New York, New York!

Information Outlook, March, 2003

The SLA Annual Conference 2003 has much to offer--great educational programs, networking opportunities, exposure to new products and services in the exhibit hail. And it will take place in a setting that has something for everyone: New York City. When you're not attending sessions or strolling the exhibit hail, there's one thing you must do: EAT! Here's a list of some of New York's famous restaurants, and a bit of the history behind them.

Four Seasons

99 E. 52nd Street

No restaurant is a better symbol of New York than the Four Seasons--a modern classic that has been redefining American cuisine since 1959. Winner of Where magazine's Best Food in New York award, the Four Seasons recently seduced New York magazine with "adventurous new flavors and marvelous pairings."

Le Cirque

455 Madison Avenue

When Sirio Maccioni opened his restaurant in 1974, he sent out a modest little announcement. So many friends decided to drop in so he wouldn't be alone that the restaurant was filled to the rafters.

The secret of Le Cirque's success lies in its style and attention to detail. Le Cirque serves up classical French, Italian, American, and--under the influence of Cambodian-born chef Sottha Khunn-Asian food.

Rainbow Room

30 Rockefeller Plaza

When Rockefeller Center was completed in the 1930s, the crown jewel was the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of Thirty Rockefeller Plaza, the tallest and most prominent building in the complex. The room was designed to symbolize New York nightlife in all its elegance.

In 1974, David Rockefeller oversaw a painstaking $25 million restoration and expansion of the Rainbow Room, which many architects and designers consider to be the "most perfect room in New York."

Sardi's

234 W. 44th Street

In the heart of New York's theater district, Sardi's has been the toast of Broadway since 1928. The restaurant serves traditional continental cuisine and features hundreds of caricatures of theater and movie stars as artwork in the dining rooms.

Tavern on the Green

1 W. 67th Street

Built in 1870, the Victorian Gothic structure now known as Tavern on the Green housed 200 South Down sheep, which grazed across the street in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. The sheepfold remained intact for close to 65 years, until legendary parks commissioner Robert Moses decided that the building had a higher calling as a restaurant.

Embraced by New Yorkers, Tavern on the Green became an integral part of the city's social life and was operated throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In the 1970s, the glass-enclosed Crystal and Terrace Rooms were added.

Once so passe that it closed down, Tavern on the Green is currently one of New York's hottest dining destinations.

Tom's Restaurant

2880 Broadway

This diner is home to the famous "Seinfeld" set, and it's as basic as it looks on the television show, serving burgers, gyro platters, and very inexpensive breakfasts.

Club 21

21 W. 52nd Street

Hobnob with celebrities and tycoons at this brownstone landmark, a former speakeasy that opened in 1929. The Grill Room is the place to be, with its red-and-white checked tablecloths and ceiling hung with toys. In the past, the restaurant was mostly noted for continental cuisine and its costly signature dish, the "21" burger, but under executive chef Erik Blauberg, at least half the menu features inventive New American food.

Carnegie Deli

7th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets

The Carnegie Delicatessen is one of the most famous delis in New York City. From the 1850s to today they've offered wonderful deli dishes, such as pastrami sandwiches and cheesecake.

University Club

1 West 54th Street

Although the University Club is not a restaurant, SLA will hold the official June 7 Awards Reception here. Elegant surroundings will combine with wonderful food at this catered affair. Situated in midtown Manhattan about halfway between Central Park and the Rockefeller Center, the University Club is the headquarters of one of New York's oldest and most prestigious private societies.

Don't forget to buy your ticket for the Awards Reception. A coat and tie are required for men, semi-formal dress for women.

Hope to see you all in New York City for SLA 2003!