2 posts tagged “new york dining”

http://aswelikeit.vox.com/
Cuisine=*(0-20) Ambiance=!(0-5) Price=$(Simple-Full)
Approximate Price per person excluding tax, beverage + tip=$. Simple=appetizer + main course; full= best available multi-course meal.

As We Like It has been serving the gastronomically enlightened community since 1989.

    New York City, NY

     Gordon Ramsay at the London Hotel *(18.5) !(4.5) $(50-150) Tel.=212-468-8888, 151 W. 54th St. between 6th and 7th Ave., Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly.
    Call 2 months in advance at 9:00 AM to book a table at this 45-seat 2-star Michelin rated restaurant. White tablecloths and elegant table settings are included in its contemporary decor. A fine combination of sauteed Maine diver scallops with braised veal cheeks came with Tahitian vanilla and parsnip cream.
Pressed Hudson Valley foie gras (actually a mousse) was garnished with tapioca and calvados jelly, candied ginger and toasted sourdough. A stunning ginger poached Maine lobster with herbed linguini, baby leeks, trompette royale mushrooms and white port sauce was matched in quality by Caramelized duck breast with red wine glazed figs, beluga lentils and chicken liver rillette. The best Tart tatin we’ve ever had was a perfect finishing touch. Fine service and a comprehensive wine list made for a delightful dinner, so much so that we booked a dinner at the crown jewel Gordon Ramsay in London to be reviewed shortly.

     Bouley *(19) !(4.5) $(60-140) Tel.=212-964-2525, 163 Duane St. at Hudson, Lunch daily= 11:30-3.00, Dinner nightly 5:00-11:30 PM.
     This is one of the few places where we needed multiple wines for our diverse courses and trusted the sommelier to deliver a wine pairing with our degustation dinner. We began with enchanting starters of phyllo-crusted Florida shrimp, baby squid, Cape Cod scallop and sweet Maryland crab meat in an ocean herbal broth (CA sauvignon blanc), as well as 24-hour cooked Greenmarket tomato terrine with creme fraiche and walnut vinaigrette (Spanish white). We certainly enjoyed our fish: line caught Chatham codfish with baby violet artichokes, pak choi, salsify, Hawaiian hearts of palm local white corn and black truffle broth (Pillot St-Romain); and potato-encrusted Mediterranean rouget with Iranian saffron risotto, rose olive sauce and a parmesan cloud (Chenin blanc from Languedoc). The chef sent extra marvelous extra potato puree to accompany our: Maine day boat lobster with Honshimeji mushrooms, pencil asparagus, Hawaiian hearts of palm, pomegranate reduction and port-paprika wine sauce ( Marange, 1er cru Colin 2005); and Bobo Farms squab and foie gras wrapped in savoy cabbage with foie gras ravioli, yellow oyster mushrooms, port-glazed red pearl onions and artichoke puree (Australian red). A refreshing coconut soup with pineapple granité (Poiré sparkling Normandy wine) preceeded delectable desserts: strawberry-rhubarb gratin with creme de cassis, honey and white asparagus ice cream (Canadian late harvest wine); and Valrhona chocolate soufflé with Vermont maple ice cream, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sorbet (Spanish wine similar to Banyuls).

     Le Bernardin *(19.5) !(4.5) $(107-185) Tel.=212-554-1515, 155 W. 51st St. between 6-7th Ave., Lunch=Mon.-Fri. Dinner Mon.-Sat.
     What an interesting way for this Michelin 3-star rated restaurant to aggregate its courses: “almost raw” included fabulous combinations of tuna (layers of thinly pounded yellowfin tuna, foie gras and toasted baguette, shaved chives and extra virgin olive oil) or black bass (black bass tartare Mediterranean style, olives, citrus, fennel and marjoram); “barely touched” included spiny lobster (warm lobster carpaccio, young ginger-matsutake mushroom salad and vanilla-citrus oil) and Tuna (seared and marinated yellowfin tuna tartare sandwich with ginger and lime); and “lightly cooked” monkfish (nicely pan-roasted monkfish with an overpowering celeriac black truffle emulsion and red wine-brandy sauce) and wild striped bass-langoustine (stellar preparation of baked langoustine and striped bass with confit tomato agnolotti, bouillabaise consommé and curry emulsion). Perfectly ripe cheeses preceded very enjoyable desserts of rhubarb-citrus (sablé Breton, rhubarb compote, orange, grapefruit and creme fraiche sorbet) and carrot (rum scented carrot cake, golden raisins, Sicilian pistachio, condensed milk ice cream), followed by artistic, delightful petits fours. Frette linens, regal china and tableware, shogi screening of windows, hanging pale wooden beams, lovely floral arrangements and attractive oil paintings with maritime themes made for a warm contemporary atmosphere. Attentive service and an extensive wine list, from which we chose a 2005 Henri Germain Meursault Perrieres at $220.00 made the picture complete.

      The Russian Tea Room *(14) !(3.5) $(35-100) Tel.=212-581-7100 russiantearoomnyc.com, 150 W. 57 St., Mon.-Sat. Lunch =11:30-3:00, High tea=2-4:30 and Dinner 4:45-11:00.
     This colorful, romantic dining room with beautiful samovars scattered throughout the space and early 20th century Russian art works on the walls is a place to savor its history and enjoy the gracious tea service. Apricot and chocolate blintzes were pedestrian, as were the strawberries Romanoff.    

    Daniel *(19) !(4) $(98-185) Tel.=212-288-0033 Fax=212-396-9014 www.danielnyc.com, 60 E. 65th St. between Madison and Park, Dinner from 5:45 PM Mon.-Sat.
     There was no room for us in the elegant, contemporary main dining room, so we were seated in the intimate, semi-formal atmosphere of the lounge, where they serve the same Michelin 2-star menu with great service. We loved the appetizer of Peekytoe crab with green and yellow curry, Hawaiian hearts of palm, pickled mango and cashew pistou. The pistachio crusted duck foie gras terrine with blood orange, fennel bavarois and arugula salad was unforgettable. We couldn’t resist a tasting of white asparagus from Provence, poached with crispy prosciutto, egg-mustard dressing, velouté with savory cream and espelette oil. Make sure to leave room for the striking chocolate upside-down soufflé. A 2002 Leflaive Bienvenue Batard Montrachet at $330.00 was chosen from their extensive list to complement our dinner beautifully.

      Cafe Boulud *(18) !(3.5) $(45-89) Tel.=212-772-2600, 20 E. 76 St. between 5th and Madison in the Surrey Hotel,  Lunch Tues.-Sat.=12:00-2:30, Brunch Sun.=11:30-2:30, Dinner from 5:45 PM nightly.
     This is the place to go for a relaxed dinner in a serene setting. Start with the seared foie gras with quince or braised beef ravioli with mustard froth. Pan roasted halibut “Dieppoise” with Puy lentils, cauliflower, and saffron mussel emulsion is recommended for fish lovers, while seared muscovy duck breast or pancetta wrapped venison loin would excite the meat enthusiasts. Molten chocolate cake or honey crisp apple strudel with walnut ice cream will send you out in the world smiling.

      Bar Boulud *(17) !(2.5) $(35-82) Tel.=212-595-0303, 1900 Broadway between 63rd and 64th St.,  Lunch Mon.-Fri.=12:00-2:30, Brunch Sat.-Sun.=11:00-2:30, Dinner from 5:00 PM nightly and open till 10:00 Sun.,11:00 Mon.-Thurs., Midnight Fri.-Sat. with cheese and charcuterie till 1:00 AM.
     This is Daniel Boulud’s homage to classical French brasserie/bistro cooking with some of the best charcuterie around; paté grand pére (coarse country paté with foie gras, truffle juice and port) was our favorite. Follow that with some fine coq au vin or grilled sea bass, a bit of well aged cheese and memorable desserts of apple tart or ile flottante. Simple decor with closely placed tables reminds us of its French counterparts. Being located across the street from Lincoln Center makes this a perfect place for pre- or post-theater dining.

      Adour (Alain Ducasse) *(19.5) !(5) $(56-150) Tel.=212-710-2277 Fax=212-350-8722 www.adourstregis.com, 2 E. 55th St. at 5th Ave., Dinner from 5:30 PM nightly.
     This Michelin 2-star Ducasse restaurant continues to deliver the same wonderful dining experience that we have enjoyed in his other places previously. We were fortunately in town for their white truffle tasting menu, starting with exceptional grilled day boat scallops tartuffi, followed by their striking white truffle pasta impression and continuing with a marvelous milk fed veal loin with shaved Alba truffles. Amazing gustatory sensations were created by our dessert of Asian/Bartlett pear, soft almond cake, granité, vin jaune and white truffle foam. This elegant, timeless dining room in the St. Regis Hotel is equipped with the finest linens and table settings, and the service is informed and flawless. Naturally the wine list is world class, as are the prices.

      l’Atelier Robuchon *(19) !(4.5) $(35-82) Tel.=212-350-6658 Fax=212-893-6882, 57 E. 57th St. between Park and Madison in the Four Season’s Hotel, Dinner 5:30-10:30 PM nightly.
     We have been fans of Chef Joel Robuchon for many years and are happy to find his intimate 46 seat restaurant with its open kitchen to be so satisfying. Half the seats are at the counter, so you can watch the food being prepared; the others are at banquettes scattered around the room. Contemporary decor with Asian touches and elegant tableware are a fine setting for the menu which includes old favorites and interesting new adventures in food preparation. Start with some free range caramelized quail stuffed with foie gras or foie gras ravioli in warm chicken and oriental herb broth; perhaps you’d enjoy spaghetti with shaved parmesan, poached egg and black truffle? Entrees of sea bass and turbot each had a tantalizing taste of black truffle. Finish up with some rice pudding or a fruit of the season tart. The wine list is extensive, and service is knowledgeable and attentive.

      San Domenico *() !() $() Tel.=none, 240 Central Park S. near Broadway.
     This bastion of old style Italian cooking has closed, so we won’t bother detailing the delicious dinner we enjoyed.

      Sarabeth’s *(14.5) !(2.5) $(29-56) Tel.=212-410-7335, 1295 Madison Ave. at 92nd St.,  Daily=8:00 AM-11:00 PM, Sun.-9:30 PM.
     This multi-branched, popular American restaurant is fine for any time of the day for a simply prepared meal. Start with a salad or soup of the season and follow with some diver scallops, liver or rib eye steak before an uncomplicated dessert.

      Omni Berkshire Hotel  Tel.=212-753-5800, 21 E. 52nd St. at Madison.
     We find this to be a great location for a relatively small New York hotel. The rooms are of decent size, and the prices are not too outrageous, depending on the season.

Cuisine=*(0-20) Ambiance=!(0-5) Price=$(Simple-Full)
Approximate Price per person excluding tax, beverage + tip=$. Simple=appetizer + main course; full= best available multi-course meal.

As We Like It has been serving the gastronomically enlightened community since 1989.

    New York City

    Jean Georges *(19) !(4.5) $(100-200) tel=212-299-3900. http://www.jean-georges.com/. 1 Central Park W. between 60-61st St. in the Trump International Hotel.  Lunch Sunday only=12:00-2:30 P.M. Dinner 5:30-11:00 Mon.-Sat.
    We have followed this chef over the years from his NY start in the Hotel Lafayette to his latest Michelin 3-star mecca here. Jean George Vongerichten is the consummate entrepreneur-chef, who is able to create restaurants for all tastes, this one being his crown jewel. Previously we were only able to snag reservations in the adjoining bistro, which was very pleasant for a pre-concert dinner. After some tantalizing amuse bouches, we felt compelled to start with his “over-the-top” ($175.00 appetizer split-for-two) truffle dumpling of white truffles over a goat-gruyere cheese custard with a delightful counter point of frisee salad and toasted hazelnut. We loved the tastes and textures of the turbot with Chateau Chalon sauce (like a sweet crepes suzettes sauce made with vin jeune d’Arbois). Beautifully sauteed foie gras came with an overly smokey-sweet chestnut and brandy accompaniment. Marvelous entrees of halibut (steamed with Honshimeji mushrooms and lemon grass consomme) and poached lobster with saffron tapioca and Gewurztraminer foam preceded delightful Autumn and apple tastings of desserts. A bottle of Roederer Premier Brut Champagne was just the right choice from their great wine selection. The dining room has an understated, modern elegance with taupe leather booths and an 8-golden-globed light fixture stretching out like the tentacles of an octopus from the ceiling. Lovely, fresh, vibrant-colored flowers adorned the white linen table cloths. All in all we enjoyed our dining experience, but would have given them only 2 Michelin stars, feeling that the experience at Per Se and the French Laundry belong to the higher 3-star realm.

    San Pietro Ristorante *(16.5) !(4.0) $(50-100) tel=212-753-9015  fax=212-371-2337 www.sanpietro.net.  18 E. 54th St.  Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat.
    Authentic cuisine of Salerno, Italy is prepared using extra virgin olive oil from their family farm in Salerno. Italian waiters and charming murals and memorabilia make you feel like you are dining in Italy. We were fortunate enough to arrive during white truffle season, so that we could share a delicious but outrageously expensive truffled fettuccini portion for the table. Other pastas and antipasti were enjoyable, as were assorted fish and veal entrees. This is one of those rare places that still prepares crepes suzettes table side. We chose an NV Veuve Cliquot Champagne (@$110) and a 2002 Montevetrano from Compagna (@$110) from their fine wine list.

        
    Vong*(15.0) !(4.0) $(35-70) tel=212-486-9592 http://www.jean-georges.com/. 200 E. 54th St. between 2nd & 3rd Ave. Lunch M-F=12:00-3:00, Dinner daily 5:30-11:00.
    This is another slice of Jean George Vongerichten’s dining empire, specializing in cuisine of S.E. Asia. We found most of their courses somewhat overly spiced for our palates. We suggest beginning with a tasting plate of their signature appetizers and supplement that with sauteed foie gras, ginger and mango. We sampled entrees of bass, chicken, beef, rabbit and Thai lobster. Each had appropriate accompaniments, but none were truly exceptional. Dessert samplers were equally pleasant. A bottle of Pol Roger brut Champagne at $88.00, chosen from their appropriate wine list, went nicely with most courses. The ambiance captures colorful S.E. Asia decor. They automatically add a 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more.

   
    Picholine *(18.5) !(4.5) $(65-105) 212-724-8585. Picholinenyc.com. 35 W. 64th St. between Broadway and Central Park W. Dinner nightly from 5:30.
    This is our favorite formal place to dine before a concert, because it’s located right across the street from Lincoln Center, and they know how to time things so that patrons get out on time to make the opening curtain. Frette linens, solid weight silver, fine china and crystal make this contemporary dining room feel quite elegant. Prelude courses included: an ordinary tasting pumpkin bisque, funny textured but tasty foie gras torchon accompanied by an over-peppered brioche toast, excellent warm lobster with mousserons and savoy cabbage, and a scrumptious wild mushroom risotto. We loved our olive oil-poached halibut, and our sea bass with oyster veloute was delightful. Since they have the best cheese selection we’ve tasted in America, we couldn’t leave without a taste of each of the following, which were all superb: Oregon classic sheep, pave d’Auge, Robiola, petit munster (France), taleggio and epoisses. A bottle of 2003 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet held up well throughout the meal. We wholeheartedly agree with the Michelin Guide’s 2-star rating.

    Gallagher’s Steak House *(14.5) !(3) $(35-75) 212-245-5426. Fax: 212-245-5426. 228 W. 52nd St. Open daily from 12:00 noon to midnight.
    1927 is the founding date for this old time off-Broadway steakhouse. Good rib eye and filet mignon beef with simple baked potatoes and steamed broccoli are just the ticket for hungry theater goers in between performances. A Heitz Cellar cabernet at $69.00 was just the right wine for the steaks.

     Angelo’s Pizza *(12) !(1) $(12-26) 212-245-8811. 1699 W. Broadway between 53rd & 54th St. 11:00 A.M.-11:00 P.M. daily.
    A fun place to get a late bite of pizza or pasta in the midtown area.

     Burger Heaven *(10) !(1) $(8-24) 212-753-4214. burgerheavenny.com. 536 Madison Ave. and 5 other Manhattan locations. 7:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M. daily.
    A 60-year old chain of no-nonsense, reliable burgers and diner foods. Good for a fast bite or to take the kids.