I live in New York City and have out-of-town friends, acquaintances and my mother who seem to think that I am a walking-talking version of the Zagat Survey when it comes to dining in the Big Apple.
EXAMPLE A:
“We are in the city next month and want something ‘of-the-moment and downtown but not too pricey.’”—the friend
[My response: If it’s “of-the-moment,” it’s probably not cheap. And can you give me a parameter or two in terms of cuisine? Chinese? French? And what do you mean by “downtown?” In its vibe? Or does it have to be south of 14th Street?]
EXAMPLE B:
“We’ve never met, but I am good friends with your cousin. Can you get us a reservation at Per Se this weekend?”—the acquaintance
[My response: I haven’t seen aforementioned cousin since I was 12, and Per Se is the toughest reservation in the country. Sorry, no can do.]
EXAMPLE C:
“Hello, Jason Oliver. Your father and I need a reservation at Restaurant Daniel. Tonight. Oh, and we are in town.”
(Read between the lines: “I will be upset if you don’t do this right now, and remember that I bought you a couch a few months back. And I birthed you—lest you forget—and you are an ungrateful son if you can’t get us an 8 p.m. table.”)
[My response: “Yes, Mother Dear.”]
Still, this concierge-for-free service does keep me on my toes.
And for you, dear readers, I am happy to help.
From my reader mail bag:
Dear Jet Set:
I think you blog [blah, blah, blah]…
I am coming to New York and want to dine on chic seafood in a gorgeous setting near Rockefeller Center, and I would prefer something new and buzzy.
Sincerely.
Bill A.
Marfa, Texas
Dear Bill in Marfa:
Whew, that’s a simple one: Book a table at my most favorite seafood spot, Oceana, just a puddle-jump from Rockefeller Center. The interior is glamorous but breezy and a tad Art Deco-inspired, all marble and clean lines and soothing colors. And chef Ben Pollinger’s menu is sublime: Kick off your meal with any of the raw bar selections before dining on the halibut saltimbocca with spinach and prosciutto or the roast stuffed branzino with wild mushrooms and black olives. And, finally, Oceana, formerly situated in a town house on Manhattan’s East Side, opened only a few months back in September in its new digs. So there you go. Enjoy!