eighty one

Second night in New York City. Dinner by myself again, but maybe the only opportunity to venture out and choose my dining venue, so I couldn't just go back to Fatty Crab again (though I must admit I considered it!). So I checked on the Michelin Star rated restaurants in New York....Daniel, Per Se, Picholine? Where to go? Then I checked the Michelin Star rated restaurants near where I was staying, maybe even walking distance, and I found Eighty One....I was on the corner of 78th and Broadway, and Eighty One was on 81st and 3 or 4 blocks up from Broadway....yes, either walking distance or a short cab ride! So I walked to the restaurant (feeling quite brave, I might add, that I was willing to be so independent and willing to explore) and sat at the bar. This is a beautiful restaurant- the decor is elegant, hip and very stylish. I was very comfortable here. I had a choice to either order off of the bar menu or order a dinner prix-fixe for only around 30 bucks. I opted for the deconstructed nicoise salad, with raw tuna, capers, egg, fresh parsley and herbs all served up in an elegant and sparse manner. Then I had the kobe burger...quite good, but I have to say I prefer the kobe burger at Martini House in St. Helena to this one. The bartender was nice, very friendly, but the restaurant was not busy at all....Elliot Spitzer and his wife were there that evening, and Woody Allen had been there the night before. I was reading an article earlier today...this restaurant is closing- it doesn't surprise me. It was good, but very few patrons and a not so accessible location. Fun night, nevertheless....