VIBE

David Bouley's flagship is designed to whet the appetite with warm, pleasing colors and vaulted, arched ceilings (we love the rows and rows of apples on the wall that greet one upon entering the restaurant). The sense of space and elegance of the table settings are matched by the beauty of the food served here. The seasonal menus have garnered loyalty from those who come for the all-natural and fresh ingredients used in the dishes, from an organic Connecticut farm egg to Cape Cod black sea bass seamed with heirloom cherry tomato salad. While the food may come fresh from a farm, the surroundings and the clientele evoke simple French sophistication.

CROWD

Sophisticated business types and well-heeled New Yorkers.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

A chic, understated dress with fabulous heels and a gorgeous bag.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; colleagues; family; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

The display of apples as you enter really gives you a sense of the agricultural abundance to come. The fresh ingredients and attentive, unobtrusive service make for a wonderful dining experience.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much.

GOOD TO KNOW

The restaurant's tasting menu is perfect for sampling the best of what's on offer (luncheon tasting is available for USD 55, and dinner tasting menu is available for USD 175, with specialty menus (at different prices) offered on holidays). Add the wine pairing option, and the result is nothing short of divine.

CLOSEST COMPS

Le Bernardin (New York); Per Se (New York); Daniel (New York)

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