CAMAJE Bistro – Press
Good Food Since 1997
ZAGAT on Camaje
Zagat 2013: This “little” Village bistro showcases Chef Abigail Hitchcock’s “beautifully presented” Franco-American fare ferried by “attentive” staffers in “arty”, “laid-back” quaters; added attractions include “intimate cooking classes” and blindfolded “dining in the dark“, an “experience unlike any other. “New York City Restaurant Guide: Food: 22, Decor: 15, Service: 19, Cost: $35.
Zagat 2010: ” ‘Surprisingly sophisticated’ Franco-American fare with a ‘wallet-friendly’ price tag…”Zagat Ratings: Food: 22, Decor: 16: Service: 22
Zagat 2009:Abigail Hitchcock’s “creative menu” supplies a “true foodie experience” at “good value.”
Zagat’s 2008: “With the air of a “secret” find on an “out-of-the-way Paris street”, this “terrific little” Village bistro’s French-American fare comes via a “sweet” staff; it can be a “squeeze”, but it’s “romantic” for dining a deux; P.S. “try the cooking classes” or don a blindfold for one of their ‘Dark Dining’ events.”
Zagat’s 2007: “Quirky” yet “très charmant”, this Village bistro delivers “inventive” Franco-American cookery from “superwoman” chef-owner Abigail Hitchcock, who also gives cooking lessons.
Zagat’s 2007 Guide: October 10, 2006: Recognizes Chef Abigail Hitchcock as “Superwoman”! Abigail Hitchcock knows how to cook a great meal. In tiny quarters with a capacity of about two dozen, this cozy French bistro may evoke memories of some wonderful little place you discovered in Paris. Camaje is one of those New York restaurants relatively few know about, yet those who do return often. From the moment delicious, crusty bread arrives through the serving of excellent homemade desserts, everything is wholesome and tasty. There’s onion soup gratinee, a half-dozen sandwiches, crostini, small plates, meat and fish entrees, and veggie side dishes. You can create your own three-ingredient crepe. Try one of their crepes sucrées for dessert; my favorite is a chocolate ice-cream crepe with caramel sauce. Another plus is the large selection of quality teas. Cooking classes are offered several times a week. Several times a month diners are offered a four-course dinner with wine and entertainment. Reservations are recommended.
Publications & Press
, Jessica Colley (Jan 2014): Article about Camaje Chinatown for Fish Cooking Class.
Dom’s Kitchen (Aug. 2013): Cucina Domenico, ““. Dom tells his story about his One Night Stand experience at Camaje.
Sherman’s Travel Blog (May 2013): Featured cooking class article:”” by Jessica Colley
Travel Jungle (May 2013) Restaurant : Abigail Hitchcock knows how to cook a great meal. In tiny quarters with a capacity of about two dozen, this cozy French bistro may evoke memories of some wonderful little place you discovered in Paris. Camaje is one of those New York restaurants relatively few know about, yet those who do return often. From the moment delicious, crusty bread arrives through the serving of excellent homemade desserts, everything is wholesome and tasty. There’s onion soup gratinee, a half-dozen sandwiches, crostini, small plates, meat and fish entrees, and veggie side dishes. You can create your own three-ingredient crepe. Try one of their crepes sucrées for dessert; my favorite is a chocolate ice-cream crepe with caramel sauce. Another plus is the large selection of quality teas. Cooking classes are offered several times a week. Several times a month diners are offered a four-course dinner with wine and entertainment. Reservations are recommended.
Motherhood Later…Than Sooner: April 2013:
Trip Advisor (January 10, 2013):
“Perfect activity for celebrating our anniversary … I arranged a private 3-hour session with the chef at Camaje. HE LOVED IT!…We highly recommend Abby and Camaje.” Camaje Private Classes
The Great American Travel Dream (Feb. 2012): Writer in the Kitchen by Jessica Colley, Feature blog on Chinatown Shop & Fish Cooking Class : &
Biggs & Co (November 16, 2011): Blog: “Curry, Coriander, Cumin & Cloves!”
East Hampton Star: , “at Camaje”, September 20, 2012
NY Times (March, 16,2008): : One of Abby’s many side projects has been the launching of “Harvest Cart”: Accessible Gourmet sm, or as the recent New York Times article calls it, “Sophisticated Takeout.” Abby is the Co-Executive Chef (along with Michael Schwartz) and a founder, bringing her love of all food stuff to a menu that is seasonal, local and organic (where possible). The Times found a “subtle sophistication to the food … [they] create dishes that are comforting, yet with hints of haute cuisine.”
Travel + Leisure (June 2007), : Maria Trejo-McDonald, Concierge at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park says, “A really reasonable, charming Village experience that I love is Camaje (85 MacDougal St.; 212/; dinner for two $70), a tiny French-American bistro. And the chef-owner Abigail Hitchcock gives cooking classes—from Italian to French to Asian.”
NY Post (May 23, 2007): “” by Steve Cuozzo – “…because Camaje is a few inches farther south of Bleecker Street than 100 feet – the point at which zoning changes from commercial to residential – it’s prohibited from having sidewalk seats. That deprives customers and cheats the restaurant out of the visibility the handful of open-air tables would bring.
New York Observer (April 16,2007): “Chef for a Night” David Foxley [One Night Stand] – …”By making available her [Chef/Owner Abigail Hitchcock’s] fully equipped restaurant kitchen, top-notch culinary skills and delightful dining room, groups both large and small gladly cheat on their apartment stoves for this memorable affair… After serving your very own three-course feast, washed down with perfectly paired wines, nothing beats taking home a doggy bag filled with the gratitude of friends and, of course, those newly acquired knife skills.”
“Where to Dine in New York” (February 2007): Relaxed and cozy, sophisticated and seductive… Camaje is all this and more. Unique and inventive, Chef Abigail Hitchcock offers a warm spirit to go along with her superb cuisine. Abigail offers one of New York’s finest cooking classes several days each week with a different type of cuisine featured.
Gawker.com (December 10, 2006): Hip NYC (#32).
CAMAJE Video
Michelle Stroller (2013):
Randi B. Himelfarb (2013):
Sarah Laing (2012):
Turn Here films: Introduction to Camaje Bistro:
NY1 (Feb 25, 2007): Check out NY1′s Jill Scott’s piece on our – Televised and
CAMAJE Press Archives
July 25, 2006: Abby receives Sommelier Certification
June 5, 2006: See Abby tour her favorite spots in
May 17, 2006: Abby’s interview at CAMAJE for
March 22, 2006:
March 15, 2006: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “Dining in the Dark Inspires Blind Devotion”
March 10, 2006: Naples Daily News, “Dark Dining Lets You Taste But Not See”
March 7, 2006: HDNet, “Deadline!”
March 2, 2006: Hartford Courant, “For Tea Lovers”
March 2, 2006: Buzzle, “In the Dark About Planning a Romantic Evening? Here’s an Idea!”
March 1, 2006: New York Post, “It’s a Cookout”
February 22, 2006: Columbia News Service, “Dark Dining: A New Way to Eat, Without Seeing the Food”
February 16, 2006: New York Junior League, “10th Annual Wedding Day”
February 14, 2006: Univision, “Solo En Nueva York”
February 14, 2006: Daily News, “Tuesday in New York”
February 14, 2006: NYC & Company, “Calendar of Events”
January 9, 2006: WCBS, “Dining Diary”
January 6, 2006: NYC & Company, “Calendar of Events”
January 6, 2006: Craig’s List, “Event Calendar”
January 4, 2006: New York Times, “Food Calendar”
December 28, 2005: AOL CityGuide, “Dark Dining”
December 28, 2005: AOL CityGuide, “Brunch at CAMAJE Bistro”
December 1, 2005: Gothamist, “On The Plate”
November 25, 2005: George Hirsch Living It Up!, “Preserved”
November 18, 2005: WOR 710 Radio, “Food Talk with Rocco DiSpirito”
November 16, 2005: Exit Weekly, “Quick Fixin’s”
November 1, 2005: Time Out Kids, “Eat Out”
October 27, 2005: Daily News, “Get Your Ghoul On!”
October 27, 2005: Gothamist, “On The Plate”
October 27, 2005: Time Out, “Eat Outings”
October 18, 2005: Rocco DiSpirito.com, “Rocco’s Journal”
October 17, 2005: Rocco DiSpirito.com, “Rocco Radio Blog”
October 17, 2005: WOR 710 Radio, “Food Talk with Rocco DiSpirito”
September 29, 2005: Associated Press ASAP, “Eating With the Stars”