10/01/09

Discuss business over amazing drinks in a great space

by SusanPeters

I consult so I am always looking for a chic place to get drinks and discuss business. The atmosphere is open and elegant. The bar well-attended by the good looking professionals. We were comfortable and well serviced throughout the evening. Definitely a great option for the neighborhood.

• Pros: great drink menu, beautiful crowd
• Cons: not cheap, but when you want to impress...

06/29/09

Lovely anniversary dinner

by barrymc

We celebrated our anniversary here. I had the lamb chops, they were truly delicious: my wife enjoyed her lobster. The staff were all friendly & attentive, and we were brought champagne and a special dessert on account of the occasion. Top marks!

• Pros: Great food, great service, trendy open setting
• Cons: None

05/23/08

Central Park South just got THAT much snazzier!

by ladyl

What a wonderful new establish for the midtown area! The restaurant is conveniently located at the heart of Manhattan which makes it an ideal meeting place for drinks or an incredible meal. I have been to this restaurants several times and always get the pork belly. It is truly one of the best things on the menu. My friends love the kimchi lobster--a real unique that will make you rethinking how you see shellfish. Their wine list is superb and I always start by going to the bar while I wait for my friend to stroll in. Of course, make room for dessert!

• Pros: The illiustrious executive chef, Kerry Heffernan
• Cons: Hard to get a reservation, call early!

05/14/08

Great Midtown Option

by nycgal1978

I enjoyed drinks and then dinner with 3 business associates last night. The bar had a great drink menu and several creative and tasty mixed drinks. The bar was pretty well-attended by the after-work crowd. Then we had dinner in the dining room - the food was excellent, the server very friendly and helpful (and not snotty at all like you'd expect at a restaurant at the hoity toity Essex House!), and we were comfortable throughout the evening. Is a hip dining option in the area - decor was modern, with lots of mirrors, marble and wood. Definitely a must-try.

The new owners of Essex House spent $90 million on renovations, and didn't neglect one detail at the restaurant.

by Jessica Allen

Restaurants attached to hotels tend to charge their customers for convenience; this one--part of the ultra-luxurious Essex House on Central Park South--charges for quality, atmosphere and a well-known cook in the kitchen. Formerly of Eleven Madison Park, executive chef Kerry Heffernan takes a cue from the views across the street as he creates seasonal American fare, including red snapper with celery fondue, pork belly with leeks, and lamb with rutabaga. All those greens practically require a guilt-free conclusion like chocolate millefeuille or pot de creme.

03/08/08

Great ambience, wonderful food, best wine selection, trendy bar atmosphere

by vikinnyc

This is the new hotspot in Midtown. I love the atmosphere in the Bar and they have a great selection of cocktails. And having a view of the Park is lovely. The waitstaff is very attentive. The night of our dinner the Chef actually said hello to all diners which was a welcome and wonderful surprise. Wine pairing with the dinner was wonderful and the dishes were cooked to perfection. Do not pass up on dessert. This is worth indulging. I was positively surprised with the prices, they were perfectly reasonable for a restaurant this class. Check it out before word gets out and it will be so packed you need to make reservations weeks in advance.

• Pros: Great location and view, friendly service and atmosphere
• Cons: none