Mac N’ Cheese Croquette
Why Come Here? Tantalizing “New Creole” creations, a tasty and affordable meal in an area severely lacking both, long happy hour, great private party space
Located on a side street in the foodie dead zone between the UN and Irish Pub District of Second Avenue in the 40s/50s, it’s easy to see how Masq has flown under the food world’s radar since opening early last year. However, this New Orleans themed restaurant/lounge has a lot going for it. With innovative Creole inspired dishes, friendly service, and a design that evokes New Orleans without being over-the-top Mardi Gras, this place deserves a lot more buzz than it’s getting.
Occupying the first floor of a town home, Masq is divided into four medium sized rooms each of which is perfect for a different type of occasion. First up are your “grab a drink and a bite areas.” Upon entering into the bar area, you’re greeted by a white oak, horseshoe-shaped bar topped with Christmas lights, big screen TVs and a Happy Hour that goes until 8. Adjacent but maintaining the casual feel is the white wood-walled lounge, which is filled with Mardi Gras masks, Persian rugs and paintings you’d expect to find in the French Quarter like the Mona Lisa in a Venetian mask. For a more intimate meal, the main dining area evokes a dinner party at a Garden District mansion complete with mood lighting, vintage tables and chairs and a mural that looks straight out of The Garden of Good and Evil. There’s also a small stage where that hosts live music on Thursday nights. The final is room is a curtained off private party area known as the “Red Room” and resembles the parlor of a grand Victorian home complete with plush reddish-purple furniture and antique mirrors.
Jambalaya
When it comes to food, the words “lounge” and “New Orleans inspired” generally evoke images of good times more than good eats. But Masq breaks the mold here as well, serving what I’m dubbing “New Creole” cuisine that is worthy of a try by both lovers of NOLA style cooking and good food in general. Think Mac ‘n Cheese croquettes in a spicy remoulade, “Cajun” dumplings with andouille sausage and the chef’s signature jambalaya tempered with a helping of goat cheese. They have some solid non-Creole options as well should you have some friends that can’t take the heat. Prices are very reasonable with most entrees under $20, wines under $40 and a $10.95 lunch prix-fixe that includes a 1/2 sandwich, soup or salad and alcoholic beverage. I was invited for a press tasting and got to sample quite a few items. Below are my top picks.
Jambalaya 
It’s tough to find a good jambalaya in New York, but this is actually the best I’ve had anywhere. Everything is fresh and the cajun chicken and andouille sausage add a great kick that is tempered by the addition of goat cheese. A definite must try if you’re a jambalaya or spicy food fan.
Sabayon
Mac ‘N Cheese Croquettes As if the the name doesn’t sound intriguing enough, these bad boys are also filled with bacon and jalapenos and come in a spicy remoulade. These belong on your table whether you’re here for a full meal or just a drink at the bar.
Asian Marinated Salmon 
Cooked salmon can be hit-or-miss, but this is a solid piece of fish well balanced by the tangy-sweet honey soy marinade. It’s not a creole dish in any way, but if you’re looking for something lighter after overloading on croquettes, this’ll do the trick.
Shrimp Po’boy Fairly lightly fried and loaded with shrimp. Definitely one of the better renditions in the city, due in no small part to the spicy remoulade.
Sabayon [not tried] I was unable to try this due to the egg yolk, but the rest of the table swooned over this custardy French-Italian classic served with fresh berries in a martini glass.
Masq Restaurant & Lounge
306 East 49th Street (1st & 2nd Aves)
New York, NY
