By Sharon Penn
After spending the day at Van Cortlandt Park or Chelsea Piers Sports Complex, sitting down to a meal at a top
New York City restaurant is the perfect way to end the day. There are many fine dining restaurants to choose from that offer a welcoming ambiance and fresh seasonal ingredients, technically excellent food preparation and inviting presentation.
Aureole
Aureole has been a celebrated Relais & Chateaux and Relais Gourmand restaurant since 1997. Located in popular Bryant Park, the restaurant serves progressive American cuisine with a commitment to farm-fresh food. The interior decor is sleek contemporary, with a bar room, dining room and private dining room. Menu items include yellow fin tuna and Alaskan spotted prawns for appetizers, and entrees of wild European turbot, Nantucket bay scallops, prime New York strip loin and Colorado lamb. A bar dinner menu is available, as well as a pre-theater menu.
Aureole
One Bryant Park
135 West 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 319-1660
www.charliepalmer.com/properties/aureole/
Daniel
Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud created Daniel as a traditional French bistro serving world-class dishes in a sumptuous atmosphere. The contemporary furnishings are blended with neo-classical architectural design to create an interesting atmosphere. The menu changes with the seasons, and a prix-fixe menu is available. For a more casual environment, there is a lounge where dinner is served. Specialties include farm chicken a la creme with basmati rice pilaf turbot baked on Himalayan salt, and wood-fire-grilled yellow fin tuna with hearts of palm. Daniel is highly acclaimed by the Michelin Guide and the Zagat Survey.
Daniel
60 East 65th St.
New York, NY
(212) 288-0033
www.danielnyc.com
Per Se
Per Se is the restaurant that comes to mind when many people think of fine dining in Manhattan. The restaurant seeks to create an emotional experience of enjoying a meal, from culinary techniques to the extraordinary setting and experienced staff. The lavish interior features wood, marble and granite accents. The finest ingredients are used in meal preparation, including dairy products from a small creamery in Vermont, vegetables from an organic farm 100 miles east of Manhattan and coffee blended especially for Per Se. Tasting menus are available daily. Menu items include duck foi gras, striped bass and grilled beef.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY
(212) 823-9335
www.perseny.com
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern has been named New York City's most popular restaurant by the Zagat Survey, and it is honored by the prestigious Michelin Guide as well as by Gourmet magazine, Wine Spectator and others. Situated in an historical landmark building, diners are wowed by copper sconces and candlelight that delight the senses. The decor is highlighted by antiques, murals and floral arrangements. Contemporary American cuisine is served, with menu items including warm Maine crab and butternut squash for a first course and duck breast, rack of lamb and poached lobster for a second course.
Gramercy Tavern
42 East 20th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212)477-0777
www.gramercytavern.com
About the Author:
Sharon Penn is a writer based in South Florida. A professional writer since 1981, she has created numerous materials for a Princeton advertising agency. Her articles have appeared in "Golf Journal" and on industry blogs. Penn has traveled extensively, is an avid golfer and is eager to share her interests with her readers. She holds a Master of Science in Education.
