NEXT time you ‘re trying to decide what to order at a restaurant and you ‘re struck with a major case of indecision,do what Martha Stewart recently did at Chelsea ‘s Rickshaw Dumpling Bar – order the entire menu.
While the prospect of having it all may seem both digestively and fiscally daunting,the practice is becoming more and more popular in restaurants around the city.
At Alta,a cozy tapas bar in the Village (64 W.10th St., [212 ] 505–7777),patrons can order “The Whole Shebang “
– every tapas dish on the menu – for $$300.The menu changes every two to three weeks and the number of
plates is always fluctuating. Currently there are 35 items, which could feed a party of six to eight people. Even though it ‘s not explicitly stated in print, serious foodies know they can order the menu in its entirety at popular down-
town eatery Momofuku Noodle Bar (163 First Ave., [212 ] 475–7899).
“Last night,a kitchen crew from a very well-known restaurant stopped by late at night and ordered the entire menu,” says chef–owner David Chang.”A lot of students from cooking schools will come by after class and do the same thing.”
The menu,which currently features about 25 dishes,is constantly changing,so aficionados of the “entire menu ” trend will never get bored.And it ‘s easy on the pocketbook as well.The approximate price for everything is a surprisingly reasonable $160.
New American restaurant Citron (228 Bleecker St., [212 ] 924–9717)has a constantly changing menu,but currently features a 17-item dinner that is often ordered – usually by a group of four or five,says the manager. The cost,about $250,is reasonable for the amount of food you get,and the medium-size plates are perfect for sharing.
Uptown,those in the know at quasi-private club Frederick ‘s (8 W.58th St., [212 ] 752–6200)can order the unlisted $200 all-the-small-plates option – a veritable steal for 20 plates,which are usually priced from $6 to $35.
The Asian-inspired selection of dishes includes king salmon satay,barbecued Alaskan king crab and domestic Kobe beef.
Sound like a lot of food? Well,yes.But pan-ordering provides a great excuse to get a group of friends together and cut down on menu-related stress.
