New York City dining is going to the dogs. At least, at one mutt-friendly Manhattan restaurant.
The Wilson, a contemporary American restaurant in Chelsea, is inviting pampered pups to dine alongside their owners to enjoy its first-ever dog menu. Inspired by Culinary Director Jeff Haskell's cooking for his own dog, these puppy-friendly dishes can be shared between pets and humans, though the latter can can also order off a more extensive, less pet-friendly menu as well.
"The inspiration behind this menu was cooking wholesome, delicious and safe food for dogs and providing peace of mind for our guests who enjoy taking their pets out for a night on the town," Haskell says. "My wife and I have an English Bulldog named Stella who happens to have an affinity for very softly scrambled eggs with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. She also enjoys poached and pulled chicken. If the food isn't cooked to her liking she always lets us know....She has way with words, um, barking."
The Wilson's first dog menu includes a 16 oz grilled ribeye steak with grilled baby vegetables and steak jus ($42), pan roasted true north salmon with steamed vegetables and lemon ($28), grilled chicken breast with baby vegetables ($16) and lighter sides like a bowl of sliced apples and heirloom carrots ($11) or a bowl of mixed berries ($14).
Served exclusively on the restaurant's side patio and front terrace (once the weather warms up), all doggy dishes are plated in single-use, disposable containers, for hygienic purposes. New York City currently isn't home to any other dog restaurants, but dogs can continue their day out at the East Village's Boris and Horton, New York's first approved dog-friendly cafe serving human-friendly small bites, coffee and alcohol. Shake Shack also has its own dog menu, offering a pooch-ini, that is, dog biscuits in custard, and ShackBurger dog biscuits by the bag.
It's worth noting that while spending $42 on a steak for a dear pet may be tempting, about 40% of New York City households lack the means to purchase basic necessities, like food. A $36 donation to City Harvest helps feed 63 children and every $1 contributed to the Food Bank for New York City shares five meals with New Yorkers in need.
The Wilson is located at 132 West 27th Street and open seven days a week. Reservations are available by emailing reservations@ingoodcompany.com and letting them know you're interested in the Dog Menu. Seating is limited in the dog-friendly area of the venue, available on a first-come-first-serve basis, year-round.
