Grand Central Oyster Bar (New York City)

Arriving at New York City at night after work on train, the group visited the Oyster Bar at the Grand Central Terminal for dinner. An institution recommended by many food critics around the world, the restaurant was still half full despite being close to 10pm.

With much expectation, the food unfortunately missed the mark. While my deep fried oysters were plumped and soft on the inside, the Maine lobster cocktail was not super fresh. My friends’ lobster salad and crab cakes were not great either.

Details:
The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Lower Level, Grand Central Terminal
89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
http://www.oysterbarny.com/

Tarry Lodge (Port Chester, NY)

It is always great to catch up with a mate whenever I visit New York. He kindly took me to Tarry Lodge at Port Chester – nice and close to the office at Purchase. Owned by the Iron Chef Italian Mario Batali, the menu had an amazing range of authentic Italian cuisine. My entrée of black fettuccine was generous with prawns and tasty. I also had the daily special of risotto with porcini mushroom and black truffle. The combined smell of the revered ingredients lifted my appetite and resulted in a cleaned plate.

Details:
Tarrt Lodge
18 Mill Street
Port Chester, NY 10573
http://www.tarrylodge.com

wd~50 (New York City)

Battling jetlag, I visited the Michelin-starred wd~50 for dinner on a rainy New York evening. Specialised in molecular gastronomy, I was delighted by the food served. The crab roll entrée (in a soft hot dog like roll) was amazing when eaten with the little crispy salt ‘n vinegar chips. My main course was a deconstructed Manhattan clam chowder. Served as a piece of snapper on what appeared as stock, the flavours combined beautifully when mixed into a chowder and enhanced by the subtle oyster crackers.

Special thanks to the helpful staff who offered me an umbrella after the meal.

Details:
Wd~50
50 Clinton Street
New York, NY 10002
http://www.wd-50.com

Katz's Delicatessen (New York City)

A day of leisure in New York City was all I needed to explore what the city has to offer. For Sunday brunch I headed to Katz's Delicatessen for the famous Rueben sandwich.

At the sandwich bar, the friendly staff offered a couple of slices of meat for sampling upon ordering. Make sure you give a generous tip to sample other cuts of meat. My sandwich was big – with a full inch worth of corned beef accompanied by sauerkraut and cheese. I didn’t feel hungry for the rest of the day while shopping at nearby SoHo.

Details:
Katz's Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street (corner of Ludlow Street)
New York City, 10002
http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com