Whenever a new Hawaiian restaurant opens in New York City I take notice. Yes because I am part Hawaiian but also because there are so few of them. Just opening recently Noreetuh bills itself as a casual Hawaiian inspired restaurant from three guys that worked together at Per Se. It is a small two room affair with a small bar in the East Village. Here are my initial reactions. And to be fair I will return after a month or so to let them get into their groove:
- lots of wood and minimal feel to it
- currently only beer, wine and sake
- The poke was hands down my favorite. Definitely had a classic poke taste with big chunks of tuna, crushed macadamia nuts and different types of seaweed. Jalapenos were a great touch and added some zing.
- Monkfish liver was a close second, almost like a dessert with the sweetness from the fruit.
- Also was a fan of the musubi
- Fluke was moist and had a great crunch and taste from the mochi, great idea
- Pineapple dessert: impressive looking but really sweet, where do you get the baby pineapples?
- Why do they have such a big bathroom in such a small restaurant?