By Contributing Writer
As a major culinary destination, and home to world-renown chefs,
New York does not lack in the fancy-restaurant department. While more expensive than the everyday dining establishment, these upscale restaurants can offer elegant, gourmet experiences for guests to savor for a day and remember for a lifetime.
Esca
Esca serves Italian cuisine in an elegant setting. Per the website under the team information, foods served are fresh and showcased on the plates when served. The kitchen is overseen by James Beard award-winning chef Dave Pasternack. Seafood highlights include pink snapper with red-clay salt, yellowfin-tuna carpaccio, whole Mediterranean sea bass and roasted monkfish with wild mushrooms and cardoons. Pasta selections range from wild-fennel fettuccine to squid-ink spaghetti with tiny cuttlefish to gnocchi di ricotta. Guests have the option of dining inside or on the patio. Esca has a full-service bar and offers private dining. It serves lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner nightly. Reservations are accepted.
Esca Restaurant
402 W 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 564-7272
esca-nyc.com/dinner.cfm
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern's artistic flair is reflected in its decor: The rooms are decorated with floral arrangements, original murals and early American antiques. Guests can enjoy their meals in the elegant dining room warmed by a brick fireplace. According to the restaurant's website, the dishes are made from fresh ingredients grown by local suppliers and are served in a bold, refined presentation.
Menu highlights include duck-liver mousse, mushroom lasagna and red snapper with caramelized sunchokes. A three-course menu is available daily after 5:30 pm (as of February 2010). Lunch is served Monday through Friday in the main dining area and daily in the tavern room. Dinner is served seven days a week in the main dining area and on Friday and Saturday in the tavern. Gramercy Tavern has a full bar.
Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-0777
gramercytavern.com/
Le Bernardin
If you're in the mood for French cuisine, and money is no object, look no further than Le Bernardin. Executive Chef Eric Ripert is the creative force behind such dishes as yuzu-cured wild Alaskan salmon, fluke sashimi, grilled white tuna and nori-crusted skate and the daily tasting menus. After dinner, guests are welcome to enjoy a dessert, coffee or a glass of wine from the full bar. Le Bernardin offers private dining and requires reservations. It's open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.
Le Bernardin
155 W 51st St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 554-1515
le-bernardin.com
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