Each week, NewsWhistle contributor Norah Lawlor compiles a list of trendsetting and newsworthy items from around the globe.
This week, Norah selects some of the best Upper East Side restaurants belonging to her friends and clients.
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In New York, a culinary mecca, there will always be many great new restaurants to choose from—Uptown, Midtown, Downtown and way downtown. French, Italian, seafood, steakhouse, sushi, you name it. Competition is always fierce, and it’s not uncommon for fashionable “hot spots” to lose their spark after just a few months. These five excellent New York restaurants have stood the test of time and remain excellent choices in an ever-evolving dining scene.
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1. Swifty’s
Even after fifteen years in the business, renowned restauranteurs Robert Caravaggi and Stephen Attoe still have absolutely no trouble enticing New Yorkers to their friendly and sophisticated Upper East Side bistro, which is known for its excellently-prepared classic American and European cuisine and celebrity clientele who have graced its dining room over the years, including Ricky Gervais, Jude Law, Anjelica Huston and many more. Order the delicious Corn Fritters with Alaskan Salmon Roe (image above), or their ever-popular Gruyere Cheese Soufflé, sit back and soak up the warm ambiance and fabulous people-watching! Lunch and dinner aside, Swifty’s is also a great option for an atmospheric and relaxed weekend brunch – with a delicious range of organic free range eggs from the griddle, steaks and burgers from the grill, and popular salads and sandwiches. Pop Swifty’s on your must-visit list!
Located at 1007 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10021. For more information visit www.swiftysnyc.com/
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2. T-Bar Steak & Lounge
A classically-chic Upper East Side eatery, T-Bar Steak and Lounge has offered outstanding cuisine in a casual yet elegant space for over eight years. Under the watchful eye of restaurateur Tony Fortuna and Executive Chef Ben Zwicker, T-Bar puts a modern spin on the classic upscale steak house. Serving prime beef steaks, as well as a mélange of grilled fish, chopped salads, burgers and pastas, you could visit T-Bar every night of the week and never leave disappointed. A long list of perfectly-prepared side dishes, like the Sautéed Haricot Verts with garlic, or the Roasted Brussel Sprouts with shallots, complement each entrée on the menu. T-Bar is also well known for its decadent desert menu, including the mouthwatering (and enormous) Banana Parfait Mille Feuilles with coconut and caramel sauce.
Located at 1278 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10021. For more information visit www.tbarnyc.com/
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3. Nello’s
Celebrated Madison Ave restaurateur, Nello Balan, has presided over New York’s high stakes and often volatile restaurant scene for nearly 25 years thanks to an unrivaled passion for food, life and fascinating people. Mr. Balan, holding court with a sly smile at his eponymous Upper East Side eatery, is the ever present ringmaster of a lively, wine and truffle infused carnival of celebrities, moguls, scientists, diplomats, models, starving artists and the occasional Saudi prince. To enter Nello’s exclusive establishment, which showcases fine Northern Italian cuisines in a casual yet sophisticated setting, is to visit one hundred countries in one minute. Discover the fresh seafood, creative salads, and homemade fresh pastas, including the Taglionlini al Salmone with Norwegian smoked salmon flambe in cognac, cream, pomodoro and salmon caviar, or the mouthwatering Pappardelle Alla Bolognese with oven stewed hand cut prime veal & beef with tomatoes and olive oil.
Loacted at 696 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021. For more information visit www.opentable.com/nello-restaurant
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4. Artisanal
Artisanal Bistro and Wine Bar adds playful twists to classic French bistro dishes and leaves every diner wanting more. Artisanal is the perfect spot for a fun Sunday brunch or atmospheric, lively dinner, and they’ve recently added an enticing breakfast menu too, featuring a host of delicious options such as the Eggs Benedict Artisanal with smoked salmon and caviar. Opened in 2001, this is the quintessential French bistro in New York; decorated in old, Art Deco style – with classic French bistro tables and the smell of delicious fondue and freshly baked bread wafting in the air – it truly feels like you’ve arrived in Paris when you walk in the door.Known for the incredible variety of cheeses on offer, and several kinds of fondue, if you’re a cheese lover – this is the place to go. Try the côte de boeuf for two, the burger smothered in fondue, or simply graze on a sampling of cheeses from the cheese menu.Cheesiness aside, their wine selection is also nothing short of amazing, with over 500 options.
Located at 2 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016. For more information visit www.artisanalbistro.com
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5. Amaranth
Amaranth, a classy Upper East Side bistro which recently celebrated 15 years in the business, stays true to its Mediterranean roots and never compromises on quality, only using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Restaurateurs Paola Pedrignani and Francois Marchand offer a tantalizing fusion of original Italian and French food, with a large portion of specialty items imported directly from Europe. Patrons come to Amaranth for the full dining experience – first-rate service, chic décor, and its charming, home-away-from-home feel. It has a dedicated fan base, including celebrities like the late Joan Rivers, Miranda Kerr, Orlando Bloom, former president of France Nicolas Sarkozy, and many more. Fixtures on the menu include the Steak Tartare, which is prepared in front of customers to ensure freshness and the right balance of spices, and the Octopus Carpaccio.
Located at 21 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065. For more information visit www.amaranthrestaurant.com
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Norah Lawlor is a New York based global trend and travel observer in addition to being the founder and owner of Public Relations strategy firm Lawlor Media Group.
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Lead-In Image Courtesy of Andrey Rudometov/Shutterstock.com
