Dining Out: The Ainsworth

I started this week in New York City, spending three days in the Big Apple with clients. While it was 99% work, we were able to squeeze in one meal just for us. We were staying at a hotel that just opened called INNSIDE by Melia, on the corner of 27th Street and 7th Avenue. When we were trying to decide where to go for dinner, I dropped a pin on the map and discovered the hotel was steps from a place I had been wanting to try called The Ainsworth.

I first learned about The Ainsworth on an Instagram account run by a girl I went to college with. She has amassed over 58,000 followers and posts the most incredible food pictures. You can follow her @ccbymwilliams. 

We walked in around 7:45pm and most of the restaurant was empty. Apparently 7:45pm is early for dinner in Manhattan. 

It was a really nice night and the hostess offered to seat us in the open front window, which we happily accepted. 

The space at The Ainsworth is sports bar meets chic lounge. Only in New York can you find a place with multiple flat screen TVs and ornate chandeliers over every row of tables. 

After a long day of travel and site visits we were ready for cocktails. My friend ordered the astor fizz which was Nolet's gin, mint, cucumber and simple syrup. She let me have a sip and I thought it tasted like spa water. It was actually really refreshing. I ordered a cocktail called the crooked knife which was jalapeño-infused Don Julio, lemon juice and agave. It was amazing. It had a great kick to it and I could tell right away it would be the perfect compliment to Mexican food. The drink is so popular at The Ainsworth that you can order it by the pitcher. 

For an appetizer, we decided to share the buffalo cauliflower. As as vegetarian it's very rare for me to get to eat buffalo sauce, so when the opportunity presents itself, I always take it!

I was expecting the cauliflower to be drenched in sauce, but it turned out to be more like a light coating. Though I wish there had been more buffalo sauce, each piece did have a nice heat to it. The portion size is great for sharing. 

When it came time to decide on entrees, we were both enticed by the burger list. When the first item is a burger topped with mac and cheese, you know you're in for something good. 

My friend went with the burrata burger, garnished with roasted red peppers, arugula and basil goddess dressing. 

After a few bites I asked how she was enjoying it and she commented, "The toppings overwhelm the burger itself so that you don't really taste the meat at all. The burrata and red peppers were both fantastic, but at the expense of the burger."

The burger came with a side of fries which were expertly crisped. 

For my dinner I decided to go with the kale Caesar salad. I love swapping kale in for the traditional romaine at home and at restaurants. Kale is one of those super foods that has you feeling stronger and healthier with every bite. The Ainsworth's version of this dish has a wonderful dressing with a hint of lemon and huge pieces of shaved parmesan cheese. I practically licked the bowl clean.

We also shared a side of the mac and cheese and let me tell you, this is what dreams are made of. This mac and cheese was one of the best I've ever had. It was the traditional elbow macaroni baked in an iron skillet to have a slightly crisp top which once cracked leads the way to a sea of rich, creamy, cheese coated noodles. 

I was ready to take up residence in this bowl. Seriously. 

The Ainsworth more than lived up to its Instagram hype. If you live in New York, they have three locations - Chelsea, Gramercy and Midtown - and they also have an outpost in Hoboken, NJ. 

If you're looking for a place with a casual atmosphere, great drinks and serious comfort food, this is it.