My foodie colleague Craig and I have been gabbing about restaurants and my food blogging ways for months now. Seemed about time that we actually indulged in a gourmet adventure - or adventure withstanding, a damn fine lunch.
Mindful of our budgets we agreed on finding a prix fixe lunch spot near our office by Grand Central Station. We were considering Patroon or Tropica, but rather quickly Craig's craving for red meat swayed the vote: Michael Jordan's Steakhouse.
One step out of the office's door at 1:15pm with the expectation of a lunch, complete with real glassware and silverware, and we both breathed an audible sigh of relief.
Walking into the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and being whisked to a sumptiously set table overlooking the grand hall didn't hurt either.
Although tempted by the full menu, we staid the course with the $23 prix fixe and were delighted with our identical lunch selections: Frisee salad with Pickled Onions and Toasted Walnuts, Seared Rib Eye Steak with Herb Butter and French Fries, followed by a Mint-Chip Ice Cream Sundae. Although it wasn't refined fare, it was well-executed and quite delicious.
If only we could've had the leisure of ordering some red wine to compliment the meal. But then, we probably wouldn't have made it back to work.
Nonetheless the temporary oasis of a real lunch is an indulgence I think I'll have to take up on a more regular basis. And, at Craig's suggestion, I think we'll be trying the more pocketbook-friendly O'Casey's next, where I understand a miracle of a ham sandwich awaits - along with real glassware and silverware.
go downstairs...to the oyster bar! go to the right when you walk in. the real "bar". not the sit down. that, my friend, is dining.
Posted by: tim | March 11, 2004 at 05:58 AM
I'm with you 100%. I love the Saloon at the Oyster Bar. Feels like you've stepped straight into the Nixon-era, hold the smoke. The oysters are fresh and plentiful, and the wine list sublime - a large number available by the glass. And, they can also lay claim to one of the best bartenders in NYC: Alex.
Posted by: the vamp | March 11, 2004 at 01:06 PM
Is there still a strike at the Oyster Bar?
Posted by: josh | March 11, 2004 at 02:42 PM
There was when I tried to go on Wednesday. Didn't pass through the picket line and opted to have a brisket sandwich at Junior's instead.
Posted by: the vamp | March 11, 2004 at 02:57 PM