EPICUREAN TREASURES IN THE BIG APPLE

By Polly Guerin

April 5, 2010

EPICUREAN DELIGHTS IN THE BIG APPLE

Bon Gusto!!! Dining in New York is an epicurean’s fare and price shouldn't give you a scare. Fine dining in posh digs, my favorites I share with you. Here’s the scoop!!!
ROSA MEXICANO, a swanky atmosphere, upbeat atmosphere. A “must have” is the irresistible guacamole, made at the table, the waiter carves out the fresh guacamole adds chopped onions, tomatoes and hot spices, a tasty concoction served in earthenware bowls. Quench your thirst with a pomegranate margarita. Located at 1063 First Ave. (58th St.) 212.753.7407

SMORGAS CHEF at The Scandinavia House Museum in Murray Hill, 58 Park Ave, bet. 37/38th sts. main floor, lures in diners with fine tuned pristine fare including Swedish meatballs with Loganberry sauce and smashed potatoes, salmon sandwiches and a host of delicious tastings and desserts. Sit under the branches of a white birch tree with birds aloft and enjoy an affordable meal, fixe prix lunch under $15. 212.847.9745.

THE THREE-MARTINI LUNCH The Morgan Dining Room in The Morgan Library & Museum pays homage to that famous classic cocktail, the Martini, a nostalgic, perfectly divine libation. A regal tray is presented with three two-ounce martinis, which are essentially mini-tinis, each served in miniature cocktail glasses, one glass dressed with olives, one with cocktail onions and the third with a lemon twist. $10, a bargain. American dining at its finest. Admission to the museum is not required to dine at The Morgan Dining Room. 225 Madison Ave. (at 36th St.) 212.683.2130.

LA STRADA 57 is a neighborhood gem near the Time Warner Center and affordable dining for pre-Lincoln Center events. The $14.95 fixe prix 3-course lunch is a bargain. I started with ginger carrot soup, divine taste, then Tilapia fish with grilled vegetables, and for dessert sorbet and coffee. I was not disappointed. Of course you can also order from the menu. Located at 315 W. 57th St. (bet. 8th/9th aver.) 212.757.1620.

IL BASTARDO a popular Chelsea Tuscan restaurant serves excellent affordable meals in a comfortable atmosphere. Sharing is okay when you order several dishes. We started off and shared the poached eggs, but did not eat the mound of tasty potatoes (on a diet) then had a spinach salad followed by hefty cheese grilled hamburger…all this with a fine red wine, recommended by the waiter, ending with coffee and lemon, mango and pomegranate sorbet. 191 Seventh Ave. (bet. 21st/22nd Sts.) 212.675.5930.
Ta Ta darlings, I’m off to a Three Martini Lunch and obviously I will not be returning to work this afternoon. Fan mail to pollytalk@verizon.net and do take a minute and visit my blogs at blogspot.com: amazingartdecowomen, thefashionhistorian and awakenyoursleepingbeauty.