Upland, Flatiron, NYC

Food: ☆☆☆

Service: ☆☆☆½

Ambiance: ☆☆☆½

Cost: $$$

Must try: Whole Crispy Mushroom Hen of the Woods, Beef tartare black trumpet mushroom

Upland is the new kid on the block, which has been received with rave reviews.

I am a huge Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria fan which is where Chef Justin Smillie showcased his tremendous talent in the past.

At Upland, Stephen Starr has partnered up with Smillie to do more of the same on a much bigger scale. Known for combining his Californian roots with Italian cuisine, the menu here has a lot to offer.

There was a “Beef Tartare with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Puffed Faro, Anchovy and Egg Yolk” that blew me away – one of the most interesting renditions I have tried in a while.

There was also a “Topedo Beets Salad” with robiola, white chocolate and seeds – a really wonderful combination of flavours.

I did order the “Whole Crispy Mushroom” that everyone has been raving about but I actually think that ABC Cocina does a better version of this dish.

There was also a rather disappointing “Herb Crusted Octopus” which was quite chewy.

Overall my experience at Upland was not a knock out one. I was much more bowled over by Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria but maybe I just need to give it another try.

Here is some of what we ate: