The Garden on the Square

Vibrant colors attracting, playful sounds of water splashing, music faintly looming in the background, small/magical/twinkling lights floating all around - there are so many ways to describe my experience at Talula's Garden on Washington Square.  Stephen Starr continues to amaze me with his ever changing/always amusing concepts.  Stepping off the street/out of the heat/into the earthy, eclectic garden was truly transforming.  I had escaped the city if only for a few hours, and it was one of my favorite dining memories to count.

If you're not so lucky to score a rocking/wooden/metal/garden chair at one of the many large or small tables outside, the dining room and bar inside are by no means disappointing, but honestly dining outside versus inside is a completely different experience.  In the garden that Starr has created for us, somehow I think the food and drink just automatically taste better because the space is so special.  During my visit, I can say that I have tasted the best rabbit dish in the city.  The Braised Rabbit with Handkerchief Pasta, Percorino, Green Olives, and Fava Beans was simply divine/tender/savory/mouth-watering.  The plentiful options of cheese plates to amuse yourself with is quite impressive and a challenge to pick just one.  With the 'In Kind' cheese plate, I enjoyed the most nutty/creamy/delectable Gouda paired with slightly sweet, almost candy-like, peanuts.  Ahhh-mazing!  Even the bread that's brought to the table, brioche with spring ramp butter, is so light/flavorful/heavenly, and the servers are more than happy to continue refilling your basket.

My night at Talula's Garden couldn't have been any better.  The service was excellent, the staff was friendly/helpful/charming in every way possible, there was nothing negative to report about the food/drink, and to top it all off I got to experience this all at one of the city's most serene/uplifting/sparkling gems.  Make a reservation.  Immediately.