IgoUgo

New York Journals

Christmas in New York

A December 2005 trip to New York by hopebw

Quote: Dining in New York City
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Jumeirah Essex House Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Westin Essex House"

Quote:
I've stayed in several places in NYC, and this was one of the more famous. However, you don't get much bang for your buck, unless you are in a suite. Nowhere to be found were the robes and complimentary slippers I had read about on the website. The room was very, VERY small, even by NYC standards, but comfortable and pretty to be fair. I was disappointed that the furniture looked worn. There was a huge stain on the only comfortable chair in the room, prompting the question, "What the heck were they trying to get off of there?" The room service was prompt but typically overpriced. Plan to pay $15 for a pot of coffee before tax and tip. Of course, when you are hungover from the previous night'...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 23, 2006

Jumeirah Essex House
160 Central Park South.
New York, New York 10019
(212) 247-0300

Gramercy Tavern Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
This was the most wonderful dining experience I've ever had in the city. The staff was incredible and the atmosphere, sublime. The prix-fixe menu is a bit pricey but was a great way to sample several tastes. From the moment we stepped inside, we were treated like royalty. We never had to ask for anything; it was almost as if our server read our minds. The food was delicious, with interesting choices. Our party of six was seated comfortably at a large round table. Being from the south we appreciated the simple syrup provided with our glass of tea. We particularly liked the seared foie gras and the organic chicken. The crowning touch was the little muffin they send you home with for breakfast the next m...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 16, 2006

Gramercy Tavern
42 East 20th St
New York, New York 10003
+1 212 477 0777

Tavern on the Green Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
What a disappointment! I just couldn't believe that the famed Tavern would let me down, but boy, did it. I was excited as we approached and saw the beauty and, yes, splendor of this magnificent place. All decked out for Christmas, it was unbelievable! For this alone you should go and have a drink in the upstairs bar (where there are some interesting cocktail choices) and at least an appetizer in the restaurant. Forgo the big lunch or dinner! The food is mediocre at best and rather unimaginative comparatively speaking. My friends were smart and opted for apps and water. I was hungry and went for the prix-fixe lunch. The lobster bisque was good but then, when is anything with heavy whipping ...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on January 20, 2006

Tavern on the Green
Central Park West & 67th St (between 66th and 67th streets)
New York, New York 10023
(212) 873-3200

Mesa Grill Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Simple decor and a polite staff plus delicious food make for a nice experience at Bobby Flay's NYC restaurant. Be sure to try the pork loin, as our group decided it was the best of everything we had. The sweet potato tamale is to die for. I even tried making it at home with the recipe I found on the Food TV website. The prices were excellent and the service was wonderful. We'll be eating here again and again!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 23, 2006

Mesa Grill
102 Fifth Ave
New York, New York 10011
+1 212 807 7400

Quote:
If you do nothing else in this city, you must take the Gray Line Tour. It is truly the only way to see everything in one visit. I would take the 48-hour hop-on, hop-off, and be sure to do all loops. Don't forgo the night loop, which takes you out of Manhattan and gives you a fabulous view of the skyline on your way back in. The best part is that you can hop on and hop off--no trying to find cabs or subway stations. It is truly the greatest way for a first-timer to see it all. Heck, I've been five or six times and still love to go on these buses, as each tour guide has a different story to tell and a different landmark to note. This will be the best money you spend if you are truly going to s...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 23, 2006

Gray Line New York Sightseeing
777 8th Avenue
New York, New York 10036
(212) 445-0848

About the Writer

hopebw

hopebw
Gray, Georgia

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