The new Dutch herring was delayed two weeks this year, but it’s finally due to arrive in the city on June 19 (photo by twi-ny/mdr)
Grand Central Oyster Bar, Grand Central Terminal, lower level, 212-490-6650
Russ & Daughters, 179 East Houston St., 212-475-4880
Restaurant Aquavit, 65 East 55th St., 212-307-7311
The new herring is here! The new herring is here! After being sampled by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Hollandse Nieuwe Haring from Scheveningen has been air-expressed to New York City, where it is available at three prime locations for approximately three weeks. The Grand Central Oyster Bar is serving the Silver of the Sea from a special cart (marked De Haringkoning — the Herring King) in a cozy nook by the bar, accompanied by chopped egg, diced raw onion, and seeded flatbread, along with genever (Dutch gin) as desired. Each bite is a delectable taste sensation that should be slowly savored, never rushed. You can also delight in the new catch at Russ & Daughters, where the marvelous matjes herring, two fillets attached at the tail, is available for takeout at the counter, although you should strongly consider ordering in advance; there’s a reason why their latest book is called Russ & Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House That Herring Built. And Aquavit’s annual Herring Festival continues through July 3, with a herring sampler available as the first of a three-course prix-fixe meal ($48) or as an individual plate ($21). Advice columnist Ann Landers once said, “If you want to catch trout, don’t fish in a herring barrel.” Well, for the next few weeks, fishing in a herring barrel is definitely the way to go.