White Radish American Kitchen — Restaurant in New York

Lesson learned: I DID NOT FIT THE DEMOGRAPHIC OF THEIR USUAL CLIENTELE FOR WHOM THE WAIT STAFF RESERVES BETTER SEATING. I arrived without a reservation and was told to sit at the bar, which would have wreaked havoc on my back. "Sorry sir, everything else is accounted for by reservations." As my gaze travels to 3 empty tables, he added "Yes, including those tables." I left and went online and sure enough a reservation was possible for the next 15 minutes. Even at this point I kept denying what was actually happening here, making all types of excuses for the gentleman, technology, etc. Arriving on time for my reservation, I was made to sit outside even with the same 3 tables still unoccupied inside. After a total of 45 minutes 2 of those tabIes were still unoccupied but I was made to sit outside. I was told that those were reservations made for the same time as mine (7 pm) but ENTERED THE SYSTEM earlier than mine. I challenged the logic of how those who had not yet arrived were being catered to above myself who was present and waiting. (I have travelled extensively and with an on-time arrival for my reservation I am usually seated where there is available seating, staffing issues taken into consideration.) Upon discussion with the busy waiter/bartender I further learned that maybe these people were regulars but he didn't know, but just "imagine how they would feel." Afterall the restaurant enjoys support from its neighborhood patrons. I did not bother to ask how he determined on looking me up and down that I wasn't a neighborhood supporter, or would never be a "regular." Plainly I did not fit the demographic of their usual clientele for whom the wait staff reserves better service. At first I was bitter. So much so that I did not even care what the food tasted like. But then I saw that I should be extremely thankful for this experience. I live well and in my usual surroundings a lot is hidden from me because I am one of the "accepted." I often refute the narrative that racism still exists because I think certain practices are now impossible to enforce. I do not take into account the fake rules and procedures that are used still to exclude us. Now going anonymous where I have no pre-acceptance I learn how far some people will go to rationalize their own subtle racism aimed at preserving a status quo that in turn preserves their sense of worth. As a kind gesture he made the dessert complimentary but not because he saw how wrong the whole episode was from start to finish. At first bitter, I was not going to tip at all for this service. Then I decided 20% . But what I learned about attitudes and creative manoeuvres of exclusion was so invaluable I tipped at nearly 100% the cost of the meal! (On writing this review I see another client had a similar experience within the last 8...

Everything about White Radish suggests its a farm to table restaurant from its white washed walls to its earthy and homespun name but its never clearly stated. I’m going to say its more of a look and feel there adopting, but one thing is clear, we have a new contender for best restaurant in Forest Hills. Opening during the quarantine was bold, and its menu which could best be described as nouveau American cuisine (which really just means a blend of comfort food and French food) that tries to stand out by adding twists such as grinding bacon directly into hamburger meat or serving duck two ways but honestly Forest Hills is so starved for a three star type restaurant that they really didn’t need to do anything but use quality ingredients, which thankfully they do. Seeing the size of their kitchen I am shocked at the range and quality of their food. Lots of short rib, aiolis and gruyeres here, you really do need to give them a try. For Forest Hills residents White Radish is hands down better than anything on restaurant row, and the closet comparison in the neighborhood is Aged or Rove and those are not even in the same ballpark in terms of their output. For what your getting the prices are more than fair though higher than local restaurants, though save yourself the money on the truffle fries, not really worth it, they so rarely are. The other thing to consider is there still in process of getting their liquor license so nothing but mock tails here, though they are quite tasty. Considering how quickly White Radish went from construction to opening I suspect they have some connection to the former Jack and Nellys, which never lacked for charm but was always more wine bar than restaurant, but if they are connected then clearly they have decided to double down on the food. Here’s to hoping they not only thrive but usher in a new restaurant scene in...

Came in fairly late for dinner with my partner. Prices are a touch high, our check hit $130 for our usual of a few appetizers and a couple entrees and a pair of mocktails. Most places around forest hills we end up w closer to $100. The food however was all exceptionally good. The soft shell crab roll was delectable and the crab itself perfectly tender. The shrimp and scallops appetizer was all cooked very near perfection (I'm a scallop texture snob and they could've been a fraction of a percent more tender in the center but really were among the top handful of best scallops I've been served) in a delicious sauce. The sautéed Brussel sprouts were also excellent, with a delicious garlic butter sauce and a superb combination of soft outter leaves and firm center. The Bluefin Kataifi was very enjoyable, with crunchy exterior and steak like tuna texture, but I've never had it before so can't say how it compares to any baseline experience. Speaking of unique experiences, the salted caramel budino dessert was incredible, lighter, smoother, and creamier than an American pudding with just enough dutched cocoa cookie crumbles and salt to compliment and punch up all the flavors in it, and a super distinct creamy texture and richness. The chocolate chip bread pudding was good but less texturally diverse (more uniform) than most bread puddings I've had, and less intense chocolate flavors (fewer and smaller and not very intensely flavored chips) than I'd expect. Overall a very outstanding dining experience punctuated by prompt friendly service and a strong date night vibe and classy atmosphere (somewhat dinged by the presence of one wall which is all white and seems to have some kind of display or decoration removed and not replaced or even sanded flat and repainted, but I didn't even notice till we were waiting...