complEAT: If You Can Make It There...EAT This!

In December, 2010 we visited State # 32 - New York. Our 50 state alphabetical tour affords us the opportunity to sample some of our country's finest restaurants and fun eateries. I love to research the states we visit to find the highest reviewed restaurants and local favorites when it comes to eating out.

No surprises here...NYC is a marvelous location for dining.

(Thank you former New Yorkers for your suggestions!)

Tommy Hilfiger

In only six days we saw as much as we possibly could, including 5 Broadway shows.

And NYC was all dressed up for Christmas!

Window shopping, sightseeing and theatre shows sure work up an appetite! And with NYC being one of the finest dining destinations in the world, the choices were almost overwhelming.

(This gives us a reason to return...forget the alphabet!)

Following is a list of restaurants that we enjoyed while visiting NYC along with a quick review.

And I included a link if you would like to know more:

Bill's Piano Bar - across the street from Hotel Elysee

http://www.billsnyc.com/

Charming speakeasy, good bar food and Gena Rowlands at the neighboring table!

Monkey Bar - inside Hotel Elysee

http://monkeybarnewyork.com/

If you watch "Mad Men" you've seen this bar! Great murals and grilled cheese.

Virgil's Real Barbecue - Times Square

http://virgilsbbq.com/

You will think you are in the South. Good barbecue and large portions.

Flip Burger - inside Bloomingdale's @ 59th

http://www.examiner.com/freelance-artist-in-national/flip-burger-opens-bloomingdale-s

Create your own burger and unique milkshake flavors.

Slice of New York Pizza - 8th Avenue

http://local.yahoo.com/info-11151140-a-slice-of-new-york-new-york

Delicious pizza by the slice. Eat here after seeing "Billy Elliot."

Cafe Boulud - Upper East Side

http://www.danielnyc.com/cafebouludny.html#intro

Chic place for a delicious Sunday Brunch. Delectable brioche!

'wichcraft - Rockefeller Plaza

http://wichcraftnyc.com/

Quick hot sandwiches. Wonderful hot chocolate near the skating rink.

Serendipity 3 - 60th between 2nd & 3rd

http://serendipity3.com/

FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE...YUM!

Le Bernardin - Theater District

http://www.le-bernardin.com/

Ladies and gentleman, may I introduce Eric Ripert...the chef and owner of Le Bernardin.

Chef Ripert is the proprietor of the top restaurant on our list of Superb 6 - USA.

(Interestingly, he co-owns this restaurant with Maguy Le Coze, owner of F.A.B. in Atlanta.)

This is definitely 12 slaps of the table!

As Le Bernardin quietly asks, "No photography, please," there are no photos of the restaurant or cuisine here on this blog. Please take the time to visit their website; I am certain you will enjoy it! The restaurant is decorated for spring in their current photos; but take my word for it, this gorgeous dining room was elegantly decorated for the holidays.

Throughout all 33 states thus far, Le Bernardin was the most extraordinary dining experience we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. (And the most expensive - don't ask, we won't tell you!)

Although this restaurant is located in the theater district, go on a Monday night when the theatres are "DARK." Dining here is all the "show" you need. Besides, dinner will take 3 hours to experience!

(And Philip Roth may be here dining alone...we saw him!)

The service was impeccable. (What's not to love...attractive men dressed in black suits and speaking with French accents.) Our meal was simply sublime! Seven courses, all fish, except for dessert. Let me tell you about our tasting menu...

Layers of thinly pounded Yellowfin Tuna; Foie Gras and toasted Baguette with shaved Chives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Charred Octopus; fermented Black Bean - Pear Sauce Vierge Ink - Miso Vinaigrette, Purple Basil
Warm Lobster Carpaccio; Hearts of Palm, Orange Vinaigrette
Seared Yellowtail King Fish; Truffle Risotto, Baby Vegetables and Black Truffle Emulsion
Crispy Black Bass; Lup Cheong and Beansprout "Risotto;" Mini Steamed Buns, Hoisin-Plum Jus
Parsnip Creme Brulee, Roasted Hazelnut, Browned Milk Solids, Vanilla Salt
Maralumi Milk Chocolate Parfait, Liquid Pear, Gingersnap

An incredible feast, beautifully plated (again, see the website) and simply perfect service. This is... complEAT heaven.

And did you notice the chef is gorgeous?

Much to my delight, after completing our 3rd course what to my wondering eyes should appear?

The chef in the dining room!