Gotham Bar and Grill (New York, NY)

Since I work full-time in consulting, it's very hard for me to take advantage of any of the amazing NYC Restaurant Week offers during the week.  :(  But actually, I would argue that perhaps the best restaurant deals in NYC are not during restaurant week but during special offering seasons at each restaurant.

Since I would one day like to own a restaurant of my own in the city some day, I try to take every opportunity to check out the most popular (and sometimes hidden) restaurants in NY. 

Gotham Bar & Grill was the first on my list to visit this summer, as this was the only place from Zagat's Top 10 most famous NYC restaurants that I had not visited.  

It was definitely worth the wait....  

Gotham Bar & Grill, NYC

Gotham is currently offering the "Summer Sundays: Flash Back to the 80s" menu, where you can choose from among the restaurant's once popular dishes back in the 80s -- and here's the great news -- at the 80s prices.  Now, keep in mind that Gotham was not the cheapest restaurant in town back then, so we're not talking $5 / dish, but the prices are about 50% of current prices.  This is definitely a good deal, and, in my opinion, a much better deal than Restaurant Week specials.

These are the dishes I tried:

First Course

CURED ATLANTIC SALMON (1986)
cracked wheat, golden beet, shaved fennel, orange oil

GOAT CHEESE RAVIOLI (1985)
roast tomato, pancetta, basil

HEIRLOOM TOMATO BRUSCHETTA (1989)
fava beans, pecorino toscano, grilled bread basil aioli

Second Course

SEARED YELLOWFIN TUNA (1987)
caponata, pappardelle, red wine sauce

ROASTED BLACK BASS (1987)
braised leeks, shiitake mushrooms, fingerling potatoes
port reduction

GRILLED HANGER STEAK (1988)
“creamed” spinach, crisp potatoes, bordelaise sauce

Dessert

TRIO OF ICE CREAMS OR SORBETS (1984)

PEANUT BUTTER COUPE (1986)
chocolate sauce, whipped cream


Every little bit of every dish we ordered was absolutely delicious. They were all presented very beautifully as well. In summary, I would HIGHLY recommend this place.

May I add that Chef Alfred Portale is the recipient of the Outstanding Chef in the nation distinction in 2006.

 
Location: 12th Street between University Ave. and 5th Ave.
Dress: Elegant Casual (jeans are allowed but I would probably not recommend)
Occasion: great for a nice family dinner or a dinner out with friends
Price Range: ~$100/person including appetizer, entree, and dessert (includes tax, tip) / ~$50/person if ordering from "Summer Sundays: Flash Back to the 80s" specials (includes tax, tip)

Do Eun @ Gotham Bar & Grill, NYC