Rouge Tomate NYC Cart in the Park Food Review

Recognition by Michelin and a star rating by Michelin are two different things, and so is Rouge Tomate, the restaurant, and Rouge Tomate, the cart it has on the park--Central Park. While the restaurant is one-star rated, its satellite food cart--Rouge Tomate Cart In The Park--will never be recommended by Michelin. Why, and does that mean what's coming from the cart isn't worth a taste?

Won't you come in off the road and sit down at a nice, comfortable table, Michelin inspector

Simply put, Rouge Tomate Cart in the Park won't get something written about it other than a food review similar to this one because Michelin inspectors don't inspect food trucks or food carts.

While the food truck (and cart) revolution has been doing a good job at serving food, and in some cases--such as Rouge Tomate Cart In The Park--even good-tasting food, the obsolete original idea behind the Michelin Guide for restaurants was to get French countrymen to drive more and thus buy more Michelin tires, by recommending restaurants--a few of which "worth a detour," not only for their food, but also because of their comfort. Food trucks and food carts don't offer comfort, at least not beyond food.

It's hard not to like a BLT

Have you ever heard anyone say they don't like a BLT? While I prefer a traditional BLT, the one Rouge Tomate Cart In The Park is making was a welcome change. The bacon was thick, hickory smoked and fairly plentiful. The recent craze around Benton's Bacon isn't for naught. Rouge Tomate makes a good choice in choosing to use Benton's Bacon in its BLT.

If you didn't already know, one piece of produce New Jersey is known for is the tomato. Rouge Tomate doesn't use just any Jersey tomato on its BLT either; they use the classic Jersey tomato, the Beefsteak. The tomato on our sandwich was perfectly ripe, and the perfect tomato variety for the largish sandwich too.

Piled high was wild arugula, and generously smeared throughout the sandwich was avocado. Not surprisingly, this Culinary Nutritionist-supported BLT was sandwiched in by two pieces of whole wheat bread.

The BLT Rouge Tomate Cart In The Park is making is certainly worth a taste.

On the other hand, its Mint Lemonade was a split decision. ..

Is there mint in that lemonade?

Rouge Tomate NYC Cart In The Park Mint Lemonade : Lemon, Mint, Lemon and Lime Syrup, Seltzer

Because I only observed the preparer put seltzer and lemon and lime syrup into our Mint Lemonade , and because I didn't find the drink tasty, particularly in a lemon-minty way, I emailed Rouge Tomate about my disappointment with its drink.

Mr. Peter Esmond, Director of Operations, graciously acknowledged the email and explained though the lemon and lime syrup was infused with mint at the restaurant itself, it may have been weaker than normal that day. In true hospitality fashion, he also invited us to the restaurant or the cart for a redo.

My wife and I may take him up on that offer, because she liked the drink anyway, and I, because Rouge Tomate made me feel comfortable, even though there were no tables and chairs.

Sources:

Rouge Tomate NYC, Rouge Tomate

Michelin Guide, Michelin Travel & Lifestyle

Benton's Bacon, Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams

Redisovering the Jersey Tomato: Jersey Fresh Information Exchange from the New Jersey Agricultural experiment Station, Rutgers University

Robie2, The History and Lore of the Fabulous Jersey Tomato, Hubpages