I ate at HAGS, a queer fine-dining restaurant in NYC. The delicious food and fun atmosphere made me excited for the future of high-end eating.

Rachel AskinasiApr 4, 2023, 06:54 IST

My experience dining at HAGS in NYC was unlike any other fine-dining meal I've had.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I went to HAGS, a queer fine-dining restaurant in NYC.
While the food was innovative, the atmosphere was what really blew me away.

The first time I heard about HAGS, I immediately knew I wanted to go try it.

I was excited to go to HAGS.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

When I arrived at the 20-seat restaurant, I immediately picked up on the intimate yet friendly atmosphere.

A look inside the dining room at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Each table was set with a heart-shaped light, a dish of pronoun pins, and hand sanitizer.

Each table had a dish of pronoun pins that diners and staff could wear if they wanted.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

HAGS offers two menu options, and I went with the five-course tasting menu.

The menu and wine list at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

We divided up the menu so we could each try as much as possible. But before course one came out, a dish of pickles was delivered and we ordered house-made focaccia.

Pickles (left) and focaccia (right) at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

An amuse-bouche arrived at our table as well, which made us excited for what was to come.

An amuse-bouche of carrot "Pringles" at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Our first courses arrived and we both dove into the beautifully-plated food.

Rutabaga at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

My friend ordered the broccolini for this course, which also came at the server's recommendation.

Broccolini at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Course No. 2 came out with some bright colors, and mine featured a tableside saucing.

Tempeh course at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

We also tried the steelhead trout, which had been slowly baked and covered in an olive tapenade.

Steelhead trout at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Our third courses were each tasty, filling, and imaginative.

Pork steak at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The mushroom course consisted of two fungi: pan-seared maitake mushrooms, and lion's mane poached in olive oil and smoked soy.

Maitake (top) and lion's mane (bottom) mushrooms at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Then it was time for the cheese course, which I was personally excited about.

We both ordered the cheese course.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Dessert was a true delight and a great way to end this meal.

Satsuma sherbet at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

On the other plate, a playful squiggle of chocolate ganache was topped with a banana cream gel, house-made vanilla shortbread cookies, and aquafaba meringue.

The ganache (above) and the sherbet were both great ways to end the meal.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

Our check came with a side of homemade cosmic brownies and a Polaroid photo.

Brownies were a delightful send-off.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

I went to check out the bathroom, as I usually do, and I was again reminded that I was in a queer-minded space. It was wonderful.

Details in the bathroom at HAGS in NYC.Rachel Askinasi/Insider

12 of the best things to get at Aldi this month under $5

Cookies on the Business Insider India website