Tastings Social Presents Mountain Bird, East Harlem, NYC

Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own

Tastings Social Presents Mountain Bird is a charming poultry-centric bistro in East Harlem at Tastings Social, owned by the super talented Chef Kenichi Tajima and his wife Keiko.

This cozy space, which seats about 31 people, is warmly decorated with vintage accents and little birds all over. Chef Tajima offers a menu of both poultry and seafood dishes cooked with French and American influences. His dishes are subtle, innovative and really delicious.

One of Chef’s signature dishes is the Head-to-Toe Tasting Plate, which is created using unusual parts of the chicken. The artfully created plate offers a “Cock’s Combs Cutlet, Mustard Liver Mousse, Cranberry Nuts BonBon Chicken Heart à la Bourguignon Puff and a Wing Lollipop, Balsamic Truffle”. I think it is a must try.

There also is a really delicate “Foie Gras Dumplings in Chicken Consommé”, which was simple yet, full of flavor.

Whilst the poultry dishes are definitely must tries at Tastings Social Presents Mountain Bird, don’t ignore the rest of the menu. I had a really refreshing “Maine Crab Salad” which had fresh crabmeat with avocado, red pepper, shallot layered within crisp layers on a bed of a vibrant mint mango coulis – and all of this was dressed with fresh edible flowers. It was stunning!

Whilst Chef Tajima helms the kitchen, his wife Keiko fills in everywhere else from the front end to helping out in the kitchen. Her bright cheery spirit really warms ones soul and adds even more depth and flavor to an already delicious meal.

Mark my words everyone – Tastings Social Presents Mountain Bird is one of those restaurants to watch out for…this couple brings something truly different to the table and I for one, wish them all the best.

Here is some of what we ate: