Consistently Show Stopping Food - NYC

[rich]

Based on a discussion in another thread this subject came up. What are the consistently show stopping food spots that have a more relaxed atmosphere - yet still have top tier surroundings? It's a difficult category. I'll go first.

(by the alphabet)

Cru

Devi

Eleven Madison Park

Gramercy Tavern

WD-50

Honorable Mention goes to Blue Hill at Stone Barns because it's outside the city limits, otherwise it would top the list.

[Fat Guy]

The Bar Room at the Modern.

[Sneakeater]

I'd say The Modern itself, too.

[Sneakeater]

I'd also say Perry Street, but I understand that I'm more enthusiastic about the food there than many others. Maybe not quite "show stopping".

Edited August 31, 2006 by Sneakeater (log)

[Nathan]

as seen above, any of the better Danny Meyer or Meyer-esque restaurants.

that's sort of the category by definition.

Aquavit on its best days.

Sneakeater: would you put Robuchon in this category?

Edited August 31, 2006 by Nathan (log)

[Sneakeater]

Not really, if only because it's hard for us middle-class peons (anyone who's not a middle-class peon please forgive me) to be relaxed when paying so much.

[rich]

as seen above, any of the better Danny Meyer or Meyer-esque restaurants.

that's sort of the category by definition.

Aquavit on its best days.

Sneakeater: would you put Robuchon in this category?

←

Thanks Nathan, that's one I fogot to add. Aquavit is a terrific choice. The Bar Room at Modern is one I want to check out. The meal I had at the formal restaurant was mixed.

[weinoo]

The first couple of times I tried L'Impero, I felt that way, but haven't been back for a while. Can anyone chime in on that?

I wonder if Gramercy Tavern still can be considered "show-stopping" for it's food?

[ned]

I'll go with Prune and Sushi Seki

[freshherbs]

not sure how we are defining "top-tier" or "show-stopping" but I would add Savoy to this list. oh and Annisa too.

[docsconz]

Sushi Yasuda, although whether the surroundings are considered top-tier might be debatable. I would argue yes.

[Bux]

Based on a discussion in another thread this subject came up. What are the consistently show stopping food spots that have a more relaxed atmosphere - yet still have top tier surroundings? It's a difficult category.

...

Honorable Mention goes to Blue Hill at Stone Barns because it's outside the city limits, otherwise it would top the list.

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I find the food at Blue Hill in Manhattan to be as good as that up at Stone Barns, but I don't order from the menu and when I reserve, they know they will just feed me whatever they choose. If anything, Blue Hill in Manhattan is more relaxed, or at least less formal, than up at Stone Barns. Stone Barns with its architecture and farm, is the more fabulous evening.

WD-50 is the other "relaxed atmosphere" restaurant in NYC that I consider a "destination" worthy of the attention given to the more formal top places in the city. Show stopping to me, means more than just "good food" or even very good food. The food must be noteworthy.

[rich]

Based on a discussion in another thread this subject came up. What are the consistently show stopping food spots that have a more relaxed atmosphere - yet still have top tier surroundings? It's a difficult category.

...

Honorable Mention goes to Blue Hill at Stone Barns because it's outside the city limits, otherwise it would top the list.

←

I find the food at Blue Hill in Manhattan to be as good as that up at Stone Barns, but I don't order from the menu and when I reserve, they know they will just feed me whatever they choose. If anything, Blue Hill in Manhattan is more relaxed, or at least less formal, than up at Stone Barns. Stone Barns with its architecture and farm, is the more fabulous evening.

WD-50 is the other "relaxed atmosphere" restaurant in NYC that I consider a "destination" worthy of the attention given to the more formal top places in the city. Show stopping to me, means more than just "good food" or even very good food. The food must be noteworthy.

←

I agree Bux - with all three places.

When I went to Stone Barns, I thought the food was simply over the top. It reached a level that I have rarely had the pleasure to experience. And while I think the food at BH in Manhattan is outstanding, it never reached that level.

Maybe if I made the reservation under your name, I would get to experience your meal. Let me know when your not going and I'll call.

[Brooklyn]

Saul

[mikeycook]

The first couple of times I tried L'Impero, I felt that way, but haven't been back for a while.  Can anyone chime in on that?

I wonder if Gramercy Tavern still can be considered "show-stopping" for it's food?

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I would agree on L'Impero as well as on Cru.

I would also add Veritas to the list.