Hey Guys,
Wasn't sure what to title this. My wife and I just got back from NYC after seeing the new production of "A View from the Bridge" and it was fantastic. Before that however we ate. A lot.
Started with brunch at The Nomad. Highly recommend it. It is fantastic, but not so famous as its sister restaurant EMP that you can't get reservations. We made one for dinner for next Saturday while we were there. Gotta try that chicken. Also, the cocktails are fucking phenomenal.
Then, because we were close, we walked to EMP. We were able to go to the bar area (no dress code) and order off the a la carte menu and get drinks (absurdly good bourbon selection too, but obviously pricey). If you don't know, Per Se also has an a la carte section called the Salon. The EMP bar was definitely a different feel than Per Se (for one, EMP has a bar that apparently people go to during the week after work). Per Se treats you in the Salon exactly as if you were eating in the main dining room. Dress jacket required too (or they will give you one).
Then we made our way to our favorite place to eat before a show, Bouchon Bakery cafe. What I think I like most about Bouchon is that you just show up and eat. No reservations, no formal attire, just go eat Michelin star quality food and cooking (the kitchen is shared with Per Se).
So while none of these may be hole in the wall restaurants, they really let you experience Michelin star meals (Nomad has 1, EMP and Per Se obviously have 3, and Bouchon Bakery Cafe doesn't have any, but the food is of the same quality) without the need to jump through so many hoops and deal with trying to get reservations.
Seeing an opera next week and cannot wait for The Nomad Roast Chicken. It's going to get me through the week.
