L’Astrance – a little bit strange!

The S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list rates this place as the 11th top restaurant in the world, it is certainly one of the hardest to get through to on the phone. I managed to get a reservation via a contact in the industry, but found I had problems reconfirming it, eventually after numerous attempts at different times of the day I managed to reconfirm.

It is quite a small room with a mezzanine area.  Every table was taken, this was so obviously the place to be.

The service was first rate, but we found that the food was a bit hit and miss, which is surprising for a 3 Star Michelin.

 

 

Some courses worked, others tasted either a bit odd or bland, the desserts were in my view the highlight.

They also finished off the meal by serving tomatoes!  L’Astrance was definately a bit strange.

Marks out of 10

Food 6.5

Service 8

Ambience 6.5

Return to top page

La fourmi ailée – cheap and cheerful in Paris!

On the left bank near Notre-Dame in the heart of tourist territory, just round the corner from a whole batch of these awful restaurants with waiters outside trying to entice you in, you will find La fourmi ailée– the flying ant (8 rue du fouarre 75005), which is an entirely different proposition.

It has been refurbished recently, and I am not so keen on the new decor (changed from looking like a cosy old library to a more modern  diner style),  but everything else is as good as it has always been. The clientele are still mainly students and canny tourists.

fe

The food is fresh and plentiful, and shock horror for Paris, the staff are friendly. Very suitable for taking your Vegetarian friends.

It is also a Salon de thé, providing you with a good venue for relaxing over tea and pâtisseries.

 

Return to top page

Wapping Food – Wapping Project at the Hydraulic Power Station

Great place to go on a bright sunny day, when the sun is streaming in the windows, and lighting up this very unusual venue which incorporates an art gallery. When it’s really hot, they also occasionally serve food in the garden. The food is simple and fresh, they also have a small selection of good wines.

IMGP1859

IMGP0724

outside

The restaurant has 1 AA Rosette, which it certainly merits.

Marks out of 10

Food 6

Service 6

Ambience 6

Return to top page

Eat, Drink and Stay Guide (New York)

The restaurant scene in New York is very fluid, so I would do your research before you go, and book the top end restaurants at least a month in advance.   Here are some of my favorites (they have been around for years, which is a good sign):-

Gotham Bar and Grill –  a class act, and one of New Yorks Michelin Star restaurants.

Blue Water Grill – Great for Brunch

Eleven Madison Park – stylish Michelin starred highly acclaimed restaurant, great deserts.

Red Cat – Very cool, very New York

The Plaza – Just one of these places you have to visit once.

Other recommendations

Cafe Sabarsky – Tucked away within the Neue Gallerie in Upper East Side, great for Viennese pastries.

Bryant Park Grill – the outdoor bar for drinks

Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square – it has a revolving Restaurant and Bar. Just go for the Bar (The View), its a great way to see New York, and yes I do believe it is the hotel where Arnie took the horse into the lift in True Lies.

Dylan Hotel – it’s a boutique Hotel in an excellent location, just next to Grand Central station so perfect for public transport, which along with walking is the only way to do Manhattan.

Roof Garden Cafe at the Metropolitan Museum – open from May through to November (weather permitting – except for Mondays), fabulous views over Central Park. The elevator to the roof is hard to find, so you may need to ask a guard.

 

 

Return to Index for No Expert Guides 

Gotham Bar and Grill – Pow and Ka-boom!

The Gotham Bar and Grill is a class act, and one of New Yorks Michelin Star restaurants.  It was recommended by a friend who has been making annual pilgrimages here from Scotland for well over 15 years now.  We have not been there quite so often, but have managed to visit a few times for lunch. We found it to be a quiet refuge from the crowds, an excellent place to relax and enjoy good quality food and wine. On one visit they had a power cut, which the staff handled with ease, turning what could have been a disaster into a pleasant candle lit experience.

The following video gives a good overview of what the restaurant is all about:-

The name of course I have always found amusing especially since the chef is called “Alfred” and my Scottish friend has mentioned in the past a very helpful member of staff called “Robin”. 😉

Update : October 2009 – The Gotham Bar and Grill successfully maintained its Michelin Star in this years awards.

Marks out of 10

Food 6.9

Service 7.5

Ambience 7

 

Return to top page

Eleven Madison Park – Sweet success!

I enjoyed Eleven Madison Park, the place has style.

On the food front I especially remember a sharing dessert platter.

NewYork2004 115

NewYork2004 117

NewYork2004 118_crop

It was way too big for us to finish, which may have been the idea, as they were only too happy to box it up for us to take back to our Hotel.  It was absolutely yummy,  just thinking about it gives me a sugar rush!.

UPDATE February 2010 – It seems like Eleven Madison Park is not loosing its touch, Andy Hayler gave it very high marks in his recent review.

See 11 Madison Park Review

UPDATE : September 2011 – Danny Meyer may be selling Eleven Madison Park, see http://www.tinyurls.co.uk/1q1 for details.

UPDATE : October 2011 – Eleven Madison Parks has been awarded 3 Michelin stars. It is also definitely being sold, for details see Eater artical.

Marks out of 10

Food 6.9

Service 7

Ambience 7

 

Return to top page