Manhattan MenuTalk of the TownMOMOFUKU - (KOREAN-AMERICAN) http://www.momofuku.com Both the Ssam Bar and Noodle Bar have put the young David Chang on the map as one of the best up and coming chef's in NYC. He focuses on his Korean-American heritage making his cuisine very eclectic and flavorful. Ssam Bar focuses more on it's Raw Bar, Local Country Ham Selections and Spicy Pork Dishes. The Noodle Bar focuses on Ramen (currenly a fad) and it's yummy fried chicken. PORK BUNS
OSTERIA MORINI - (RUSTIC ITALIAN) www.osteriamorini.com Emilia-Romagna cuisine set in trendy SOHO, but with rustic wood tables and open antipasti kitchen and bar. Dishes focus on delicious antipasti, Bologna street food, meat grills, polentas and pasta. A very unique ALL Italian wine list focusing on the indiginous grapes of Central Italy, expecially Lambrusco (a refreshing sparkling, dry red wine). Don't worry, there are descriptions for all of the wines. PROSCIUTTO MORTADELLA MEATBALLS
EATALY - (ITALIAN) www.eatalyny.com Italian Marketplace where you can stop and have gelato, coffee, a glass of wine as you watch your homemade mozzarella being assembled for you, have a sit down meal at one of the 6 restaurants/counters or you can shop for your dinner to make that night. A sight to see near Madison Square Park, but beware of large crowds. MAREA - (ITALIAN SEAFOOD) www.marea-nyc.com The 2010 James Beard Best New Restaurant in the nation, this amazing handcrafted designed space next to Central Park is a beautifully orchestrated dining experience. The bar made of Onyx is a beautiful site to see! Now, the FOOD. Fresh, clean flavors of fresh caught seafood with Michael White's bold touch and imparting of Italian traditions makes each dish magical. A Prix Fixe menu is offered for $89/person or you may dine a la carte. The pastas are all homemade and not to be missed! The best pasta in the city outside of Italian grandmothers. The dishes everyone talk about are the Ricci (thinly shaved lardo lightly melted over sea urchin on a crostini), Fusilli (spiral shaped pasta with wine braised octopus and bone marrow tomato sauce) Astice (play on Caprese salad with lobster, burrata, tomato, basil and eggplant caviar and the only example that fish and cheese can go together. FUSILLI
FLEX MUSSELS - (MUSSELS & DESSERTS) www.flexmusselsny.com Mussels, Mussels, Mussels. An array of mussels and unique sauce cmbinations besides the classic Provencal or Meuniere. Save room for dessert from Pastry Chef Zac Young (from Top Chef Just Desserts). BAR BOULUD - (FRENCH-CHARCUTERIE) http://danielnyc.com/barboulud.html This cozy restaurant and open patio is a great stop before or after a show at Lincoln Center. Known for their exotic charcuterie they also have traditional dishes (boudin, frisee lyonnaise, steak frites) that have been polished by Daniel Boulud's hand. Mike Madrigale runs the wine program and each night pours a large format bottle for $25/glass that you will most likely not find anywhere else.
Small PlatesTHE TEN BELLS - (EUROPEAN TAPAS) www.thetenbells.com An assortmant of small plates from duck rillettes, carpaccios to spanish tortillas EVERY dish I have had here has been AMAZING and PACKED full of flavor. Nestled in the rapidly changing Lower East Side of Manhattan, this tiny wine bar makes a huge impact with their small plates and esoteric wines. TXIKITO - (BASQUE) www.txikitonyc.com Basque cuisine focusing on lots of marinated and grilled meats, stews, fish, tomato based sauces and spice. This husband and wife chef team pays homage to their culture and this fascinating food and wine region. FATTY CRAB - (MALAYSIAN & ASIAN FUSION) www.fattycrab.com Malaysian inspired with Chinese, Indian and Japanese influences. VERY spicy full or rich flavors of coconut milk, fermented condiments, pork and shellfish. The pork buns are "to die for" along with the watermelon pork, tea sandwiches and baked chicken wings with cumin and soy. WATERMELON PORK
CASA MONO - (SPANISH) www.casamononyc.com Delicious Rustic Tapas along with a Batali/Bastianich restaurant model makes this small, romantic experience a treat. Paired with an all Spanish wine list with maps to guide you thru the list you might just make you next vacation up the coast of Spain to experience the real deal. While you wait, you can also visit their wine bar next store Bar Jamon for some Cava and Pan con Tomat.
Lunch Steals ELEVEN MADISON PARK - (NEW AMERICAN) www.elevenmadisonpark.com One of the BEST restaurants in NYC winning 4 stars from the New York Times last year. They thrive on excellence with food and especially their hospitality which is a Danny Meyer group trademark. They are also kind enough to offer a wonderful prix fixe menu which doesn't break the bank from their $$$$ dinner menu, but it's still a treat. They offer three courses for $56 and 4 courses for $74 courses with both including dessert. They make it very easy for you to decide your lunch, for all you have to do is choose the main ingredient and they will put together the menu for you with their market driven ingredients. I am still thinking my last lunch there. ASSORTED AMUSE BOUCHE
JEAN-GEORGES - (FRENCH-ASIAN INFLUENCE) www.jean-georges.com Still a classic after winning 4 stars in 1997 and keeping them and maintains it's elegant style while popping Asian and exclectic flavors underneath classic French technique. A STEAL at $32 for 2 courses in the elegant Main Dining Room. Or, you may enjoy a three course lunch prix fixe at Nougatine, a warmer, open room adjacent to the JG dining room for $28. Try to organize a talbe overlooking Central Park which enhances the experience or it if it is nice outside you can sit on the terrance. TUNA RIBBONS
MAREA - (ITALIAN SEAFOOD) www.marea-nyc.com This 3 star overnight success offers a delicious lunch option for $42 for two courses. Many of the same dishes served at dinner are offered at lunch, so this is the prefect opportunity to splurge. Marea also offers a very nice wine by the glass menu and reasonable bottle selection, so you can dine and relax. ASTICE
GOTHAM BAR & GRILL - (AMERICAN) www.gothambarandgrill.com I LOVE this restaurant because the decor is something right out of the 80's, which shows that Chef Alfred Portale hasn't changed a thing at this elegant restaurant. Portale also was a pioneer for defining art in food by his amazing designs and plating of each dish. You can enjoy this lunch STEAL for $24 for their greenmarket lunch offering. If you are in a dessert mood, please look at the full dessert menu which is NOT offered on the prix fixe and indulge in the S'MORE. It's an amazing dessert full of thought and flavor!!! S'MORE
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Additonal Information Each Restaurant listing includes the link to their website for further information regarding hours of operation and reservations.
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