By Doshka Harvey

Tanuki Tavern is a gem in the Meatpacking District of New York City and it might appear that most foodies are not as aware of it as they should be.  It is located at the Hotel Gansevoort and instead of focusing on dinner only the self described 'Japanese gastropub and sushi bar,' now serves lunch with a number of delightful small affordable plates to choose from.

Plates of choice:

Veggie Rolls $6 (half a roll of 4 pieces), $10 (whole roll of 8 pieces)

These rolls were exquisitely presented with wasabi and slices of ginger on the side.  With every bite there was a crunch while biting into the veggies which demonstrated their freshness.  Put together with asparagus, cucumber & scallion topped with roasted sweet peppers, avocado & truffle oil this dish is worth having.  One thing I do wish, however, is that they would create a separate sauce to dip the rolls in instead of just regular soy sauce at the table. 

Tebayaki $7 (6 wings)

While many places like to have wings as one of the small dishes or finger foods on their menu, this is not one that Tanuki Tavern should keep around.  Their grilled citrus salted chicken wings were not that impressive and were a bit under done for my taste.  This was one to doggie bag and I did just that, bringing the remaining 5 wings home for a little more extra cooking.  On top of that, though I was there for lunch, I was charged the dinner price of $9 for my wings, instead of $7.  I must admit I should have noticed it myself before leaving the restaurant, but I didn't.  Needless to say, the wings were a definite miss on all fronts and I'll be sticking to Hooters for wings from now on.

Tori Dango $7 (3 meatballs)

The absolute hit of the day was the Tori Dango - chicken meatballs in rice crust with spicy ponzu sauce.  I'm usually not a fan of meatballs that are not made with beef, but I decided to try something new.  I'm glad I did. These have got to be the best chicken meatballs in the entire world - tasty and juicy. The rice covers the meatballs perfectly and crisply.  First one bites into the layer of rice to get to the meatballs and when you do, it's like heaven.  Adding some ponzu (Japanese citrus based sauce which contains soy sauce with several other spices) takes it all to another level.  These are definitely worth ordering a few plates of.

Overall, my Tanuki Tavern experience was a good one.  The ambience is welcoming and comforting.  I definitely plan to go back and suggest that you give them a try.

Tanuki Tavern at Hotel Gansevoort - 18 Ninth Ave. (entrance at 13th Street),                     Tel. (212) 660-6766, http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/restaurants-and-bars/tanuki-tavern

All images © 2010 Doshka Harvey