Casa Lever: Treat Your Sweatheart Anytime

February 21, 2010 10:02 pm

Casa Lever: Treat Your Sweatheart Anytime

They say "shit happens" and yes it certainly does. After a 4:30 am shower and a car to the airport my flight to St. Maarten was canceled due to a volcanic eruption on the island. It all boiled down to one sad foodie who had trained so hard in past few weeks she managed to go down a dress size in hopes of better results in the photo's of this tropical escape.

We bit the bullet. The unpack was a tragedy, however, rather than sulk, we dashed to Per Se for some drinks and a good chat. Casa Lever next for dinner—and what an unbelievable surprise. I have zoomed past it at 53rd and Park a million times and this particular evening seemed to melt my frustration away. Tip, don't forgo what seems obvious. Try each bustling eatery in your neighborhood and you'll find a gem.

A hundred gorgeous, tall heads all immaculately dressed and happy. Really happy. Rachel Hunter and an entourage of stunning artsy blocks and a few editor-type girl friends topped with perfect sleek bobs. The scene was that of a club in St. Tropez. Sant Ambroeus opened this spot last year adorned with original Andy Wharhol's on loan from the building. A sultry treat for your all our senses. My feeling was this was an attempt at pleasing the swanky and younger crowd with plenty in their pockets they weren't willing to spend on 76th and Madison aside 90 year-olds wearing Chanel jackets.

The scallops, an enormous succulent appetizer portion I could have enjoyed as an entrée, was dressed with smokey black truffles. The quail—tender, juicy and stylishly plated. A sea urchin pasta that left no traces on the dish, creamy and salty. A novice couldn't tell it was sea urchin. Tip, the specials are well worth the adventure. The flaky Turbot aside charred peppers. A Mediterranean match made in heaven.

An interesting trip to the restroom revealed a party room, numerous banquette tables and fragrant aromas of perfect pastry billowing from the kitchen. Trick, one doesn't need to come to Casa Lever for an entire evening. A drink and dessert around 10pm is fabulous way to enjoy the party.

Per Se
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
212.823.9335
perseny.com

Casa Lever
390 Park Ave
New York, NY 10022
212.888.2700
www.casalever.com