BLUE
WATER GRILL Cuisine: New American
31 Union Square W. 212-675-9500
This 500-capacity converted bank is packed every night;
it's also a popular business lunch spot. There are three
different dining areas: a busy ground floor with an oyster
bar and outdoor seating, a mezzanine and a low-lit jazz
room in the basement. Long wait for a table at peak hours,
even if you have a reservation.
fabulous dishes: Lobster and shrimp spring rolls crackle
with freshness, octopus has a nice grilled touch and maki
rolls are both inventive--incorporating BBQ eel, filet
mignon and snow crabs are delicious. Great entrees such
as Chilean sea bass, sauteed lobster, scallops and vegetables,
crab cakes, mahi mahi with pinot noir sauce. Chocolate
fondue is the pick of the desserts, and the wine list
is reasonably priced.
UNION
SQUARE CAFÉ 21 E. 16th St. 212-243-4020
Cuisine: American Eclectic
New York city most popular land mark restaurant serving
outstanding eclectic dishes coupled with highly professional
service. The attractive quarters are divided into three
dining areas: balcony seating and a cluster of tables
on the lower level. Polished cherry wood floors and colorful,
artwork-lined walls.
Michael Romano's Tuscan-influenced menu proves equally
tasteful: grilled lamb chops Scotta Dita with potato-gruyere
gratin and sauteed insalata tricolore; pan-roasted salmon
with plum tomatoes, almonds, olives and bottarga; wild
striped bass Barigoule, with a savory artichoke-spring
onion broth and braised lacinato rabe. Weekly specials
include a lobster shepherd's pie and roast suckling pig.
And don't miss the famous homemade garlic potato chips!
