In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after tasting phenomenal success with their 1972 flagship restaurant in Paris. It has continued to thrive under Chef Éric Ripert after Gilbert’s tragic demise in 1994. Seafood has been the inspiration behind the menu at Le Bernardin since inception. The tasting menu takes diners through delicacies such as Osetra Caviar, Dungeness Crab, Lobster Tail and Black Bass. Moreover, an extensive collection of around 900 wines complements every dish to perfection. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails from your eclectic lounge. The appetizers are tasty, and dinner is like a set menu but one that affords you the freedom to choose from different dishes for your meal. The flavors are good, given the chef’s experiments with different cuisines, not only French but a smattering of Asian as well, e.g., shrimps with coconut sauce. A dash of Caribbean is thrown into the mix, with the fruits added to the dessert.
Located near the scenic waterfront in Brooklyn, the now-legendary Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria offers excellent pizzas and other delicacies. Cooked in a brick oven, the pies emerge crispy, fresh, and pleasantly charred. The toppings always consist of choicest ingredients, including delectable sausages, bacon, meatballs, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese. Other dishes on the menu include a variety of fresh salads, desserts, calzones, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Over the years, Grimaldi's has earned its share of faithful customers, who consider this to be the best pizza in New York City.
PDT, which stands for Please Don't Tell, is a "secret" bar on St. Mark's Place. A call from a phone booth in Crif Dogs (the adjacent restaurant) is the only way to get in. Once accepted, a secret door opens up in the phone booth, leading to PDT. It's not much of a secret anymore though, because the club is hugely popular. Once inside, you'll find a crowded bar area steeped in darkness. The inventive cocktail selection is superb and a major draw. If you're hungry you can also order from the Crif Dogs food menu, which gets delivered to the club via a small pass. The friendly staff will give you great recommendations and ensure that you get the best deal.
For those who crave for a little IPA with their Donkey Kong, Barcade just might be the place. The lovingly-designed space combines hand-crafted pub furnishings with several classic arcade games. Draft and craft brews are the specialty of the house featuring East Coast heavy hitters like Peekskill and West Coast humdingers like Lagunitas, but there is also a full bar. So whether you like a shot of Jim Beam before a round of Centipede or a goblet of Belgian-style strong ale to accompany a rousing Ms Pac-Man tournament, Barcade can probably accommodate you.
Located in the heart of White Plains, The Lazy Boy Saloon & Ale House has been a downtown institution since opening in 1994. Domestic and international craft beers, bottled brews and over 40 drafts on tap comprise arguably the best beer list in Westchester County. Enjoy a chilled pint with award-winning bar fare of timeless American favorites like burgers, sandwiches and pizzas. On Wednesday and Friday nights, this place comes alive with live gigs by local talent.
Le Bain is popular both amongst regular party-goers as well as celebrities, with its unique interior design making lounging both luxurious and fun. Le Bain, which translates to "bath" in French, is also popularly known for the plunge pool located on the dance floor during the summertime. Although extremely exclusive and often requiring invites to get in, those who manage to enter are rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop and excellent service from professional bartenders mixing up great cocktails and concoctions.
Tre Otto is a friendly neighborhood restaurant that takes care of all those nasty cravings for ethnic Italian meals. Try the Arancina al Ragu pasta or the Spinach Ravioli pasta that are both excellent. Dining here is a pleasure always, with the welcoming staff and the happy smiles that greet one as they set about laying the food and ensuring a relaxing time. Tre Otto scores full marks for its delicious food and great service. However, what is more noteworthy is their attention to saving the environment that they show by using recycled paper, wood and materials.
If you are a guest at the Embassy Suites or not, a visit to the SkyLawn Bar located on the hotel premises is a must. This rooftop bar is bathed in green as it has an artificial lawn carpet and plants lending a garden appeal. It is set up with plush cushioned seating and on movie nights backrest chairs are arranged. Indulge in craft cocktails like Life Line, Rough Exposure with sides like the Charcuterie Board or Cuban Finger Sandwiches. You can organize your private events as it is available for rent.
If you are craving for Puerto Rican-style Pitorro, then Port Morris Distillery is the place to visit. Located in Bronx, this distillery is known for its flavorful Pitorro which is made using brown sugar, honey and locally-produced apples. Visitors can go on guided tours and tasting sessions at this distillery and learn about the art of making this unique Puerto Rican spirit. The distillery also offers some quick bites along with these strong drinks.
Famous for their ribs and steaks, visit the 4 Charles Prime Rib of West Village to get your hands on some of New York's most sought-after smoked delights. Dimly lit with elaborate chandeliers and vintage lamps, the leather couches and artwork adorning the walls give the eatery an old-worldly charm. Savor the perfectly cut, cooked and seasoned prime ribs or indulge in a double patty juicy burger with bacon to tantalize your taste buds. The heavenly craft cocktails, wines, and other spirits do a great job of accentuating the flavors of the fare. The top-notch food, romantic setting, and friendly service, makes this restaurant an ideal spot for date nights.