New French Caribbean Bistro Opens In The West Village

Chez Omar is the new French Caribbean bistro located in the West Village which opened on May 14, 2024. Conceptualized and helmed by Chef Omar Walters (Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar), the restaurant menu focuses on classic French dishes with Jamaican influences. Always experimenting with new flavors and techniques Chef Walters creates dishes that meld French and Caribbean tastes together, spotlighting Jamaica’s native fruits and vegetables throughout the menu. Featuring interiors by Walters’ sister Chelsea, creating a colorful aesthetic that pays homage to their homeland of Jamaica, Chez Omar’s inspires the senses with a playful take on French cuisine.

Chef Omar Walters has over thirteen years of experience in the culinary world. Growing up in Jamaica, he fell in love with the flavors of his homeland and traveled throughout the world as a private chef to learn more about different cultures and cuisines. He is constantly experimenting with different flavor profiles to create unique takes on the classic dishes that surprise guest’s palates. After honing his skills traveling as a private chef and hosting different culinary events, Chef Walters opened Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar in 2019 in the East Village, having just celebrated its five-year anniversary.

Chef Walters’ curated menu begins with a selection of hors d’oeuvres with Jamaican flare including Ackee Tuna Tartare with fresh tuna, ackee, avocado and a mango salsa with a balsamic glaze drizzle; Conch Croquettes, a French twist on the classic conch fritter with a lobster tomato sauce; and Escargots Du Bourgogne, spiced snails in a white wine sauce served with toasted sourdough points.

Entrees are divided into offerings from the Sea, Land and Air. Choices from the sea include Escovitch Branzino, pan seared branzino dressed in a lemon caper white wine sauce and Les Coquilles Saint-Jacques, pan seared scallops with Escovitch caper butter and a balsamic glaze.

From the land, guests will find Oxtail Braise, which pays homage to the Chef’s favorite dish as a child. The oxtail is braised for two to three hours and flavored with pimento, scotch bonnet pepper, scallion and thyme. The menu also features Cauliflower roasted with coconut pumpkin puree, roasted shallots and callaloo; Cotes, grilled lamb chops, thyme and rosemary glaze; and Steak Au Poivre, prime New York strip with Pimento sauce.

From the air, Jerk Poulet, is highlighted featuring a grilled whole Cornish Hen marinated in herbs and wood spices in a spicy demi-glace sauce.

The restaurant also features a small selection of salads including Endive Apple and Walnut Salad with a lime dressing and blue cheese; and sides like Fried Plantains, Puree de Pommes, and creamy Mac & Cheese.

A variety of desserts also be found on the menu including Baguette Bread Pudding with Cognac Brulé sauce, Passion Fruit Crème Brulé and Hibiscus Cheesecake.

The beverage menu with drinks curated by Chef Walters features a range of cocktails including Summer on West, a vibrant mezcal-based cocktail with Tamarind Puree, Jalapeno, lime and honey, the goldeneye with Blackwell Rum, pineapple puree, lime, and cane syrup, and Hudson River, with Remy Martin 1738, Cointreau, lemon, June plum puree, and tarragon.

They will also offer a selection of different Martinis including the Soursop with Soursop, Chambord and Brandy; Hibiscus with hibiscus, sorrel, cane syrup and pimento; and Lychee with lychee puree and St. Germain.

Chef Omar spotlights an extensive beer, liquor, wine and champagne list, featuring Jamaican rum favorites like Wray & Nephew, Appleton Estate Rum and Blackwell Rum.

Chez Omar was designed by Chef Omar’s sister Chelsea Walters and transports guests to Jamaica with a funky design that boasts colorful artwork throughout. As guests enter the restaurant, they are greeted by a wraparound granite bar with high top chairs in burnt orange. The main dining room, known as the Appleton Estate Room, features sets of tables and chairs as well as booth seating in velvety burnt orange and pale golden yellow. Chelsea’s artwork can be found throughout the space with “Air Jamaica,” an ode to the progression and movement of Jamaica and “What Grew From Zinc”, with the colors of orange and green to represent Jamaica’s political parties and mimicking the zinc roofing found in many houses in Jamaica. The walls are adorned with metal works and collages as well as framed old photos and newspaper clippings about the Walters homeland. A statement portrait by artist Anthony Scotto serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant with bright blue and red florals and leaves crafted with collages of old newspapers.

Chez Omar is located at 394 West Street, New York, NY 10014. Hours of operation for dinner are Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 11pm.

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