The new Dutch herring is scheduled to arrive in New York City today, where you can find it at the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Russ & Daughters (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
It’s that time of year again when the Hollandse Nieuwe Haring from Scheveningen arrives on these shores, after first being sampled by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Beginning on June 6 and continuing for approximately three weeks, the Grand Central Oyster Bar will be 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, are available for takeout at the counter (although you should strongly consider ordering in advance). In addition, on June 26, the Lower East Side mainstay will be hosting its annual Russ & Daughters Herring Pairing at the Astor Center ($75), where Kyo Ya chef Chikara Sono will prepare a special menu inspired by his native Hokkaido’s herring heritage, and the Danny Fox Trio will provide musical entertainment. And from June 11 to 23, Aquavit will hold its annual Herring Festival, with a three-course prix fixe lunch ($35) Monday to Friday and, on June 15-16 and 22-23, a buffet smörgåsbord lunch ($32) or dinner ($42) that includes matjes herring and rhubarb-chervil herring. Advice columnist Ann Landers once said, “If you want to catch trout, don’t fish in a herring barrel.” Well, this month, fishing in a herring barrel is definitely the way to go.