I have to confess, first off, that I’m not one to write online reviews - and I suppose that’s a common opening catch-phrase. However, my wife Stephanie and I’s recent experience with Purslane for our June 30th wedding at Fitzcarraldo compels me... here. We can’t thank Nicolette, Chef Arden, and the entire Purslane staff enough as they were unparalleled, not only in their kindness, generosity, and skill, but the food and service at our wedding was like having family run the show - that is if you’re from a family who puts a lot of love and thought into their food, drinks, and good times. Flat out, Purslane nailed it from every angle for us: space, planning, food, drink, dancing, and memories.
For our “leaner” wedding of thirty-five people, Stephanie and I had dreamt of a wedding that was centered around our own family, friends, plentiful drinks, unique food, and dancing through the night. Purslane exceeded all of our hopes and the space of Fitzcarraldo not only brought home the atmosphere of a classic Brooklyn night, but the outdoor patio and distinctive interior allowed for the intimacy, mingling, and dancing that we wanted for all of our family and friends. However, before we even got to the big night, I have to recognize the hard work and effort, especially of Chef Arden and the organization, support, and joy of Nicolette, in helping us to put it altogether.
Although we had no wedding planner, Nicolette immediately dove in to help us, listened to us, let us know all of our options, made wonderful recommendations, and - most importantly - communicated with us promptly, warmly, and consistently through the whole process. It sounds “hoaky,” I’m sure (pretty hard to avoid in these things), but both Stephanie and I became “fast-friends” with Nicolette due to her caring, attention, and the fact that she works at the local restaurant of Franklin and Kent. Further, to put it bluntly, one of the nicest dinners my then-fiance and I had - prior to our wedding dinner, of course - was the “tasting” dinner that both Nicolette and Arden provided for us. We felt downright spoiled by the variety and diversity of flavors and the sincerity of Nicolette and Arden in helping us to make what we wanted happen for our wedding night.
In terms of the wedding dinner, Chef Arden’s “crew” hit it out of the park. I'll let the food speak for itself. A first course of heirloom tomatoes with peaches, feta, and honey in a vinaigrette; a second course of strozzapreti in roasted tomato sauce with taggiasca olives, mozzarella, and basil; three different entrees, one of grilled seas bass in banana leaf with kung pao sauce, achiote, citrus, herb salad, and cashews, a second entree of “lomo al trapo,” a Colombian-style beef tenderloin that is wrapped in a towel and cooked directly in the coals (absolutely wonderful) served with salsa criolla, and a third entree of ratatouille a la plancha that consisted of beautifully grilled vegetables. We also had a number of passed appetizers including root-beer braised pork tacos, black seed crusted tuna, and vegetable spring rolls with rice vermicelli, cucumber, avocado, herbs, and nam prik. As many have already said, and I couldn’t agree more, this wasn’t your standard “get-by” wedding dinner - rather, this was a meal I continue to have conversations about with friends and family that were there.
Thank you again, so much, to Nicolette, Chef Arden, and the whole Purslane group. Highly recommended and we will see you soon I’m sure!