By: Simone Toller
On a bustling corner of the West Village, a new culinary gem has emerged: Chez Omar, a French Caribbean bistro that promises to be an exhilarating addition to New York City’s vibrant dining scene. This inviting new restaurant, helmed by the renowned Chef Omar Walters, is poised to offer a unique fusion of classic French cuisine with bold Jamaican flavors.
Chez Omar is the brainchild of Chef Omar Walters, a culinary maestro with over thirteen years of experience. Growing up in Jamaica, Chef Walters developed a profound love for the flavors of his homeland. His culinary journey took him across the globe as a private chef, where he mastered diverse culinary techniques and flavor profiles. In 2019, he opened Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar in the East Village, which quickly became a beloved dining spot. Now, with Chez Omar, he aims to blend his French culinary expertise with his Jamaican heritage, creating an innovative and exciting menu that surprises and delights.
Upon entering Chez Omar, guests are immediately transported to the vibrant world of Jamaica. Designed by Chef Walters’ sister, Chelsea, the interior serves as a perfect preview of the food. The restaurant features colorful artwork, including Chelsea’s own pieces like “Air Jamaica,” which symbolizes the country’s progression, and “What Grew From Zinc,” representing the political and cultural landscape of Jamaica. The wraparound granite bar with high-top chairs in burnt orange invites guests to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, while the main dining area, known as the Appleton Estate Room, offers an elegant yet comfortable setting with booth seating in velvety burnt orange and pale golden yellow.
The expertly curated menu at Chez Omar begins with an array of hors d’oeuvres that set the tone for a culinary adventure. Start with the Conch Croquettes, a French twist on the classic conch fritter, served with a rich lobster tomato sauce, or the Ackee Tuna Tartare, featuring fresh tuna, ackee, avocado, and a vibrant mango salsa with a balsamic glaze. For a true taste of the Caribbean, try the Escargots Du Bourgogne, spiced snails in a white wine sauce served with toasted sourdough points.
The entrée offerings at Chez Omar are categorized into Sea, Land, and Air, each dish a masterpiece of culinary fusion. From the sea, guests can savor Les Coquilles Saint-Jacques, pan-seared scallops with Escovitch caper butter and a balsamic glaze, or the Escovitch Branzino, a pan-seared branzino dressed in a lemon caper white wine sauce. From the land, the Oxtail Braise stands out, a homage to Chef Walters’ favorite childhood dish, braised for hours and seasoned with pimento, scotch bonnet pepper, scallion, and thyme. Other land-based delights include Cotes, grilled lamb chops with thyme and rosemary glaze, and Steak Au Poivre, a prime New York strip with pimento sauce. The air offerings feature the Jerk Poulet, a grilled whole Cornish hen marinated in herbs and wood spices with a spicy demi-glace sauce.
No meal at Chez Omar would be complete without indulging in their exquisite desserts. The Baguette Bread Pudding with Cognac Brulé sauce is a standout, alongside the Passion Fruit Crème Brulé and the Hibiscus Cheesecake, each offering a sweet finale to a memorable dining experience.
The beverage program at Chez Omar, also curated by Chef Walters, complements the menu perfectly with a range of inventive cocktails. Highlights include the Summer on West, a vibrant mezcal-based cocktail with tamarind puree, jalapeno, lime, and honey, and a selection of unique martinis like the Soursop, made with Soursop, Chambord, and Brandy. The drink menu also features a variety of beers, wines, champagnes, and Jamaican rum favorites like Wray & Nephew and Appleton Estate Rum.
Chez Omar is open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm, inviting diners to explore a culinary landscape where French sophistication meets Jamaican zest. Located at 394 West Street, this new bistro is set to become a cherished destination in the West Village, offering a dining experience that is as vibrant and flavorful as the culture it celebrates. Make a reservation and prepare to be enchanted by the bold and beautiful world of Chez Omar.
Published by: Holy Minoza
