This story appears in the October 3, 2016 issue of Forbes. Subscribe
Edible enlightenment from our eatery experts and colleagues Richard Nalley, Monie Begley and Randall Lane, as well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim.
1406 Third Ave., at 80th St.
(Tel.: 212-249-5020)
This delightful spot offers a dizzying array of delicious Pan-Asian fare. Begin with coconut seafood chowder, Peking duck steamed buns, grilled sake miso black cod or the Upper East Side roll--lobster and avocado, topped with sliced kiwi and mango sauce. Two of the best dishes: braised baby ribs coated in peach white wine sauce and Thai crispy flounder with sweet chili sauce.
Fifty
50 Commerce St. (Tel.: 212-524-4104)
This new restaurant is comfortably modern and serves up some great food. The smoked trout deviled eggs, the mini lobster rolls, the beef tartare and the creamy burrata with roasted peaches are great starters. The hanger steak and the roasted chicken earn higher marks than the pan-roasted scallops and the octopus. The perfect finish to a delightful meal: the special blackberry tart or the chocolate cake with white icing.
Quality Italian
57 West 57th St. (Tel.: 212-390-1111)
Quality Italian is just that. The setting is sleek, postindustrial--lots of wood and concrete--with good acoustics; the service is friendly and professional; and the food is great. The grilled octopus with black chickpeas is the perfect starter, the lobster roll does New England proud, and the grilled Chicken Alan is tender and meaty. The coffee-crumb-bun gelato tastes as good as it sounds.
