NYC Top Restaurant

 Copyright Karen Schaler All Rights Reserved

When you’re in Manhattan it’s almost overwhelming how many fabulous places there are to eat.  Since fine “wine and dining” is one of my favorite TRAVEL THERAPY options I’ve made a list, a very long list of all the places I want to try in the city.  Good thing I live here because it’s probably going to take me a year to get through my list and by then there will dozens more new restaurants and wine bars to try out, just why I love this city so much! 

It helps that I’ve interviewed so many chefs so I have somewhat of a feel for what’s unique and new and what is just traditionally amazing. For my dining quest I’ve also consulted some of the experts starting with the locals who’ve lived here awhile, my favorite foodie food critics, my public relations contacts that know my taste sometimes better than I do and my notoriously fickle friends and I’ve crossed referenced all this info with the trusted NYC Zagat guide, The New York Times and New York Magazine. 

So throughout this TRAVEL THERAPY blog I will be sharing what I find with you, starting with a restaurant that’s top on my list for a special occassion,  Thomas Keller’s ( of The French Laundry and Bouchon), Per Se, that opened in 2004 and was named as the 9^th best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine, the second best in the United States.   Getting a reservation here can be like winning the lottery so plan ahead and be patient because it’s worth the wait. 

Plan on spending at least three hours to fully enjoy Per Se’s prix fixe culinary masterpiece that’s a fusion of French and American cuisine because basically you own the table for the evening, you may feel like you bought part of this spectacular restaurant when you look at the bill, but don’t worry it’s worth every penny because this unique, special occasioning dining experience is one of a kind. Set in the Time Warner Center, there are only 15 tables and all have breathtaking views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.

Reminiscent of the Keller’s famed French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, you also enter Per Se through a blue door and Keller calls Per Se an urban interpretation of The French Laundry where each day two unique 9-course tasting menus ($275) are created with the goal of inspiring your taste buds, taking you to a new level of dining experience and always, always leave you wanting more. For an added fee you can also have wine pairings with each course and if you enjoy wine I would highly recommend this option because I was surprised at some of the pairings and actually enjoyed wines I would have never selected for myself. If you’re looking for a decadent lunch Per Se also delivers ($175).

One of the things I liked most about Per Se is its comfortable, although ultra classy vibe. You’re treated liked treasured family and the service is discreet but impeccable. If you have a special occasion this is the place to celebrate because it’s one dining experience, a true event, that you’ll always remember!

 Since this seems like a great week to spoil myself I’m also trying a popular East Midtown chophouse, BLT Steak, between Lexington and Park. I’ve heard wonderful things about this chic, upscale restaurant and I’ll have the full scoop tomorrow on this TRAVEL THERAPY blog.