Sweet Praise Bistro

Courtesy of The Streets Where We Live

SWEET PRAISE BISTRO

4996 Broadway
New York, NY  10034

What a find!  It’s only been open for two weeks, but this lovely bistro should prosper.  Even from across the street it looks elegant, with swathes of green silk over the windows and the entry way. Very enticing—it’s my hope that this one will get the foot traffic it deserves and become a neighborhood classic.

Once you enter Sweet Praise, the charm of the exterior is re-echoed in the interior. You’re regaled with a bouquet of lilies near the door. And huge branches of convincingly near real flowers as a centerpiece.  Wild turquoise lighted elongated   cityscapes (LA? No signs just had to guess) surround you.  Even the small touches were elegant and right—black linen napkins, dark brown bamboo table mats.  It was so soothing and pleasant; I was tempted to linger long after I was done.

In an area known for its Latin hospitality, this waiter staff seemed especially warm and friendly.  The waiter told me that the place is family owned and run and that they are determined to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere as well as wonderful food.  And they score on all points.

Blue Bottle Coffee

The daytime menu offers a number of attractive choices. I got the Chicken Salad (a substantial little tower of chopped chicken, raisins, apples, and curry, on a bed of mesclun and drizzled with balsamic vinegar) and loved it.  Pungent, full of texture, rich, and satisfying.  Not overwhelming, just right.  Others got the Crab Omelet  (jumbo lump crab with tomato and pepper jack in a three- egg omelet served with a mesclun salad) and the Seafood Cobb (seared scallops and shrimp, on a bed of mesclun topped with crab, tomatoes, scallions, with a tomato garlic aioli).  My fellow diners were heard to murmur “mmmmmmm” —I confess I did the same.

I ordered coffee and was stunned- it was either the best or one of the best cups I’ve had, in or out of the neighborhood.  I understand it is called Blue Bottle Coffee, brewed in Brooklyn and brewed in Sweet Praise on what looked like a fancy espresso machine. The staff of Sweet Praise went through Blue Bottle training exercises to enable them to produce a perfect cup of coffee every time. Blue Bottle Coffee

I’d say they’re candidates for the best cup of coffee in Inwood.

I had decided not even to ask about dessert.  But to my surprise, the chef came by, bowed, and gave me a complimentary chocolate-y Italian cookie to go with my coffee.   A very nice touch. I was charmed.

Stop on by and  treat yourself to a fine meal. And wish these friendly, hard working folks well.