Dining Destinations

Cartier

Window shopping sure works up an appetite!  And NYC is regarded as one of the finest dining destinations in the world.

Tommy Hilfiger

Our 50 state alphabetical tour affords us the opportunity to sample some of our country's finest restaurants and fun eateries.  I love to research the places we visit to find the highest reviewed and local favorites when it comes to eating out.  No surprises here...NYC is a marvelous location for dining.  (Thank you former New Yorkers for your suggestions!)  Following is a list of restaurants that we enjoyed while visiting NYC and I have included a link if you would like to know more: 

Bill's Piano Bar - across the street from our hotel
http://www.billsnyc.com/

 Monkey Bar - inside Hotel Elysee

http://monkeybarnewyork.com/

Virgil's Real Barbecue - Times Square

http://virgilsbbq.com/

Flip Burger - inside Bloomingdale's @ 59th

http://www.examiner.com/freelance-artist-in-national/flip-burger-opens-bloomingdale-s

Slice of New York Pizza - 8th Avenue

http://local.yahoo.com/info-11151140-a-slice-of-new-york-new-york

Cafe Boulud - Upper East Side

http://www.danielnyc.com/cafebouludny.html#intro

'wichcraft - Rockefeller Plaza

http://wichcraftnyc.com/

Serendipity 3 - 60th between 2nd & 3rd

http://serendipity3.com/

Le Bernardin - Theater District

http://www.le-bernardin.com/



Just a quick review of each place -

• Bill's - charming speakeasy, good bar food and Gena Rowlands at the neighboring table!
• Monkey Bar - if you watch "Mad Men" you've seen this bar!  Great murals and grilled cheese.
• Virgil's - you will think you are in the South.  Good barbecue and large portions.
• Flip - Create your own burger and unique milkshake flavors.
• Slice of New York - delicious pizza by the slice.  Eat here after seeing "Billy Elliot."
• Cafe Boulud - chic place for a delicious Sunday Brunch.  Delectable brioche!
• 'wichcraft - quick hot sandwiches.  Wonderful hot chocolate near the skating rink.
• Serendipity 3 - FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE...YUM!

Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce Eric Ripert...the chef and owner of Le Bernardin.  Throughout all 32 states this was the most extraordinary dining experience we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying.  (And the most expensive - don't ask, we won't tell you!)  Sorry, no photos allowed in the restaurant; but take my word for it, this gorgeous dining room was elegantly decorated for the holidays. 

The service was impeccable.  (What's not to love...attractive men dressed in black suits and speaking with French accents.)  Evidently they are all New Yorkers - NO rude behavior here!  Our meal was simply sublime!  Seven courses, all fish, except the dessert course.

And much to my delight, after completing our 3rd course what to my wondering eyes should appear?

The chef in the dining room!

I am happy to report that I am the proud owner of an autographed menu and cookbook from Chef Eric Ripert.  (And he pronounces my name..."Leeezz"!)

 



So ends another post from my snowbound home.  (Day 4) 

Next time...Thank You, Thank You Very Much!