As a foodie you have to be excited about NYC restaurant week. It’s your bi-yearly shot at enjoying restaurants you usually find too pricey, or you can go to a whole bunch of them, as I did. I ended up making 9 reservations in 4 weeks, and I’m having the time of my life. I’m reporting back to you about my culinary adventures starting with restaurants which have withstood the test of time, and have been a staple of New York for several decades, a task not easy to accomplish.
Le Cirque
Le Cirque is a French restaurant that was opened in 974 by Sirio Maccioni. Located on the Upper Eastside, it has been a highlight for dine dining, even though it moved a few times. It has won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 1995. Many renowned chefs have had their beginnings at this restaurant, and it is worth a visit! Their decor is stunning, A giant lampshade covers the whole dining room, beautiful figurines smile at you from the edge of your table, and upon entry and exit you are invited to view a gallery of famous diners. It’s quite glamorous.
With my trusted fellow foodie, my daughter Sasha, in tow we made our reservations, and sat back to experience this little New York adventure. Our appetizers were a Tuna Tartare with vegetable brunoise, curry aioli and marinate cucumber, as well as the Le Cirque Endive Salad with almonds, strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar. For the main course I chose Chicken Diablo with Pomme Persillade, while Sasha chose the Lobster Risotto with Sauce Americaine. Our desserts were Crème Brûlée “Le Cirque” and the Chocolate Fondant. Everything was very tasty and well prepared, and I can’t say enough about the immaculate service. The plating of the food was artistic and beautiful and deliciously inviting. I was particularly taken by their dinnerware. The plates were adorable with little monkeys drawn upon them, which had me researching when I can buy them….
For more info click here
Mr. Chow
Mr. Chow has opened its door to New York City’s upper echelon and visiting celebrities in 1979, and has stayed an upscale eatery serving fine Beijing cuisine, coupled with dishes created right in their kitchen, As your first impression you are immediately taken by their sunken, beautiful dining room, which is immaculate in black and white. Even though I just came from work, and was most likely under-dressed, we were treated like celebrities, their staff is amazing.
We started our meal off with Water Dumplings and Mr. Chow Noodles, both very yummy. Our second course was the Drunken Fish which came in an amazing sauce, and Beef with Sheperd’s Purse. Sheperd’s Purse is a leafy green I never ate before, I loved this. We were served a delicious Shrimp Fried Rice and an order of perfectly seasoned strings beans on the side. Afterwards we shared a lovely plate of ice cream and sorbet. To me this is a perfect restaurant to visit during Restaurant Week, because it’s not a place I would usually seek out, and yet I would have missed out on all that amazing food! I loved this place.
For more info click here
Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Gallagher’s is truly a staple of New York City. founded in 1927 by Helen Gallagher, a former Ziegfeld girl (Chorus line girl) and Jack Solomon, a notorious gambler, it has been voted best steakhouse numerous times in the heart of the Theater District. This restaurant was established in times of the Prohibition, and, well, let’s just say I’d love to be a fly on that wall. its decor is rustic and traditional, the music playing is Frank Sinatra and friends. As you walk in, to your right, is a meat locker with endless steaks behind a windows, and you’re immediately excited about your steak dinner.I finally got my son to join me on one of my culinary adventures!
the appetizers were mainly greens and a soup of the day, so we chose the Caesar salad and Beefsteak Tomatoes with Onion. My son, even though this was a steakhouse, found his favorite dish on the menu, Chicken Parmigiana, and he loved it. The chicken was nice and crispy with fresh mozzarella and a homemade tomato sauce. I, of course, went with the Filet Mignon, served with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The steak was cooked perfectly, medium rare, the sides were classic and fancy free. We closed out this rich lunch with a New York Cheesecake and sorbet, and left fully satisfied.
For more info click here
My gratitude this week goes to my daughter, who patiently tagged along to just about anything, her patience is appreciated. Also to my son, who doesn’t really like to give up his Sundays. And of course to all these restaurants that are participating in NYC Restaurant Week!
Until next time!
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