Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Park Avenue Winter, The Red Cat, Rouge Tomate, Acqua

I've been eating out a lot in the past few weeks. I notice that I go through phases of eating out a lot and then not at all. It's quite addicting and I really have to budget my meals, but I always justify trying new places "in the name of research." It has also been restaurant week so I was more inclined to try a couple places on the list. Because I'm way behind in my posts, I condensed all these restaurant reviews into one post, so I'll just highlight my favorite dishes from each place.

Park Avenue Winter
I've been dying to try this place for a long time....since it was Park Avenue Spring! The restaurant changes decor and menu every season. Pretty neat concept I think. I trekked to the UES one fiercely cold Friday night for the restaurant week deal (3 courses--> $35.) I was disappointed by the decor...it didn't look all that wintery other than some tree branches on the ceiling. The wait staff were dressed all in white which I thought was kind of creepy....like lab technicians.

I really enjoyed the salmon entree here. It wasn't anything particularly special, just perfectly seasoned and cooked fish. I enjoyed it a lot.

I also liked their signature side dish.....broccoli and Cheetos.

The Red Cat
I didn't take pictures for dinner here but I enjoyed most of the dishes I tried. I was with three others who all ordered off the restaurant week menu, but I decided to order just an entree off the normal menu. None of the dishes were superb but everything was prepared well. I had braised short ribs which I liked a lot. The specialty cocktail selection was pretty interesting too. I do have to note that I had a stomachache after this meal but it could have been from eating too much.

Rouge Tomate
The restaurant space in midtown is quite beautiful. Tall ceilings, open space, light colored furnishings....reminds me of a museum. I sat in a banquette so large, I couldn't even hear the person across from me. It was a nice change from the usual cramped tables at most restaurants.


I liked the tuna poke appetizer salad with asian pear, watermelon radish and oyster mushroom.

I thought my cauliflower risotto was quite interesting. It was much creamier than I thought it would be but was pretty good regardless.

Acqua
Last Sunday afternoon, I wandered into this little Italian place along the Seaport. I was actually on my way to search for Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches but somehow ended up here. It was totally deserted except for one table. The wait staff was extremely polite and helpful in their recomendations. I had a delicious seared yellowtail appetizer, enormous cheese and meat platter and a thin crust pizza with prosciutto and arugula. I loved everything. I get so excited when I find less known places that turn out to be wonderful restaurants. I would highly recommend this place and hope to be back soon.





Restaurants mentioned:
Park Avenue Winter
100 E. 63rd St.
New York, NY 10021

The Red Cat
227 10th Ave.
New York, NY 10011

Rouge Tomate
10 E. 60th St.
New York, NY 10022

Acqua
21 Peck Slip
New York, NY 10038

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