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Grand Central and South like tartare a la nicoise (fresh yellowfin tuna, fennel, anchovy sauce), and crispy duck confit with wild mushrooms and Swiss chard. Red hued walls, dark wood furniture and unimpeachable service create an atmosphere in which to celebrate, experiment and exhilarate. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, pre and post theater specials, and weekend brunch. 55 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Aves.) 212/391-2400; www.danielnyc.com.
CHARLIE PALMER’S METRAZUR
dB BISTRO MODERNE
dB BISTRO MODERNE Opened in 2001 as Daniel Boulud’s contemporary interpretation of “classic Parisian bistro meets the flavors of the American market,” db Bistro Moderne continues at the top of its game. The famed db burger — freshly ground sirloin with a stuffing of braised short ribs and foie gras on a house-made parmesan bun, with a side of pomme frites — is only one of the signature dishes prepared by Executive Chef Laurent Kalkotour clamoring to be ordered. Seasonal offerings based around such fresh and locally available ingredients as asparagus, tomatoes or tender lettuces vie for attention with Provençal specialities from the chef’s native region
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Like a high intensity cocktail? A meal with plenty of people watching and animation? Then imbibe, dine and enjoy your spot above it all ensconced in Charlie Palmer’s Metrazur, overlooking the fray of Grand Central Station’s main concourse. Small plates are ideal for the high energy, high decibal lounge, and sliders with aged cheddar on a brioche bun, pizzette, market selection of oysters, and tuna tartar with avocado, caper berries and lemon juice served on a crisp taro root fit the bill nicely. A nicely sound-dulled private dining room with plenty of tech tools is available for corporate or private parties, and couldn’t be better served by public transportation. Serving lunch and dinner in the dining room; a la carte items in the lounge. 404 Grand Central terminal, East Balcony. 212/687-4600; www.charliepalmer.com/properties/metrazur.
MADISON & VINE
MADISON & VINE Located in the boutique Library Hotel at Madison and 41st Street, the new Madison & Vine is an American bistro/wine bar offering well prepared fare and signature cocktails in a warm, nostalgic setting. Try the herb grilled hanger steak with a choice of herb butter, truffled hollandaise or peppercorn jus and served with fries and mixed organic greens; or the generous Madison and Vine Cobb salad of chicken, crumbled Roquefort, applewood smoked bacon, egg, avocado and housemade balsamic vinaigrette. Mac and cheese in an upscale, elegant incarnation with truffles and pancetta makes a great starter or dish to share. An international range of wines and cocktails made with fresh berries, blends and essences keep the bar offerings lively, while service is young and attentive. 299 Madison Ave. 212/867-5535; www.hospitalityholdings.com.
bahr/ché
bahr/ché Hello young lovers, whoever you are. Welcome to the ideal spot for wine and cheese, handholding and whispers. The new bahr/ché in the East Village offers myriad wines by the glass, artisinal breads, cheeses, patés, charcuterie, coffees, chocolate and pastries. A design of high mod ceilings, a wine wall, and sheer white curtains draping the entryway, is chicly welcoming. bahr/ché is dotingly overseen by owner Camille Glickman,
who threw over a Wall Street career to follow her passion for fine foods and warm hospitality. Visit any time, breakfast through late night. 26 Astor Place. 212/260-2220; www.bahrche-nyc.com.
WEST VILLAGE BY SIMONE MEADOW
ALMA 33
CARLTON HOTEL
CARLTON HOTEL In a beautiful, turn of the last century building which has recently undergone a charming facelift, the Carlton Hotel offers great accommodations, entertainment, dining and meeting space. The stunning lobby, with soaring ceilings and a two story interior waterfall, is overlooked by the hotel’s splashy new restaurant — Millesime. Fresh seafood, bistro fare and people watching abound. Red leather banquettes enliven a period, mosaic tiled room, while an enormous stained glass cupola —possibly Tiffany— adorns the ceiling and lets in natural light. Downstairs, the smoky-hued lounge offers live music nightly, and is fast becoming a local hotspot. Guestrooms and suites are soothingly decorated in shades of taupe and blue, with period details such as bay windows and crown molding, yet perfectly updated with flat screen TVs, internet connection and mini bars. Marble clad bathrooms, luxurious linens and a throw blanket at the foot of each bed complete the aura of comfort and style. The hotel offers a seriously well-equipped workout room, and several gracious meeting rooms, combining classic styling and period details with modern technology. Nearby, the Flatiron District, Union Square and Grammercy Park all beckon. Visit Eataly on 5th and 23rd Street for total immersion in Italian food culture. 88 Madison Ave, (at 29th St.) NYC. 866/774-0263; www.carltonhotelny.com. Planning a few days leisure trip with sightseeing and museuming? Pick up a New York CityPass for savings of up to half off major attractions and museums throughout the city (including MoMA, American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan and Guggenheim; Circle Line Cruises, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Immigration Museum.) www.citypass.com. $79 adults; $59 youth.
EXHALE MIND BODY SPA Whether you’re in the city for work or play, the Exhale Mind Body Spa can help you recharge for a night on the town, or wind down from a grueling day. Exhale is an “urban spa oasis merging mind and body” through classes, treatments, therapeutic and healing services. Try the terrific fusion massage, or work it with a core fusion sport class. Several locations throughout the city; www.exhalespa.com.
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You may think you’re heading downtown to the West Village, but when you step inside the sultry Alma 33 restaurant and bar you’re sure to do a double take. West Village, or Barcelona right off the port Olympia? Curtain paneled walls and a subtle glow give Alma 33 a breezy Mediterranean feel. The unique Argentinean-inspired menu features Picadas—tapas-style appetizers served at the bar — as well as a full sit down menu. We suggest the Picada empanadas with a twist, and the polenta lollipops with warm fontina cheese for dipping. The rest of the menu boasts original creations like housemade ravioli with blood sausage and a beet sauce, or the popular Risotta alla Parmigiana with ribbons of tender Malbecbraised short ribs. The waitstaff is warm and attentive, brings you great ALMA 33
drinks, and is easy on the eyes with their exotic looks. 33 West 8th Street. 212/380-7158; www.almanyc33.com.
ORIENT EXPRESS Dimly lit and tropical, with sounds of Billy Holiday and Etta James, and bartenders in neckties and vests, the dark and swanky Orient Express in the West Village will take you for a sumptuous ride. This ornate bar features curved traincar-esque ceilings adorned with luggage trunks, and artful wood finishes. Elegant metal straws complement unique cocktails inspired by none other than the famous Orient Express train. From Russia With Love is a combination of Luksusowa vodka, ginger, lime, and a rosewater rinse. Or you can try the Zaharoff, which combines Gran
Centenario, Plata Tequila, lime, honeygrapefruit soda topped with Campari. Each drink has it’s own story, which the cute and personable bartender will be happy to share with you. Hungry travelers will enjoy the tapas plates, which include savory Tarama, caviar spread with olive oil and lemon served with warm pita bread. An afternoon tea service is also being introduced. 325 West 11th Street. 212/691-8845; www.orientexpressnyc.com.
PO What started as a joint venture between celebrity chef Mario Batali and THE TEA SET longtime friend and executive chef Lee Mcgrath has stood the test of time and turned into an 18-year tradition of delicious food at Po. Now in McGrath’s capable hands, Po has continued to thrive since it’s opening in 1993 in the heart of the West Village. Its ideal location provides access to several Italian specialty shops that deliver their ingredients daily, allowing the Po team to create the delicious fresh dishes for which they are famous. Produce is also delivered daily from an organic farm in the Hudson Valley, and the quality of the ingredients shows in every dish. We couldn’t get enough of the cured tuna salad with white beans, thinly sliced artichokes, and an artfully presented chili-mint vinaigrette. Po prides itself on providing customers with a reasonably priced meal, which includes a daily six course tasting menu from which you may sample some of Chef McGrath’s specialties: white bean ravioli with a balsamic brown butter sauce; or sautéed veal sweetbreads served with potato, pancetta and egg. Po is also the perfect place for a gourmet yet casual lunch. 31 Cornelia Street. 212/645-2189; www.porestaurant.com.
THE TEA SET Owner and founder Jacques Doassans of the Tea Set in New York’s hip West Village is originally from France, but the inspiration for his offerings at the Tea Set were also compiled throughout his travels in India, England, Europe, and Asia. This restaurant café boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere with European touches, design books on the window seat, and a scattering of foreign languages heard throughout the café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served, as well as an unconventional afternoon tea with champagne truffles, and personal-sized bottles of Pop champagne sipped through a straw! Ingredients are all organic and they prepare the best fruit parfait I’ve ever had, along with housemade quiches, and entrées like tender lamb shank melting off the bone with couscous and vegetables. If you’ve ever walked by I’m sure you’ve ventured inside, and if not, it will be well worth your while to take a trip downtown to try this gem. This boutique café also offers a marvelous selection of specialty teas from around the world that can be purchased on site, or on their website. 235 W. 12th Street. 646/894-0511; www.the-tea-set.com.
PAN AMERICAN In Nolita, Pan American is a throwback to Miami in the '80s. Decked out in vibrant blue and green hues, textured surfaces, and bursting with Latina flava, Pan American brings it all home by fusing Latin food with southern American influences. If guacamole could kill, be advised: full of freshly crushed avocado with bites of tomato and a fiery kick, this guacamole is served in the huge stone bowl it is prepared in minutes before. Only negative is that no one's finished until the bowl is clean. Make sure to leave room for the “Arroz con Pollo Frito,” southern fried chicken, extra juicy on the inside, while the sinfully crispy skin begs to be finished off with your fingers. We also suggest the salmon ceviche with chilies, citrus, and crunchy jicama. Granita machines at the bar pump out frozen mojitos and margaritas all night long. 202 Mott St. (Between Spring & Kenmare) 212/925-9225. ❉ PAN AMERICAN