The opulent watch on display caught my eye before walking into the restaurant portion of Beauty & Essex. I always feel like I’m breaking some code when I write about the speakeasy-inspired restaurant but how else am I suppose to tell you about their new spring menu where the addicting “Thin Crust Goat Cheese Pizzetta” made with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, and manchego, lives?
You’ll too be distracted by all of the breathtaking vintage items encased and on sale at their front-of-house shop. If the door to the left isn’t open, you’ll never know Beauty & Essex is a restaurant and damn it that’s brilliant. You’d be standing there in your best Vegas outfit aching to devour their “Tomato Tartare” made with sunny-side up quail egg, parmesan crostini and their “Mediterranean Cauliflower” made with pickled shallots, mint, yogurt, and fresh cauliflower, when you’re met with a pawn shop of timeless and unique pieces from around the world.
It’s a trip, an experience to dine at Beauty & Essex no matter the season. If you don’t mention that you’re there to dine, they sales associates proceed to show you what they have showcased. But, there’s secret password to go inside and eat. You simply tell the girls at the shop that you’re there for dinner and they’ll show you to the right door, so do mention it if you don’t see that door open.
A place like Beauty & Essex is a much needed escaping experience for the present world. While you’re there, do yourself a favor and turn your phone off. Enjoy the tasty “Minestrone Soup Dumplings” made with gana cheese and chives. Let the “Szechuan Chili Dusted Scallops” made with vegetable stir fry, and black bean-chili sauce take you on palatable journey.
Never mind the calories and order both the refreshing “Lemon Mousse Strawberry Shortcake” made with sweet and sour strawberries, vanilla chantilly, and brown sugar streusel. And also, the “Tiramisu Sundae” made with espresso ice cream, mascarpone whip, espresso cake, and cocoa nibs for a spring-days twist on a nightcap.
The real question is: what are you ordering first?
