I couldn't get any more details than that. So this is why Meyer was considerate enough to create a gluten-free menu for his guests. Makes sense. This gesture is right up there with Mario Batali's move to cater to gluten-free or allergic guests which provides an excellent example for other restaurant owners to follow.
Patterson also told me that his best friend's wife and children have celiac disease. Perhaps any inquiries or suggestions would be best directed to him.
The evening came with a hefty price tag, but I'm sure our multiple rounds of top shelf cocktails were partly to blame. After all, we had to keep our cool out on the steamy patio! The food was delicious and everyone really liked what they ordered. I had leftovers the next day and I think it was one of the yummiest leftover lunches I've ever eaten. So, I like to figure that into the cost- the fact that there is enough food for two meals.
Many thanks to our patient and attentive server, Nicole!
We started with the deviled eggs. No really, you have never tasted deviled eggs like these before!
I was a little disappointed I couldn't have the regular BBQ sauce ribs because of corn syrup as one of the ingredients. (They are gluten-free, but remember my corn and dairy allergies? Drats.) The dry rub ribs sounded boring to me, but I couldn't have been more wrong! I never knew a dry rub could rival a BBQ sauce.
Here is a photo of the smoked chicken. Be sure to order with the friendly reminder to leave off the crispy onions.
Don't forget to splurge once and awhile and join some of the coolest cats in the jazz business at the Jazz Standard on the lower level. The same menu is available, but you'll need reservations and $30 for the cover charge.
