Two young chefs from the U.K. colonize lower Orchard Street. In a bright, airy space they have created a locally sourced, seasonal menu. A favorite of fashion insiders (they also run a catering company), Fat Radish caters to the locals with a limited breakfast and a juice bar. Reservations are accepted for parties of 6 or more.
17 Orchard, near Canal.
212-300-4053
Hours Tue-Sat: 5:30pm-12am Sun: 5pm-10pm
We had a lovely “date night” here on Christmas Eve and would totally recommend it. Unique menu offerings here make it worth a visit. The celery root pot pie and the monkfish vindaloo were very well executed, the staff friendly enough but not cloying, and the atmosphere much more laid back than some of the current “it” spots on the LES. Good draft beer was a welcome touch. The one negative is the rickety, uncomfortable vintage chairs and tables.
Thanks for this comment. We’ve been hearing different opinions on the Fat Radish. Keep ’em comin’!
I had a quick and impromptu brunch with a friend at Fat Radish, a British inspired spot near the Southern border on the Lower East Side. The loft like spot is nestled on Orchard Street in between Hester and Canal streets.
We walked into the front vestibule which houses their coffee bar, stocked with Intelligentsia coffee. It was a little late to indulge in coffee as I’d already had two cups at home. And no one needs or deserves to be around me with any more coffee than that. Though, I have to say, it smelled divine and will keep this on mental file for future reference. Instead, we opted for a bloody mary, much more my speed.
The inviting dining room was flooded with natural light due to the sky lights. Some of the walls were exposed brick, which were painted white. A large mirror hung on the back wall which helped reflect the light and also displayed the day’s specials.
The menu boasted plenty of vegetarian options, and one truly vegan option, a fruit salad, which was not calling my name. I’d worked out and I wanted something a little heartier. I took stock of the options on the menu and asked the waiter if the kitchen would assemble something with a few of the sides and ingredients from a few dishes. He was uncertain that they would go too far or crazy off menu. So, rather than fight it, I ordered the avocado on toast minus the egg with a side of baked beans.
It turned out to be a nice and delicious surprise. Even my dining companion, a non vegetarian, said she will order it the next time, with eggs.
Fat Radish is cash only for brunch
17 Orchard Street
New York, NY
Shana Robinson is a resident of the Lower East Side in New York City. She is a professionally trained natural foods chef and loves to explore vegan options at restaurants in her neighborhood and the city at large. You can follow her on twitter @ChefShanaRachel and get more healthy recipes and tips at http://Knifestylesofthefitandfabulous.blogspot.com.