Friday, January 23, 2009

NYC Restaurant Week



Day 1 - January 22

My friend & I did not have reservations planned, so on our way to Serendipity for hot chocolate and maybe a burger, we stumbled by TAO. Darlene never been, so we went in. I've been here before a couple of times and was not impressed by the food but always had a good experience. Today it was tasty, comfortable, great service, and a great deal. Darlene loved the whole experience.

Lunch - TAO ($24)
Bang Bang Chicken Salad - good flavors, but too much dressing and need more vegetables
Chicken Pad Thai - great asian mixture of vegetables, mushrooms, rice noodles, and spices
Banana Bread Pudding - brought me back to "kid time" - bananas, pudding & cookies

Food - 2.5-I will return, great for lunch
Service - 4.5-attentive but not overwhelming & friendly (from entrance to exit) GREAT!!!!
Atmosphere - 4-alluring, comfortable, hip

Rating 3.25 (out of 5)

Being the first Restaurant Week 2009 experience for me - overall it was a really good dinner & experience. Innovative, ambrosia to the tongue, and good service (after our long wait after our initial drinks).

Dinner - Country ($35 + drinks)
Cauliflower & Celery Root Panna Cotta (paprika jus, petite mixed greens) - WOW, delicious
Lightly Smoked Atlantic Salmon (lemon nage, fingerling confit, scallions - prepared perfectly, crispy skin and moist inside-aromatics yum
Creme Brulee - tried and true - smooth and creamy

Food - 4 new american delicious-a must to try
Service - 3.5-slow but attentive stylish & semi-formal
Atmosphere - 4-old NY with ambiance

Rating 4 (out of 5)

1 comment:

  1. god, the veggie panna cotta sounds amazing. And what are confit potatoes like? Does that mean they cooked 'em in duck fat? omg, how amazing were those potatoes? Or do they sound better than they were?Keep 'em coming!
    Hey, can you bring me back museum collateral? Try to get to the Whitney tomorrow —it's the LAST DAY of the Eggleston photo show. Lots of critics picked it as one of their top 10 shows of 2008. If you go, bring me back any brochures they have for it. THANKS!
    And if you see any Arctic char on the menu...try it for me! It's the one fish I miss here. Mmmm.

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