Save the (tentative) dates!

Can't wait for this summer's restaurant week! Some of nyc's best (and most expensive) restaurants will set up 3-course prix fixe lunches and dinners for approx. $24 and $35 respectively. The exact dates have not been made public yet. I suggest visiting the official site (www.nycvisit.com/restaurantweek) to check for any updates. But for now About.com claims that the dates are July 16-20 and July 23-27 (http://gonyc.about.com/cs/restaurants/a/restaurantweek.htm)
In anticipation for one of the best times of the year, let's review some of the restaurants I went to for NYC Winter 2007 Restaurant Week:

1. BUTTER (415 Lafayette St.) Environment: A chic version of the outdoor American landscape with lots of wooden décor, and a glowing wall print of a birch forest in the main dining room; warm, mellow lighting and colors; almost lounge-y atmosphere especially when seated in the plush booths
Food: Delicious! I recall many of the courses having an almost fusion-like influence with rather unexpected combinations of ingredients and hidden flavors – for example, popcorn and butternut squash soup. (Cuisine is New American)
Overall: I had a lovely meal and definitely intend to come back again; meanwhile I’ve been recommending it avidly.
Side-notes: This location used to house “Belgo”, a Belgian restaurant chain with some of the best mussels and fries I’ve had and an extensive collection of beers (including really yummy fruit ones – yes, I’m such a girl). Anyways, it closed, obviously. Boo hoo. I can’t tell you why though as I’ve never been to this one, but I have fond memories of frequenting the one in Covent Garden while in London, perhaps the quality wasn’t up to par here or that there’s less acceptance of Belgian dishes? Apparently, there’s a Belgo in HK too … must make a note to search that up.

2. BLUE WATER GRILL (31 Union Square West)

Environment: The décor harkens back to an era in the past that I can’t quite place my finger on – perhaps a mix between the 1920s, the ballrooms during the inter-war years, and some art deco influenced bank? (The result is slightly generic, yet old school). It’s pleasant enough. Although, this place gets quite bustling during peak hours as it seats approx. 300, so not the best destination for an ultra-intimate conversation if that’s what you’re seeking.
Food: It’s all about the seafood, and it does not disappoint; fresh and prepared so that a lot of the natural flavors are retained. Good oysters too.
Overall: A comfortable, elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere where the food is for the most part impeccable and straight to the point.
Side-notes: I’ve only been to the main dining room, but there’s a live jazz room downstairs too. I also came back here for my graduation lunch and even my mom liked it; she’s a real tough cookie to please, so that’s something.

(The "Shellfish Castle")

3. TAVERN ON THE GREEN (Central Park West at 67th St.)

Environment: Cheesy and tacky, or lavish and ‘magical’ décor (depending on your POV) with 6 different dining rooms. The setting is supposed to be all enchanting and stuff, but it had the opposite effect on me. I think I would’ve appreciated it more if I were 8 years old.
Food: Large portions but mediocre at best, although the lobster bisque is worth a mention. (Cuisine is Traditional American)
Overall: Honestly, I would not come back here again unless I had to.
Side-notes: The place is officially a tourist trap. The extent to which they acknowledge this (other than the blatant existence of a gift shop) is further demonstrated by a roaming photographer that makes you stand up with your table for a photo and then tries to sell it right back at ya … just like at an amusement park ride. Hm, not so classy.

(We were seated in the "Chestnut Room")

4. ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA (17 Barrow St.)

Environment: Situated in an old carriage house; lots and lots of red décor, red roses, baby grand piano, dim lighting and long tapered candles. (We found the candle flame really annoying cuz it flickered a lot so we ended up blowing it out, heh.) But hey, if you’re the uber-romantic type.
Food: Not impressed. Although people keep telling me good things about the food here so maybe they just skimped on Restaurant Week. (Cuisine is Traditional American)
Overall: Meh … the food, service and atmosphere were okay, but just okay … swayed by public opinion, I suppose I would be willing to come back here to give it a second chance
Side-notes: “New Yorkers may agree on very little, but this pricey classic gets a landslide vote for New York's most romantic dining experience.” (NYMag)