Last week, I embarked on a gastronomic adventure. I was invited to Odd Sister, a mesmerizing new Restaurant and Bar nestled in the heart of Soho at 45 Mercer Street. Odd Sister promises a transcendent social experience, seamlessly blending sophistication with enchantment.
The Arrival
As I stepped into Odd Sister, the air was tinged with the alluring aroma of culinary wonders. The pathway, adorned with crimson rose petals, felt like a luxurious carpet guiding me through the threshold. Welcoming me with genuine warmth were three hostesses. They were radiant in their hospitality and ushered me into a captivating space where every detail was a prelude to an extraordinary experience. The air buzzed with the hum of lively conversations.
The waitstaff, adorned in attire reflecting the restaurant’s sophistication, extended trays with an array of meticulously crafted cocktails. Each one was a work of art in a glass. It was not just an entrance. But an immersion into a world where hospitality and culinary mastery danced in perfect harmony, promising an evening of unparalleled delight.
The Interior—Odd Sister
The dimly lit, spacious interior, featuring two full bars and a skylight framed by a stunning brick facade, exuded both nostalgia and modern charm. Odd Sister draws inspiration from hidden speakeasies and grand salons, creating a timeless yet contemporary ambiance.
As I step into the embrace of Odd Sister’s enchanting space, I am greeted by more than just the play of light and shadow. It is an invitation to unravel the layers of uniqueness that extend far beyond the culinary canvas.
Picture this: the spacious expanse, gently illuminated in a soft, inviting glow, whispers tales of bygone eras. Two full bars stand sentinel, not merely as dispensers of libations but as epicenters of communal revelry. The mix of patrons and mixologists, creating artistry with each crafted concoction, transforms these bars into lively hubs of connection and conviviality. A skylight, framed by a gorgeous brick facade, bathes the scene in a celestial radiance. It blends nostalgia with the contemporary to craft an atmosphere that feels both familiar and cutting-edge.
I could tell that I was not just a diner within the carefully curated walls of Odd Sister. I was a participant in a narrative where the ambiance is a key character.
Indulge in Culinary Marvels: Odd Sister’s Distinctive Menus
Odd Sister’s thoughtful approach extends to its menus and meticulously infuses every aspect of its offerings. The cocktail menu, a masterpiece curated by world-class mixologists, ventures beyond the ordinary. Pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation. This artistry finds its counterpart in a food menu that seamlessly transitions from breakfast to dinner. Offering patrons a culinary expedition that transcends the ordinary. It is nothing short of a cultural journey.
Sip and Savor: The Cocktails Extravaganza
My culinary journey started with the Odd Sister, a house-dirty martini boasting a refreshing symphony of Vodka, Brine, and Aromatized Wine. The Promenade followed suit, a sweeter concoction featuring Vodka, Lemon, Ginger, Almond, and Cardamom.
These libations, fresh and masterfully presented, embodied Odd Sister’s commitment to using a blend of unique fresh, organic, and juiced-in-house ingredients and techniques.
The Odd Sister Martini, with its perfect blend of Vodka, Brine, and Aromatized Wine, is a refreshing revelation. It was timely, tasty, and impeccably crafted. The Promenade, a Vodka, Lemon, Ginger, Almond, and Cardamom concoction, dances on the palate. It was a delightful play of sweetness harmonized with unique notes of Ginger, Almond, and Cardamom.
Culinary Symphony: The Gastronomic Journey
The food menu unfolds as a symphony of flavors. Each note hits a perfect pitch. From the savory-sweet Roasted Beets Salad, elevated by a delightful twist of freshness from strawberries. To the tantalizing Spicy Tuna—a crispy dance of Rice, Ginger, Yuzu, Calabrian Chili Aioli, Sesame, and Kewpie Mayo.
The Short Rib Fried Rice orchestrates a symphony of textures and tastes. It is a simple dish elevated by the freshness of short rib. The Pizza is a light and airy masterpiece. It perfectly balances sweet and savory, adorned with fresh basil. Parisian Gnocchi, made with Chanterelles, cured egg yolk, guanciale, and pea leaves, offers a gourmet experience with rich, savory flavors. The Steak Bites, a bar menu exclusive, delivers a savory-sweet symphony accentuated by the crunch of sesame seeds.
Menus Beyond Imagination
Odd Sister’s menus transcend expectations, boasting approximately 12 pages of cocktails, spanning from signature to nonalcoholic options. The bar menu, available during specific hours, unveils delectable choices—from Spicy Tuna to Margarita Pizza.
Despite its elevated status, the affordability of cocktails below twenty dollars and menu dishes just below twenty-five adds a layer of accessibility, making Odd Sister not just a culinary gem but an experience for all.
Standout Dishes
Eager to uncover the culinary gems that have already captured the hearts of Odd Sister’s patrons, I inquired about standout dishes that might become instant favorites. Paul McDaid, Co-Owner and Partner, exuding pride, shared, “In terms of the menu, I would say our brunch section, available seven days a week, the artisan pizzas, and Short Rib Fried Rice are already local favorites.”
As the words lingered, I could not help but resonate with the sentiment. Having personally savored the remarkable Short Rib Fried Rice, I wholeheartedly concur. It is nothing short of amazing. Odd Sister’s culinary prowess has already carved out a niche in the hearts and palates of locals, making each dish not just a menu item but a beloved masterpiece.
Visionaries Behind Odd Sister’s Elegance
Behind this culinary haven are the visionaries from Host Restaurants, led by Curt Huegel, a respected restaurateur and creator of renowned establishments. Partnering with Jackdaw, Lulu’s Delray Beach, and Dear Maud’s Ronan Carter and Paul McDaid, they have successfully brought the Odd Sister concept to life.
The Inspiration Behind Odd Sister
I asked Paul McDaid, Co-Owner and Partner of the captivating Odd Sister in Soho to delve into the inspiration behind this enchanting establishment. Paul revealed, “Odd Sister was born from 2 ‘sister’ bars Jackdaw & Dear Maud. The owners partnered with restaurateur Curt Huegel to open Jackdaw in the East Village nearly five years ago, subsequently expanding to Dear Maud in Hoboken and a Floridian gem called Lulu’s in Delray Beach.”
The latest addition to their Soho venture brought in Clodagh Culkin, a fellow Sligonian, to join their stellar team. Their profound love for their hometown, Sligo [north of Ireland], serves as inspiration behind the creative force that birthed Jackdaw, Dear Maud, and the mystical Odd Sister.
It is a narrative steeped in hometown pride and a passion for creating unique, welcoming spaces that resonate with the spirit of Sligo. With such a dynamic team and heartfelt roots, Odd Sister embodies not just a dining experience but a homage to the spirit of Sligo woven into the fabric of each venue they have crafted.
Savoring Timeless Elegance: An Unforgettable Culinary Finale at Odd Sister
As the evening unfolded at Odd Sister, every detail seemed thoughtfully arranged, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. My expectations for exceptional food and service were not just met but surpassed.
The revelations of this dining haven offered me a glimpse into the exceptional experience awaiting future diners. The staff are not just kind and welcoming but attuned to the art of attentiveness. The cocktail menu, a masterpiece curated with meticulous care, presents an extensive array of choices. It is a true odyssey for the senses. The food menu, though not overly expansive, offers a cultural culinary journey and reflected a thoughtful approach.
And the pièce de résistance—the ambiance. A moody allure that transcends time, blending modernity with timeless elegance. It is not just sophistication. But a cozy embrace. An intimate moodiness that completes the culinary symphony at Odd Sister. My dining experience was an orchestrated masterpiece where every note, every flavor, and every detail was perfectly composed.
