One of the difficult things about creating a restaurant list for a city like New York is that almost immediately, the list is out of date. It's not that you can no longer eat at those particular restaurants, but that, very quickly, there will be new, better places you'd like to try instead.
Even though I know that's the case, I'd still like to present a little list of favorite spots in the city -- things we enjoyed during our time there that I would recommend (at least for the moment!) to friends. First up are celebration spots. Enjoy!
Fancy meals:
Applewood: Serene setting, good cocktail list, and I know this will sound strange, but everything tastes fresh and buttery at the same time. Perfect combo, no?
Chestnut: Two nights a week, they run a deal that's $25 for three courses, so this place can be super reasonable if you plan right. It's also home to my favorite dessert ever: chocolate budino.
Colicchio and Sons: We ate in the tap room a couple of times, and were always so impressed with the service and food. The bone marrow is definitely worth trying, if you're into that sort of thing.
Eleven Madison Park: At the end of this meal -- by far the most expensive dining experience of our entire lives -- we left feeling like it was not only worth it, but actually an amazing deal. This is the pinnacle of celebration spots.
Gramercy Tavern: Eat in the bar room and you'll get to enjoy all those incredible, over-sized floral arrangements they've got scattered around. The food is spot on, and there's an amazing cheese selection. We actually tracked down a cheese we had there and served it at our wedding!
Gennaro: This is a step down from some of the truly fancy spots on this list, but it is a great little Italian spot on the Upper West Side. It's one of the only things that could draw us back up to our old neighborhood. Cash only.
Jack the Horse Tavern: We had a drink here the night we got engaged, so this place has a sentimental value. But the food is fantastic, and the restaurant itself is very charming. They serve one of my favorite salads with smoked trout, red grapes and a creme fraiche and horseradish dressing (!).
Peter Lugar: Everyone who loves steak knows this place is worth visiting. It's casual, and the service can be a bit coarse, but the steak! Oh my. Cash only, unless you have Peter Lugar credit card :)
Prune: Simple food, with excellent execution. A nearly perfect Friday night date spot.
I know you all have excellent taste in food and restaurants. What are your favorite celebration spots, in NYC or elsewhere? I'd love to hear!
I know you all have excellent taste in food and restaurants. What are your favorite celebration spots, in NYC or elsewhere? I'd love to hear!
Did I tell you that my brother is moving back to NYC from London? He is, and so I'm going to stash away this list for upcoming trips to visit him!
ReplyDeleteOne of our favorite things to do as a couple is to have a fancy meal.
ReplyDeleteI recently went to George Zakarian's newish place, The National, in the Benjamin Hotel. I recommend the Ugly Burger!
ReplyDeleteClearly I've been out of NYC for far too long because these are all new to me! They all sound yummy, and I'm looking forward to hearing about the new places in Boston you are discovering!
ReplyDeleteOh, that bone marrow at Collichio and Sons is SO good! Since I am into that sort of thing :) I hope everything is going beautifully in Boston! xo
ReplyDeleteEmily, how great! You guys must be so excited to have him a bit closer to home.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, it really is such a treat!
Elspeth, an Ugly Burger sounds totally wrong but absolutely fantastic.
Ashley, I hope I'll be able to share some fun new Boston spots soon!
Jess, I will meet you in C&S for some bone marrow any time!