The new Dutch herring arrives in the city on June 18 (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 Máxima 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. Tickets are also still available for the Russ & Daughters Herring Pairing at the Astor Center on June 24 ($79), with Fung Tu chef Jonathan Wu preparing special herring dishes accompanied by sparkling wine, vodka, and other cocktails, along with live music by Matt Bauder’s Hearing Things. And Aquavit’s annual Herring Festival continues through July 10, with a herring plate available as an appetizer (five types of herring) or a main course (nine types) as part of a $52 prix-fixe meal. 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.