We got to preview SimpleVenue’s newest women-led concept, Trust Bae, opening in NoMad, and let’s just say we were more than impressed…trust us on this one. It’s even backed by TV personality, Rachel Ray!
The experience is hosted as an intimate, counter-style dinner by celebrity Chef Frances Tariga (seen in Top Chef, Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay). Her inventive menu takes inspiration from her Grandma by pulling from traditional flavors of the Philippines (rice, coconut, palm sugar and vinegar) while honoring her training in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.
Trust Bae’s team is helmed by an impressive lineup of female powerhouses. The spot’s mission is to “entrust visionary women by giving them the space to leverage their unique personal and professional journeys to create distinct culinary experiences to be shared in a unique and intimate setting,” said Erika London, SimpleVenue CEO.
The 16-course tasting menu begins with Kaiseki courses that are either torched, steamed or fried. Our personal favorites had to be a toss up between the Kinalaw Pod (served and consumed like an oyster) and the Botan Ebi Tartare with housemade sago chicharron, calamansi yuzu gel, and kaluga caviar.
Seasonal fish and Nigiri are then highlighted by subsequent sashimi courses including standouts like the Akami (lean tuna, soy garlic toum, garlic flakes) and the Otoro Taco, described as Chef Tariga’s reinvention of a hand roll that is instead served in a crunchy nori shell and topped with caviar and gold flakes. *Vegetarian Nigiri options are available upon request.
But the true star of the show might have to be the impactful bite-sized dessert that ends the night. Piped and caramelized right in front of you is Ube Halaya Stuffed Mochi that we still haven’t stopped dreaming about.
Of course, we had to try a variety of their handmade cocktails. We went with the Hot Number, made with el tesoro tequila, lime, guava, ancho reyes, and burnt rosemary, that’s served in funky tiki-inspired glassware (definitely an Instagrammable moment), along with the FT Smash made with bourbon, papaya, lemon, simple syrup, and mint.
For those looking for an energetic and playful dining experience highlighting elevated ingredients and dishes, Trust Bae will be your new go-to. The entire experience lasts 90 minutes and comes out to $150/pp.
SimpleVenue’s notable portfolio also includes restaurants such as Sushi by Bou, Sushi Suite, Omakaseed, and Fins and Scales.
Find out more at Trust Bae’s website here.