Barbara Smith, dubbed “the black Martha Stewart,” is far more than the cooking and preening white counterpart, but she is also the epitome of what the young people of her race aspire to be. She has turned herself into a brand name with both her cooking and style menus and her syndicated television show.
As for her restaurant, B. Smith’s, it’s located in the heart of the Theater District, serves up her world class cuisine to an abundance of theatergoing clientele every night. Even more customary are the patrons from across New York City who are long-time lovers of soul food. It is one of the most prominent and widely revered black owned restaurants in the New York City area. Hey, it is one of the better restaurants period!
Some of the more soulful delights of your dining experience here are a part of the appetizer menu. B. Smith’s Braise of Black-eyed Peas and Greens soup is about as hearty and tasty as soups come. And her stuffed snow crab claw with mixed seafood and spicy mango salsa will make you forget about ordering an entrée.
That is until you realize that you can you can appropriate platters like A Tumble of Field Greens and Grilled Vegetarian Ribs for you vegans. For the carnivore in you, there are plenty of soul food selections. The Southern Style Fried Chicken, although common, is as spectacular as it is recognizable. It is served with caramelized sweet potatoes and southern style greens that make you want to go back to your roots and sop it all up with a biscuit.
B. Smith’s Swamp Thing dish, with sautéed shrimp, scallops, and crawfish cooked in a Dijon cream sauce with southern style greens makes your moth water before you even finish describing it.
Some of the other succulent sounding and tasting dishes at B. Smith’s include, Curried Crisped Oysters, Fried Green Tomatoes, Algiers Seared Salmon, Thai-spice Wings, Corn Flour Crusted Calamari, and So Slow Roast Dry Rub Buttah Ribs. The list of notable sides includes, Pigeon Peas & Rice, Fried Sweet Plantains, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
As for the service and atmosphere, naturally, customers are often pleased with their dining experiences at B. Smith’s restaurant. The service is exquisite and the set up is extremely glamorous, designed to accommodate the pre-theater crowd. It is also a great place for kids and special occasions.
The prices are about what you expect for the Theater District; anywhere from $17-$34. However, there is a Prix-Fixe Menu that is only $19.95 at lunchtime.
B. Smith’s
320 W. 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
