Best Of New York City Wine Service And Dining

Here are the standouts from my recent visit to New York.

21 Club Steak Tartare and Gin

Wine

1. Bergadano Barolo Sarmassa 2007 at Elio's - A smooth and sweet Barolo to accompany a rich veal dish.
2. E. Guigal Chateauneuf Du Pape 2007 at Peter Luger - On the lighter side, but accompanied the steak well.
3. Claudia Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Dry Red Wine 2003 - Typically good Italian table wine in a Little Italy restaurant.
4. Maison Roche de Bellene Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2011 at Les Halles Downtown
5. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose at Buddakan

Service

1. The Carlyle - See my review
2. Bergdorf Goodman Bar - While the restaurant was booked, with even a wait for the bar, the busy bartender quickly knew just the martini I was after. 
3. Ritz Carlton Battery Park Bar - Bar service at night was good, but Victor took note of me mid-morning. I was looking for the coffee service, which had been taken down, and a light snack for the road. He promptly returned with a large coffee and a box of baked goods, on the house!
4. Peter Luger - Thorough service from seven people over the course of an hour.
5. Les Halles Downtown - Excellent service from one waiter over the course of an hour.

"Side" pasta at Elio's

Dining

1. Elio's - A serious old school Italian eatery served up a fine prosciutto and gorgonzola-stuffed veal chop, but I could not stop eating the bowl of al dente angel hair with garlic and parmesan.
2. 21 Club - The classic "Speakeasy" Steak Tartare, matched by perfectly round, thin, and crisp Chicken Paillard with arugula.
3. Peter Luger Steak House - Steak for two, creamed spinach, extra thick bacon, and extra-extra Peter Luger attitude.
4. Les Halles Downtown - See my review
5. Katz's Delicatessen - Pastrami, period.

Best Cocktail

Brooklyn Gin Martini with Lemon Peel at Bergdorf Goodman Bar

Primo White Wine Picks

Here are white wines that stood out at a recent tasting. Thanks to my friends at Primo's Fine Wine and Spirits for a great event. 

Anne Amie Vineyards Cuvee A Muller-Thurgau 2012 - Something really different from Oregon, here. A huge bouquet of flowers and variety of citrus. Very few winemakers are using this grape in the United States. $17

Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2011 - Stoney and solid from this consistent favorite. $43

Roederer Estate Brut Rose - Powerful yet smooth bubbles. $35

Hugl-Wimmer Gruner Veltliner 2013 - Power-packed and dry, with citrus flavors that last. $15

The red wine stars from this event will follow next week.