Peacock Alley at the Waldorf-Astoria

[Scottf]

I've read SS's excellent review of Peacock Alley but what's the opinion of the rest of you?  Can never find reviews for it elsewhere.

[foodboy]

Keep in mind that Ruth qualified her statement by pointing out that it was only January, or something to that effect.

In any case, I had a wonderful meal at Peacock Alley. I enjoyed the menu format, which allows you to pick and choose your own "tasting menu." Lobster cappucino with a chestnut broth, foie gras with rhubarb, dover sole with morels, watercress and ??? and soft-shell crab with a mango-pineapple sauce all stood out.

Desserts were good, but didn't bowl me over.

What blows my mind is that I got a table on a Friday night with no reservation, only to discover a mostly empty dining room. Is the location (Waldorf Astoria hotel) a factor in this?

[Fat Guy]

Other than the food and wine, pretty much everything at Peacock Alley is a publicist's nightmare. It's right off that hotel lobby, with no windows, in a dining room that isn't hideous but has little to recommend it. The menu is weird. There's absolutely no buzz about the place. Service is good but not fabulous, with the exception of the sommelier who is among the best in town (actually all the management is great). And it's one of the best restaurants in America. So as long as it stays in business, I'm grateful for the underpopulation.

[yvonne johnson]

In case a reader was thinking of going: Peacock Alley is no longer (New York Times, October 3, 01). Fabricant wrote that the Waldorf-Astoria may reopen it as something else, but without the chef, Laurant Gras.

[Scottf]

Thanks Yvonne, I'm coming over from England in November and from Steve's review and some example menus I've seen I really fancied it.  Nevermind!

[Andy Lynes]

Scott - have you decided on where you might go yet? I'll look forward to your full reviews when you come back!

[Scottf]

Daniel has been prebooked for us and we've chosen Gramercy Tavern and hopefully Jean Georges to replace Peacock Alley.  Will review in full for the Englanders!    

[Ruby]

See today's New York Times Dining Out section article: "Beyond Quiet Dining Rooms, A Quiet Crisis in the Kitchen" - Peacock Alley in the Waldorf-Astoria closed for good as of last week.

[Fat Guy]

I also confirmed this with Peacock Alley's publicist, who said the restaurant may someday reopen -- but without Laurent Gras. I haven't yet been able to get any inside dope on the exact circumstances of his departure, though.

[Andy Lynes]

Quote: from Scottf on 2:19 pm on Oct. 10, 2001

Daniel has been prebooked for us and we've chosen Gramercy Tavern and hopefully Jean Georges to replace Peacock Alley.  Will review in full for the Englanders!    

That would be my dream line up, just add the Gotham. I have only been to Nougatine, the "cheap" part of Jean Georges, out of the restaurants you are visiting and I thought that was great. I hope you will have breathing space between these grand meals, although I have to admit to eating breakfast at Sarabeth's Kitchen on the Upper East Side, lunch at Tribeca Bar and Grill and then dinner at Windows on The World all on the same day last time I visited. I did an awful lot of walking that day if that's any excuse.    

[Megan Blocker]

I had never even thought to consider this as a place to eat (it's just been re-done and opened in November, I think), but Gael Greene mentions it this week in her "Ask Gael" column on nymetro.com. She didn't love the service (too "amiable," not disciplined enough), but she seems to have enjoyed the food...

Anyone been here since the renovation? I can't remember the last time I ate in a hotel dining room, as opposed to a restaurant that's set up shop in a hotel. Maybe this really is the latter, though Gael seems to present it as the former in her (admittedly tiny) piece.

Here's a link to the Waldorf's dining page: click!

[M.X.Hassett]

I did not realize it was open yet, weird because I was meeting some people from out of town at Oscar's the other day. Interesting slightly out of date info on the chef http://www.a-r-n.net/people.asp-catid=1141...d=114165811.htm And the good old quote for posterity

"Once he committed himself to the kitchen, Tovar never looked back. “30” Fauchon, Robuchon and Tour d’Argent represented giant steps in Tovar’s culinary path, but it was with Joel Robuchon that Tovar broadened his horizons, learning at age 22 how attention to detail can transform the finest ingredients into perfectly executed cuisine. When Robuchon’s sous-chef Eric Briffard left for Plaza Athenée and requested Tovar as his sous-chef, Tovar accepted with enthusiasm. Here he managed a high volume restaurant, honed his organization and leadership skills, and perfected the technique of “sous vide” cooking, a method that enabled Tovar to achieve superior texture and flavor. During his five-year tenure there, Plaza Athenée earned an additional Michelin star, as well as 5 Gault Millau points.

Looks promising I shall have to try it when I return

Edit: Wow I finally figured out that quote box thingy and it only took me 596 posts

Edited December 20, 2005 by M.X.Hassett (log)

[R Washburn]

Has anyone been to the new Peacock alley? It looks promising, but I haven't read anything about the new restaurant.