Justine Masanque
Google
Creepies, the latest venture from Chefs David and Anna Posey of the acclaimed Elske, has landed in Fulton Market, and it's clear from the moment you step inside that this is a project with a distinct point of view. The atmosphere is immediately inviting, with a clean and sophisticated feel that blends mid-century modern with a touch of Scandinavian minimalism. The warmth of the space is matched by the staff; our host greeted us with a genuinely friendly demeanor, and the tone for the evening was set.
Celebrating our six-year anniversary, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary glass of sparkling bubbles, which seemed to be a natural rosé. It was a thoughtful and generous touch that made our occasion feel special. As we perused the drink menu, we found it a bit confounding. The mixed drinks used some lesser-known spirits, and the descriptions didn't do much to clarify their flavor profiles. Our server, however, was a master of explanation, and my partner decided on a celery calvados and tonic, a drink that proved to be interesting—somewhat savory yet refreshing—and which he enjoyed. I, on the other hand, opted for a straightforward glass of Riesling, which was excellent.
We decided to share several plates, and while everything was good, each dish felt as though it was just a small step away from being truly exceptional. My favorite was the warm brie gougères. The sweet glaze provided a lovely, crisp crunch, and the filling was delicious. My only small critique, as a self-professed lover of choux pastry, was the structure—the puffs were a bit flat, resembling half-spheres rather than a full, round shape. With a more refined form, this dish could easily be one of the best I've had in recent memory.
The little gem salad and the corn crepes were both solid and enjoyable, though they didn't leave a lasting impression. The Parisian gnocchi was beautifully presented with a light, crisp tuile on top, and its flavor was very good. A final touch of Maldon salt, however, could have elevated the dish and made the flavors pop even more. For our main, we shared the roasted chicken with a side of savoy cabbage. The first bite of the chicken was a bit dry, but the thigh, with its rich fat and accompanying sauce, was delicious. My partner even noted that he preferred the savory cabbage side to the chicken itself.
For dessert, we shared the raspberry sherbet meringue cake with buttermilk. The presentation was a highlight, resembling a neat slice of layered cake with crisp layers of meringue and bright sherbet. My first few bites were delicious and refreshing, but as I continued, the sheer amount of sherbet became a bit overwhelming. The intense tartness could have been better balanced with a layer of something richer, like a buttery cake or a dollop of pastry cream, to cut through the sharp sweetness.
Even with these minor critiques of the food, the service at Creepies was impeccable. The staff was kind, polite, and professional. They handled a particularly loud table next to us with grace, and the entire team operated with a poise that suggested they had been open for years, not just a second night.
Overall, Creepies is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The Poseys clearly know what they're doing, and I have no doubt that the dishes will be improved upon night after night as they settle into their new space. I'm eager to return and see how the menu and the food continue to evolve.
