A View Fit for a Queen

Rory O'FarrellRory O'Farrell, the executive chef at Water's Edge, says life is great with a view of Manhattan. "We have the best view any restaurant can possibly have being right across the river from the greatest city in the world, so I try to make dishes that are as diverse as the city and visually exciting too. Just sitting in our dining room with floor to ceiling windows gives that different experience that no other restaurant can offer in New York. Being able to create dishes that accent this is special as well. Every dish has its own unique preparation process, from slow braising Short Ribs for 10 hours to marinating giant prawns in fresh chilis for two days."

"My favorite ingredient is salt. I think it is the most versatile ingredient in any kitchen; one just needs to know the proper way to use it when making anything from sweet to savory. The method I most appreciate right now is braising-nothing beats a really well braised piece of lamb shank or beef short rib, and then you have that flavorful braising liquid to turn into a great sauce or brodo. We use ingredients from all corners of the world. Some of those are Saffron from Spain used on our salmon dish and Thai green curry with Plantain chips on our grilled prawn dish. I feel having a restaurant in a city like New York, you would have to implement as many flavors and ingredients from all over so that it can reflect on the type of culture that this city is known for."

"I would describe Water's Edge atmosphere as an upscale and comfortable establishment, O'Farrell says about the restaurant, which is located in Queens directly across the river from 48th Street. "You have the city lights shining over the east river and softly coming into a newly decorated fine dining room with an amazing pianist playing all of the great tunes that we all have come to appreciate. The food just brings that final element that is missing from the equation to make for a most memorable evening. There is no other industry where you can actually get that sense of instant gratification, when a new dish is brought out to a table and you see your guests really enjoying their experience. It's the topping on the cake. So many life-changing things happen around the dinner table from major business deals to wedding proposals-what other industry can offer that?"

WatersEdgeNYC.com