scene: Pseudo rustic Italian seaside in the Theater District with casual elegance; touristas and well-heeled NYC'ers who make the trek
sip: BBBBBBBBarola; BBBBBBarbaresco
savor: Baked clams; Pastas; Fresh Grilled Fish
sit: With anyone pre-theater; with Food Network aficionados who want to see what this Batali is all about; anyone who might have to drive back to NJ after dinner, it is close to the Lincoln Tunnel
scene: Slightly funky old/new vibe; skylight keeps the dining room light, and the big dark wood bar in the bar is impressive; the library will be cozy in the winter but is a little dark now
sip: A list of 30 custom cocktails is offered; when we asked for some guidance we were met with slight attitude, but the bartender eventually came around; well-rounded wine list full of surprises
savor: Trout; Snap pea salad; Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
sit: With at least one other person to share the chicken; with your parents, foodie friends from out of town, friends who live in the neighborhood
scene: Think of it as dinner theater; sit at the sushi bar and watch the Masters at work
sip: Sake; wine; beeer
savor: Omakase!!!
sit: With anyone who appreciates sushi or is willing to try new things; with a friend from out of town who thinks they know sushi; with someone with an expense account
scene: Beautifully lit, and full of the most gorgeous floral arrangements, the place oozes "special occasion", but nicely lacks any extreme stuffiness or opulence
scene: This is the big leagues. Everything here is done in a slick uptown way, with generous details and a refined palette (atmosphere and food). The main dining room is nowhere as ornate as it used to be, which makes it a little less daunting. There is also a more casual front room option.
sip: I mean, do I have to spell it out? Fancy wines, champers, anything you would like
savor: Anything you eat is going to be fucking amazing, it is DANIEL; madeleines
sit: Hmmm...Daniel is a special occasion place for sure, but don't be intimidated! Without saying, this a place for your foodie friend from out of town, a nice place for your parents' anniversary, your anniversary, or just a place to treat yourself to a very memorable meal
spend: $$$$
address: 60 East 65th Street (between Madison and Park)
scene: Sexy red walls add a bordello type feel, with old fashioned masculine touches that keep it from being hokey; cozy and buzzy at the same time
sip: A dirty martini at a steakhouse necessity; slightly over-priced wines available by glass and bottle
savor: Steakhouse faves with decadent twists; garlic bread with gorgonzola fondue; truffle creamed spinach; 24 layer chocolate cake
sit: This place is really good for just about any carnivore gathering- dates, large groups, or Guy's Night Out; seats at the bar go fast, but the environment is far from stuffy, so it could be both a special occasion place or just your go-to steak joint
spend: $$$
address: 13 East 12th Street (between University and 5th)
scene: Hong Kong in the Financial District; a rich, warm bar gives way to a hallway with glass enclosed wine cellars and private rooms on each side, which leads to the main dining room; best seats are the deuces against the wall of the glass enclosed kitchen, the action there is worth watching
sip: Sparkling Sake for dessert; champers, wine
savor: Lobster, Escolar, ANYTHING
sit: With anyone who appreciates a fine dining experience; for a special occasion; JUST GO
scene: Spaniards to the left of me, Germans to right, stuck in the middle with you; Dressed up visitors and UES residents alike sharing bottles of wine make this place feel very adult; tons of servers running around and managers creeping keep it sophistcated but not stuffy; there are several rooms but no Siberia that we noticed
sip: The Anniversary Cocktail, which is a belini with raspberry and lychee
savor: The menu changes seasonally, but the egg, the truffle pizza, and both cheeseburgers are staples that will never lead you astray
sit: Anyone who appreciates the Shmance; with out of town visitors or family; seems like a great place to eat prior to carrying on an illicit affair in a room upstairs, but UES cheaters might need to beware
spend: $$$
address: The Mark Hotel, 25 East 77th Street, between 5th and Madison
scene: Sharp dressed crowd at a sharp styled restaurant
sip: Delicious artisanal cocktails depending on your poison of choice - each one we tried was unique but delicious
savor: Go hard or go home... if you are here, you may as well get all 10 courses!
sit: The bar has the best view of the impressive work the chefs put into each intricate dish; For groups, there are some larger tables in the dining area as well
Pants at a Glance
