Acme

Nordic cooking is having its moment in New York right now and perhaps the most exciting spot to sample it right now is Acme, where Noma’s co-founder Mads Refslund fortuitously turned up in the kitchen this winter. Talk about a makeover: This Nolita eatery has been transformed from a no-frills Cajun joint to a chic restaurant serving Nordic cuisine, like elegant, yet earthy, hay-roasted sunchokes and house-cured salmon with cabbage and buttermilk horseradish dressing. Refslund applies his Nordic cooking philosophy to local ingredients, which means simple, fresh dishes where the superior ingredients shine. Sample the farmer’s eggs with pureed cauliflower and parmesan, the pork chop with parsnips, pears and cranberries, and the local cured and dried hams. Definitely don’t miss the beer & bread pudding for dessert.
Don’t Miss Dish: House-cured salmon, farmer’s egg, chicken & eggs, hay-roasted sunchokes & pork chop
End With: Beer and bread pudding
Drink This: Graffiti Green
Price: $$
Occasion: Date night; group dinner, girl’s night out, Nordic bites.
Bonus: The downstairs lounge here is a scene (that is, if you can get in)