Here’s a story about finding a Kansas City connection when I least expected it… I made a super-quick visit to NYC recently to see a few Broadway shows. And of course — finding great food is always part of the travel magic. So I googled around, browsed Eater, Time Out, infatuation.com, etc., and agonized over final choice per usual. 
I settled on Il Fiorista, in NoMad, known for Mediterranean-inspired Italian food, infused with floral and herbal touches.
Chef with KC connections
We pulled up to 17 W. 26th St. via @Uber on a drizzly evening, a bit early for our reservation. When we settled at the bar for a glass of wine, the bartender asked where we were from. Kansas City, we said. His face lit up. Our chef is from Kansas City, he said. And he pointed to her name on the menu: Executive Chef Rae Kramer. What were the odds?
Soon after, we were seated at a cozy corner table with a view of the entire restaurant, a welcoming, high ceilinged space filled with glass and light and natural wood tones.
As nice as the decor was, the food was even more beautiful. We chose the tasting menu — and the staff asked if the chef could choose our courses. Sure, we said. Why not?
Italian food with a twist
And then amazing dishes began to arrive, delivered by an enthusiastic and attentive wait staff. As much as I love good food, I’m no expert — so I’ll let the photos do most of the talking. We had starters to share: a platter featuring green tomato and a thinly sliced Italian meat served with crusty bread. A mozzarella/roasted red pepper/basil dish. An amazing pasta carbonara with a twist (pomodoro) — and adorned with micro flowers. A crusty salmon. A platter of green beans generously dotted with herbs and citrusy aioli. And for dessert, chocolate ice cream and hazel nuts with pomegranate and fresh whipped cream and a glass of dessert wine —Sauternes? Santorini?
Chef Rae Kramer stopped by the table briefly to visit and graciously agreed to a couple quick snaps. I learned she worked at so many of Kansas City’s favorite foodie spots— The American, Rieger’s, JJ’s, Corvino’s Supper Club and for a time, Happy Gillis, near her River Market home.
For the past 10 years she has been the inspired force behind @ilfioristanyc — more than just a restaurant, also a floral boutique and education center.
Thanks for giving us such a memorable meal, Chef Rae and team. Now travel friends — stop by and enjoy!
#nycrestaurants#nyceats#mysecretnyc#nycfood#ChefRaeNYC#kcfoodie
