Just got back. Ate at:
Thursday lunch-Joe's Shanghai
Thursday dinner-Insieme
Friday lunch- Post House
Friday dinner-Cafe Bouloud (one Michelin *)
Saturday lunch-Katz Deli
Saturday dinner- Cafe Grey (one Michelin *)
Sunday lunch-Trattoria Dell Arte
Sunday dinner-Avra Estiatorio
Monday lunch-Fleur de Sel (one Michelin *)
Monday dinner-The Benjamin
Tuesday lunch-Alto
Cafe Grey was really outstanding, as were Joe's Shanghai (very modest Chinese, but inventive); and both Insieme and Alto (both new with very modern Italian cooking). The others all had good food; especially so, for what they were, at Trattoria Dell Arte and the Post House.
We had real pro waiters at the Post House, Trattoria Dell Arte and The Benjamin. Elsewhere, they ranged from having a number of somewhat confused third-worlders, with some language problems, to people trying to be hip ("you guys," and [the infamous] "still workin?"), but at least not a single first name introduction.
The food at Cafe Bouloud was great, but the place was a bit harried and we were rushed. I asked for the bill just as our smart and sassy [French] waitress [from Toulouse] was about to drop it down anyway. I guess they wanted our table back 1 1/2 hours after our 8:15 arrival. This does not happen in France in Michelin starred places, as people eat later (no earlier than 8:00 pm) and it takes 2-3 hours.
Fleur de Sel's food looked as beautiful as always, but the taste lacked its usual sparkle. It is a small place with an owner-chef and is open 14 meals a week. Maybe he took Labor Day lunch off. I saw something unusual there for a NY French restaurant. It seats about 60 and maybe 45 seats were taken. The strange thing was that about 30 of them were Japanese, occupying around 10 tables. The small-sized, delicate and understated food there might appeal to their tastes. Or maybe it is in Japanese guide books.
All in all, a very satisfying experience.
