New York

[Bashful]

I'm off to New York in a few weeks. The boss has given me an allowance to blow on a fabulously expensive night out for all my hard work, apparently.

Does anyone have any recommendations for fancy restaurants where I can achieve this? I've seen some European/French (Daniel Boulud) which are expensive and look awesome but fancy something a bit more quirky, American(?) and something I won't find at home and not the whole tasting menu thing. I want it to be memorable. Too much to ask? Anyone have any suggestions?

I'll also take any recommendations on things to do in 5 days. Never been before so want to see and do as much as I can in these few days. Thanks all.

[Angelina]

wow! Haven't been so no advice however would like to congratulate you and hope you have an amazing time!

[ed_pete]

I'm sure you'll receive lots of recommendation but my two would be Top of the Rock (Rockerfeller Centre Tour) and the High-Line. Have fun.

[Bashful]

Thank you Angelina! I'm very grateful!

Ed_pete thanks you. I've seen the Rockefeller Centre and very much fancy that but not heard of the High-Line. Will have to look that up.

Thanks both.

[Jenny1]

Haven't been for many years but want to repeat the recommendation for the High Line. Also Central Park is lovely. Have a great time!

[Jeremy]

IMO if you want a blow-out meal in NYC, it has to be steak. Peter Luger is the obvious choice, but there are other good ones too...

[red devil]

For things to do, visit the Guggenheim Museum...

http://theredlist.com/media/database/architecture/sculpture1/wright_musee_guggenheim_new_york/005_wright_musee_guggenheim_new_york_theredlist.png

[Mick Mac]

Jeremy Wrote:

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> IMO if you want a blow-out meal in NYC, it has to

> be steak. Peter Luger is the obvious choice, but

> there are other good ones too...

I think Peter Luger is in Brooklyn but yes recognised as the best.

I didn't go there, I went to Wolfgang's on Park Avenue and it is the best steak I have ever had, bar none. At the time it had a press article on the wall where Donald Trump named it in his 5 best restaurants in New York. Don't let that put you off.

[Nigello]

Go for an early breakfast (with cocktails) at Russ and Daughter's, a great, Jewish deli/diner. It gets busy, so book or turn up twenty minutes or so before opening. (The fizzy seltzer water is free, BTW.) http://www.russanddaughterscafe.com/

Definitely walk over Brooklyn Bridge and treat yourself to a Shake Shack burger on the Brooklyn side.

The High Line has been written about a lot but it is worth a visit. Start at the midtown end and walk back to end up at the Meatpacking District where you can find the Whitney museum of US art (and lots of boutiques and restaurants).

Posh and good is Rive Cafe, again near to the Brooklyn end of the bridge and right next to a water taxi pier (and to a Metro station - York St). http://therivercafe.com/

Walk a lot, get a Metro card with added value so you can hop onto the Subway trains and/or buses and generally soak it all up.

A pre-booked ferry ride to Liberty adn Ellis Island is worth doing, especially the latter.

[Jeremy]

Mick Mac Wrote:

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> I think Peter Luger is in Brooklyn but yes

> recognised as the best.

Yep it's in Brooklyn, but only just on the other side of the bridge... very short journey from downtown. Besides, Williamsburg is firmly on the tourist trail these days anyway.

> I went to Wolfgang's on Park Avenue and it is the best steak I have ever had,

We went there too.. in terms of steak there's little to choose between the two. PL has a more rustic "beer hall" like vibe. Wolfgang's feels a little more upmarket, and has a better choice of starters, etc.

[steveo]

It's not posh but it is fun

http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/

Where Harry dated Sally and she enjoyed herself

[Mick Mac]

Donald :

http://www.wolfgangssteakhouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TRUMP.jpg

[Cardelia]

In my experience most 'fancy' restaurants in the US have a strong European influence or style to the cooking because historically that's where the top chefs were trained and it's what michelin inspectors expected to see.* The dishes will be made from top-quality US-based produce and you'll certainly find ingredients you won't get in this country, but I don't think you'll get a truly different style of food. Having said that, if you still want an expensive blowout, try Per Se which is run by Thomas Keller. 3 michelin stars, rave reviews and an awesome location overlooking Columbus Circle. I also had a really good meal at 21 Club (Upstairs restaurant, W 52nd St) but that was 7 years ago. The steak recommendations in this thread are also really good ideas.

For something which is a bit more NY-style then there are a few Jewish delis/restaurants around E Houston St. I second the recommendation for Russ & Daughters (amazing range of smoked fish...), plus Katz's and Yonah Schimmel are a block away. And whilst you're in the area the Tenement museum is supposed to be good, but booking is essential. There are a few good places for bagels but I've always liked Zucker's on Chambers Street, close to the World Trade Centre.

Other foodie things to look for are Bleecker St pizza (Bleecker St/Barrow St) which is the best pizza I've ever had. Momofuku (1st Av, between 10th and 11th St) is amazing and the steamed pork buns are worth waiting all day for. Chelsea Market is at the bottom end of the High Line and is also worth wandering round. Oh, and Juniors Cheesecake, but go to the original in Brooklyn and not the Times Square one.

If you've never been to NYC before then definitely spend a couple of hours on the typically touristy things like Times Square and 5th Avenue. The Staten Island ferry is a good way to see the Statue of Liberty up close for free and Grand Central station is a very impressive building, well worth wandering around. But I've found the best way to see NYC is to just pick an area and walk around for a bit. You'll find something interesting around every corner.

* this is changing, albeit very slowly

[LJC56]

I don't know just how fancy is fancy (!) but if it is open at its new home (in the next few weeks) the Union Square Cafe gets my vote every time. Great food, sourced from the local market. I also like the Gramercy tavern, although I haven't eaten in the main restaurant, just the bar. But it was excellent. If you are on your own, I have found the bar great for eavesdropping!

Definitely walk the Highline north to south, at sunset. Amazing views and the walk takes about as long as the sun takes to sink properly. While you are down in the Chelsea area, Murray's Cheese bar is a great place for snack of local cheeses and wine. And take the East River ferry from midtown to Brooklyn, really cheap, stunning views of Manhattan.

['bout now]

Here

http://aifiorinyc.com/menus/dinner_menu

Possibly one of the best meals I've ever had.

For down and dirty in Brooklyn try Roberta's. Terrific pizza out front, Michelin starred restaurant out back. Hipster heaven/hell depending on your outlook.

Contrary to the above post (sorry) avoid Times square like the plague.

[Bashful]

Crikey, there's a lot to go on here. Thank you all for some cracking recommendations. I'm thinking more steak restaurants, get a feel for the American side of things.

Katzs is definitely on the list. As is Guggenheim, Highline definitely, after all these reviews and the research I've done. Ferry to Brooklyn for the Manhattan views is a great idea!

Cardelia, you're the second person to mention Momofuku, will have to definitely take a look. Thanks for the detailed reply. Wolfgang and Peter Luger seems to fit the bill quite nicely as does Russ & Daughters for the boozy breakfast.

Thanks again all for some great ideas. I'm really looking forward to this trip now.

[Jules-and-Boo]

It's nice to have a bit of a plan.... and see what else happens when you get there! no doubt you'll find some gems too :-)

[Mick Mac]

Try McSorleys old ale house for a bit of spit and sawdust. 😁

Established in 1854 ? McSorley?s can boast of being New York City?s oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru McSorley?s swinging doors. Woody Guthrie inspired the union movement from a table in the front ? guitar in hand, while civil rights attorney?s Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow had to take their case to the Supreme Court to gain access. Women were finally allowed access to McSorley?s in 1970!

[Seabag]

Go to Angie Mars Beatrice Inn

Or April Bloomfield place at the Ace Hotel

Or J J Johnsons at The Cecil in Harlem

[Seabag]

Or even Tyson Ho's Arrogant Swine in Brooklyn

[Siduhe]

For a special occasion, a good friend of mine (Londoner, now based in NY) swears by the Rainbow Room at the Rockerfeller Center. 67 floors up and "old school" New York dining.

[Mick Mac]

Unfortunately you will miss out on this fantastic dive bar that I sent to in 2003, as it seems to have closed in 2015. Julia Roberts famously danced on the bar... James Gandolfini drank there when he wasn't supposed to be drinking.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/exclusive-hogs-heifers-close-23-years-article-1.2300233

[ruffers]

Do a helicopter trip around Manhattan, not cheap but you won't forget it, promise.

[vch]

If you're going to Peter Luger, don't forget to bring cash! And if it's too much of a trek, Keen's Steakhouse on 36th is quite nice too.

[DovertheRoad]

Mick Mac Wrote:

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> Unfortunately you will miss out on this fantastic

> dive bar that I sent to in 2003, as it seems to

> have closed in 2015. Julia Roberts famously danced

> on the bar... James Gandolfini drank there when he

> wasn't supposed to be drinking.

>

> http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/

> exclusive-hogs-heifers-close-23-years-article-1.23

> 00233

I reckon some time in a dive bar is an essential NY experience. If you want a proper dive bar ( Sorry Mick) I'm slowly working my way through this list:https://www.google.co.uk/amp/amp.www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/09/the-50-best-dive-bars-in-nyc