The Bon Vivant Blog

Since EMP received their 4 stars from the NY times, reservations can be tight so try to book well in advance. The $28 for the lunch prix fixe is a steal for excellent service with great food in a beautiful high-ceilinged room. [ad] I started with the spaetzle with the most tender rabbit I have [...]

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Ever since watching Harry and Kumar Go To White Castle , I have had a strange urge to try a slider at this popular fast food chain. By chance, one late night after a show, we strolled by a White Castle near Madison Square Garden and I just had to go in. First of all, [...]

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After it was lauded by the NY Times food critic, we had to go here to find out what the hype was all about. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this place or the food since the executive chef, David Chang, does not permit it. Take the address with you since this is a very [...]

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While walking around Chelsea, we decided to drop by this institution and it was busy. We wanted to see what the fuss was all about given that the chef of Per Se had recommended this place in an article pasted in the window. Be prepared to wait in line and possibly not find a seat. [...]

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Save this place for a special occasion since at $275 per person for the tasting menu (vegetarian option available) or $175 for a five-course prix fixe, this is not a cheap experience. But I have to say that it is worth it. Come hungry because this is a 4 hour epic meal enjoyed at a [...]

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We did it all in one year – the trifecta of Keller – Bouchon, The French Laundry and Per Se. Per Se apparently originally got its name when discussing the concept, Thomas Keller maintained that he did not want to do another French Laundry per se, and the “Per Se” just stuck. Although not the [...]

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The perfect place for us to unwind and enjoy good simple food after the extravagance of Per Se.  One of Mario Batalli’s battalion of restaurants, this place hit the spot.  It is obviously a local favorite – still going strong after 11pm when we were seated.  Despite being busy and with no reservation, we only [...]

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Le Bernardin has held 4 stars from the New York Times for over twenty years, the longest run of all restaurants in New York. It too received 3 Michelin stars and deservedly so. Although meat dishes are offered, the restaurant is renowned for its seafood, so we stuck to those offerings on the menu. Dinner [...]

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Going for a run around a city is one of the best ways to sightsee. It allows you to cover more ground than walking but also gives you the ability to make unexpected stops at unforeseen sights.  We ran around New York City to the Soho/Greenwich Village/Little Italy region.  During the run, we happened to [...]

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