08/02/08

Probably not going to last..

by grouchomarx

The entrance is poorly marked with a tiny sign, we walked past it and didn't even see it. Friday night 8:30, lots of empty tables. We show up on time and are seated on time but they put us in the downstairs (i.e. basement) while the upstairs didn't look crowded when arriving or leaving. Maybe it is because we are a mixed race couple? There were other minorities downstairs as well. It is dark down there, but with nice upholstery, light fixtures, and good music mix. Menus are the size of a pamphlet and tricky to open. Started with the SSC margarita which was good. The flavored butter they put out with the bread is tasty and original. The restaurant week menu had 2 choices in each category and we tried them all. Highlights were the Thai boulliabaise and the walleye pike. All the food was tasty and very good but I would not call it exceptional. The server tried to be caring and attentive. However something is lacking from this place and I can't put my finger on it. They gave us some free truffles at the end of the meal which were yummy. I would prefer an amuse but whatever. Overall the basement is too dark and has little atmosphere. On our way out we emerged to the upper level which was lit by crystal chandeliers and had a warm amber glow, and we could hear the soft rhythm of cocktail shakers shaking away. We felt cheated having been seated downstairs away from this nice glow and atmosphere. Oh well. Don't know if I would return in the future, the regular menu is a little pricey and limited. I wonder how long can a place last if they have so many empty tables on a Friday night during restaurant week. And can someone tell my why anyone would print their menus with a 5 point font and present them in very dim lighting, it is enough to make you crazy.

• Pros: Food, upstairs atmosphere
• Cons: Basement dull, menu print way too small

08/01/08

Unbelievable! One of the best meals I had during Restaurant Week

by firestar515

The seating/service were prompt, attentive and very warm, so I'll take the space in this review to talk about the food. Grayz is normally exceptionally expensive (judging by previous reviews) so I would HIGHLY recommend taking advantage of their RW menu. For lunch, started with the Spicy Tuna Kampachi Tartare, delicious, served with perfectly sized crunchy tortilla chips and creme fraiche under the tartare, this was an excellent start. The bread, freshly baked and served with a plain yogurt, olive oil and either rosemary/thyme spread was refreshingly tasteful for something that is often overlooked. My date had the seared cod with artichoke hearts and fennel saffron emulsion, incredibly tasty and perfectly cooked, and kind of reminded me a bit of indian korma. I ordered the short rib croque, which was a bit burnt, which made it awkward to cut through the crust and even weirder when I bit into it and crumbs flew everywhere. Still, inside it was very flavorful tasting like greek stifado, totally worthy the mess and just eating with the hands. The grit fries with the tamarind chutney was very unusual during the first bite but after that I couldn't get enough, I'm craving it today! The deserts, being that I'm not a huge desert person, were the perfect ending to the meal. My date had the watermelon champagne granita with berries, very refreshing, perfectly sweetened and the watermelon flavor really popped. I had the dark chocolate mousse, which they served with passion fruit sorbet (mind-numbingly good) with sliced strawberries and these braised bing cherries in the center. I can't stand cherries, under normal circumstances, these cherries were beyond belief, so good that I saved them for my last bit. The drinks we had were very tasteful, my date had the SSC, similar to a margarita with cayenne pepper. I had the Gypsied Mint, almost like a mojito, but with cucumber, VERY REFRESHING! I would go back to Grayz, even to pay the normal prices, the food is totally worth it!

• Pros: expertly prepped food and drinks, great service, beautiful venue that impresses the date
• Cons: a little tough to find when coming from 6th ave, look for the black gate to go downstairs

04/20/08

small bites, big experience (and big price tag...)

by tapsilog

My man & I are "drinks & appetizers" kind of people; we prefer it to sitting down to one big app-entree-dessert--though we still apprecate a great gourmet experience. If that sounds like you, too, GRAYZ is a must-try. With the help of our amazing server Christopher, we tore thru 5 small plates, a shared entree, a great bottle of cabernet, and dessert... OK, OK, we hadn't eaten all day and were saving our appetites for a big night out. Still- it was worth every decadent calorie. Seared Foie Gras served on a tiny bowl of cheesy spaetzle? Yeah, we ordered 2. Oysters beautifully presented on individual serving spoons? Perfectly grilled lamb? Sauces, reductions & spice rubs with a million different ingredients involving techniques you'll never duplicate at home? Check. We spent 2 & a half hours tasting, discussing, sipping and reclining side by side on a red corner loveseat, deciding which little dish to devour next. Intimate, & oh so romantic. But beware: bring your sack of cash or plastic if you want the full experience... and the wine list, tho interesting and well chosen, leaves no room for bargains (our wine choice, a great california cab sauv, was one of the cheapest reds at $100). But if you're ready to impress a date with your gourmet knowledge, this is your place! Ask for the red loveseat...

• Pros: terrific food, romantic, elegant
• Cons: pricey- but worth it...

03/22/08

Short Ribs"s

by Chefecita

Most delicate service in NYC

we had the most excelente dinner in NYC

I can Perfectly remember every dish

the spetzle, the okra tempura and the short rib OHHHH my God

10 +, definetly will repeat , will recomend and most of all will remember

• Pros: location!!!! and service....
• Cons: Non

12/20/07

Too Smelly

by nknk

My friends and I met at the bar to have a few drinks. The Bartendars were extremely helpful, however, the bar area was too close to the kitchen. There was no ventilation in the restaurant! you and your clothes smelled of the entire menu long after you leave. The atmosphere is very elegant but they need to work on freshing the air.

• Pros: Attentive staff and creative food
• Cons: Smells! Poor ventilation

The bar concept gets an elegant makeover at this midtown spot that overflows with romance and class.

by Lucy Blatter

In Short
Thanks to a brownstone setting, earthy tones and soft lighting, Gray Kunz has successfully created a bar and restaurant that is intimate, sexy and classy. Unlike Kunz's other high-end culinary endeavor, Cafe Gray, the focus here is on fancy finger foods. Guests can enjoy signature small plates, seasonal cocktails and wines while seated at romantic tables on the main floor or perched at a long, comfortable bar area. Forget stale peanuts and pretzels--complimentary bar snacks here include deliciously seasoned chips made from the South American cassava vegetable.

Hits: The varied selection of small plates and seasonal cocktails are delicious and beautifully presented.

Misses: The small plates are so good, you'll want a meal, but the few entrees listed are pricey.

10/23/07

great grayz

by steaknwine

went to grayz last weekend and found the place to be simply charming. everyone from the guy out front, who's probably there to let people know that grayz is there, was very hospitable. from hostesses that open doors to bartenders who make these wild concoctions (i had a rockerfeller manhattan my date an agava agava margarita) to my server who was GREAT the place soard. i can't believe that they're only open a few weeks. gray kunz's food is as good here as it is at cafe gray. love the fact that you can just get a few small plates or one of of his entrees - the short ribs as usual were great. there was a huge party going on in the lower level but we caught a peek of the space because the bathrooms were down there. nice job on turning the old aquavit into something special in midtown.

• Pros: service, hospitality
• Cons: was a bit warm inside

10/05/07

Elegant cocktail spot, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Feels like you are in someone's home.

by fschil

Really liked my first visit. Friendly from the door on in. Fabulous furniture and excellent drink . I ordered the OYsters Rockefeller, what a treat! It is not cheap but then again you don't have to go in and have a whole meal. My date just ordered dessert and a nice glass of wine. I like this because I feel I get a beautiful restaurant atmosphere without the pressure to order a four course meal. Gray Kunz himself brought it to the table, which blew away my foodie friend.

• Pros: Elegant and Not snooty
• Cons: hard to find, does not take reservations