Summer Blues and My Week of Indulgence

November 17, 2009 6:48 pm

Summer Blues and My Week of Indulgence

So whatever happened to the New York summer, now you see me...now you don't? I figured the best way to come to terms with Fall and the impending Winter weather was to get up and go out to enjoy what New York nights have to offer.

Monday night we went to Daniel. Brilliant. If only they could package the "Daniel experience" it would be so much easier to give out samples than trying to capture its beautiful essence in words. Having said that, let's pray they don't go the Payard way of shutting the restaurant and doing catering! By the way, pairing Montepulciano with the meal made it even better, next time he is in town I've got to get a case.

Tuesday night happened to be Brasserie. Reminds me of the quintessential New York cougar who got a facelift and tons of Botox. Along the way it lost its je n'est ce qoi. Food has become a diner like experience, is this what happens when you live in New York too long...

Wednesday night we sat for a cozy meal with the folks from Gonzo. Sometimes simplicity and comfort is best. My only issue was to try to move from the Italian wines to the French. Maybe it's just me but, it's so much harder to appreciate the nuances of the Italians than the French...!

Thursday night we ventured to The Standard Grill. Wait, are those pennies lining the floor? Reminds me of my previous blog, where we chided the high(er) end fusion eateries for using cheap wooden chopsticks (and being penny foolish). Here the pennies were not wasted and the food is actually quite good. The steak, sea food and sides are great but, the dessert allows them to seal the deal. It is, after all, Meatpacking and you need to indulge.

Friday late night at Plunge. Foodie or not, I need to get some home cooked meal in me! But, since I promised to get up and go out, I make it to Meatpacking for drinks, well even if it's the Bridge and Tunnel fiefdom! Is that why they need to get the credit cards as soon as you sit down? I guess premium liquor served with such great views of Manhattan (even on a rainy night) gives you some degree of freedom. Thankfully the rain has kept the crowd thinner and the din somewhat bearable.

Saturday we went to Abe & Arthur's. Vegetarians will have a hard time as there is really no choice for them. Fish special was fresh, full of flavors and quite yummy. Sliders were good but came bloody so left me wondering if that was decided based on my entree order or if they come like that? Steak's cut and temperature was great but, on sauces, if you are craving Au Poivre (disagreement with kitchen not withstanding), I would stick with Le Charlot. Overall the meal was good, staff very friendly, bussing maybe a tad too attentive, and the ambience very pleasing. Interesting detail to see the entire staff wearing converse sneakers!

Okay, so, I may still not be all ready for the winter but, at least it was a good excuse for a wonderful adventure.

Daniel
60 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
212.288.0033

The Standard Grill
848 Washington Street
New York, NY 10014
212.645.4100

Plunge
Hotel Gansevoort Rooftop
18 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10014
877.426.7386

Abe & Arthur's
409 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
646.289.3930

Le Charlot
19 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021
212.794.6419