Ditch Plains (Excellent Mac from a Fish Shack)

February 8th, 2010

Everything is pleasant at Ditch Plains, a laid-back West Village fish shack. The fuss-free menu features creature comforts like lobster rolls, fish and chips and chilli. The “fish shack” theme plays out in complimentary oyster crackers and a cup of taffy but the steely space feels far from a shack. You might not expect amazing mac and cheese at a seafood restaurant, but their version is one of the best I’ve had. It’s a perfect blend that tastes like cheddar and Gruyère with dense, creamy flavor and a browned crust. My friend and I shared it as an appetizer and were in cheesy heaven.

Go for the grilled fish of the day and you’ll get a huge, skin-on portion served simply with a side salad and lemon. On my visit it was meaty trout, so fresh that even my pescaphobe friend loved it. I skipped the wacky “Ditch Dog”, a  hot dog served with mac n’ cheese on top, though I’ve heard great things.

The drink list isn’t particularly memorable, but you’ll find a few friendly beers beyond the standard. I didn’t have wine on my visit, but they tout a “low markup” philosophy with good prices and the ability to buy any bottle of wine as a half. It’s a tradition that healms from the owners’ more grownup restaurant, Landmarc.

Ditch Plains is the sort of place you’ll be happy to know about on an agenda-free stroll downtown. You can stumble in and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Location: 29 Bedford Street @Downing
Food: Very Good
Service: Very Good
Average App/Entrée Price: $12/$24
Value: Very Good
You Gonna Finish That? Every last bite.
Ditch Plains on Urbanspoon

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Filed under Cuisine, Neighborhood, Seafood, West Village | Comment (0)

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