The fine art of entertaining: mix business with pleasure by sampling a few gems in New York's culinary cornucopia

Art Business News, Jan, 2003 by Nancy Davidson

Entertaining is all about making your guests feel comfortable. In New York, where every neighborhood has a distinctive flavor and personality, theres a match for everyone just a cab or subway ride away from Artexpo.

When art galleries flocked to the large open warehouse spaces of Chelsea, creative new eateries followed. Head just a few blocks south of the Javits Center to visit the hottest galleries and choose from a wide selection of bars and restaurants.

Or take your clients to the Theatre District and Times Square. The throbbing center of Manhattan has undergone dynamic changes in the past few years, not least of which is the addition of exciting new restaurants.

For a quieter alternative, cross town to Murray Hill. Off the beaten track, this quiet residential neighborhood is the home of undiscovered, unpretentious gems. In Midtown and Union Square you'll find both established favorites and new restaurants, while Soho and Tribeca continue to be the neighborhoods where the trendiest people flock.

Here are our recommendations for places that will help you make the most of New York City's hospitality.

RESTAURANTS

Chelsea

Bottino
246 10th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets
(212) 206-6766
Appetizers and Entrees $5-$28
Major credit cards accepted
Private room

Casual, simple Northern Italian in a choice of settings: Choose from the enclosed garden, cozy dining room or secluded back room for lunch or dinner. A bar area with tables is a comfortable spot for a drink before dinner or an extended cocktail hour.

Chelsea Bistro & Bar
358 W. 23rd Street between 8th & 9th Avenues
(212) 727-2026
Entrees $17.95-$24
Major credit cards accepted

This cozy spot serves hearty traditional and innovative French bistro fare, such as goat cheese tarts and braised lamb shanks. Warm up in the bar with house-made infused spirits like Muscat wine with orange peel and cognac.

Red Cat
227 10th Avenue between 23rd & 24th Streets
(212) 242-1122
Appetizers and entrees $7-$28
Major credit cards accepted

A favorite with foodies, the goal of this New American spot is to serve great food in a comfortable setting. But the result is not "comfort food." Rather, you'll find cutting-edge cuisine with bold flavors, such as sweetbread ravioli, grilled endive with Maytag blue cheese gratinee and sweet-and-sour glazed quaff.

Wild Lily Tea Room
511 W. 22nd Street
between 10th and 11th Avenues
(212) 691-2258
Major credit cards accepted

This calm, meditative space with a fish pond offers an ideal escape. Tea is the main event here with an amazing selection of green, flavored, black and herbal varieties paired with unusual savory and sweet bites. Stunningly original ceramic crafts, including tea pots and cups, decorate the room and are also for sale. Sake tasting also available.

Theatre District and Times Square

Blue Fin
1567 Broadway at 47th Street
(212) 918-1400
Appetizers $7-$15; Entrees $23-$29
Major credit cards accepted

This two-story, 400-seat spectacular seafood restaurant located in the W Times Square Hotel is exceeding all expectations. From the sushi and raw bar marvels to the dazzling decor and live jazz bar upstairs, Blue Fin has something for everyone, including meat lovers (prime Angus filet mignon) and strict vegetarians (portobello mushroom salad and roasted garlic mashed potatoes).

District
130 W. 46th St. between 6th & 7th Avenues
(212) 485-2999
Three course prix fixe $42; Appetizers $8-$14;
Entrees $18-$25
Major credit cards accepted

The best time to head to this theatre district favorite is after the curtains have risen on Broadway, when you and your guests can make yourselves comfortable amid the dramatic decor. Take your pick of plush banquettes, and enjoy intriguing food pairings such as charred lamb sirloin with mint pesto, almond couscous and spiked carrot juice or butter poached lobster with citrus fennel foam.

Palm
250 W. 50th Street
between Broadway & 8th Avenue
(212) 333-7256
Appetizers $4-$15; Entrees $17-$37
Major credit cards accepted
Private rooms

Beef eaters and lobster lovers delight at the giant portions of aged meat and crustaceans at the newest addition to this popular steak house dynasty. This third-generation, family-owned restaurant welcomes celebrities, regulars and out-of-towners to its spacious dining room.

Other locations in NYC: 837 and 840 Second Ave. (bet. 44th & 45th Sts.); (212) 687-2953 and (212) 697-5198.

Marseille
Film Center Building
630 9th Avenue at 44th Street
212 333-2233
Appetizers and entrees $7-$24
Major credit cards accepted

This stylish and inviting brasserie with a zinc bar will transport you to Casablanca. Moroccan and Mediterranean influenced French cuisine includes signature dishes such as wild mushroom soup with parmesan foam and black olive crusted salmon.

Ruby Foos
1626 Broadway between 49th and 50th Streets
(212) 489-5600
Appetizers and entrees $6.95-$22.95
Major credit cards accepted

Though it borders on theme-park style, the surprisingly tasty Americanized Pan-Asian cuisine at this huge Times Square palace make it a worthwhile place to take a large group. Small plates and appetizers like dim sum and sushi make for good grazing with special cocktails such as the ginger martini with plum sake.