Reviews: Top Restaurants for a Business Dinner in Midtown
The Glass Hammer returns to one of its favorite hobbies, writing restaurant reviews, this time, for top eateries in Midtown Manhattan. (Alright, our hobby isn’t writing the reviews exactly, but we do love the research!) Below, find three recommendations to wow clients and celebrate with co-workers for a job well done. Our reviews of Jean Georges, Picholine and Sushi Yasuda after the jump ….
JEAN GEORGES (1 Central Park West at 60th St)– It’s the old standard bearer of New York City fine dining, but it never fails to wow with both the inventiveness of the menu and the flawless execution of the French-inspired dishes. It’s also a great place for celeb spotting, if you have some clients who are impressed by the company they keep. Though the items with truffles will cost you extra, the generous to the point of excess helpings of the rare fungus in inventive preparations make it worth it. Though the menu changes seasonally, a vanilla poached lobster with Gewurztraminer foam and tapioca balls was recently fantastic. The dessert course is equally astounding. When we ordered the seasonal dessert plate named “Winter,” we were treated to such delicacies as chocolate and olive cake and a roasted apple tart that blows away any pie your mother has ever made. As the New York Magazine review puts it succinctly, “be prepared to be open-mouthed whenever you are not chewing.”
PICHOLINE (35 W. 64th St, near Central Park West) – This midtown destination for French cuisine is perfect if you are coming to or from Lincoln Center. The impeccable formal service adds to the atmosphere without feeling stuffy. On a recent visit, your reviewer had the pristine Arctic char, but was envious of her dining companion’s beef two ways dish. Known for its exotic collection of rare cheeses, the encyclopedic knowledge of the fromagier did not disappoint. On a recent visit, we were able to sample an “endangered species” of cheese last produced in secret during the Spanish Inquisition. Or, at least, that’s what I think he said. At any rate, it was delicious. The wines are always perfectly matched to the food. With several little rooms tucked away for private functions, this is an excellent place for a team celebration for a job well-done.
SUSHI YASUDA (204 E. 43rd St, Near 3rd Ave) At this midtown hideaway, you will find some of the best Japanese dishes you will ever taste, particularly the sushi. The fish melts in your mouth. The knowledgeable wait staff will encourage you to be more adventurous than you ever thought possible. The blond wood and minimalist décor are soothing, but provide few clues to the decadence of legendary o-toro, or fatty tuna, one of the many fish flown in fresh daily. Sit at the bar, order the omakase and let the expert chefs guide you with their choices – be brave. Green tea with sushi and brown (possibly twig) tea is served after eating. If I had to sum up my recommendation in two words, they would be “Spanish mackerel.” Definitely book in advance, as it’s hard to get a table in this off the radar place. Yes its pricey, but life changing. But who needs the $400 price tag of a dinner at Masa when you can order from this temple of raw fish a la carte? This would be a particularly excellent place to entertain clients or colleagues from Japan, as they will quickly realize that you know your stuff.
