Shopping near 59th Street: lunch at Amaranth

[tarte tatin]

Amaranth is a great lunch spot when you need a breather from shopping. It's on 62? off 5th. They have outdoor seating, which opens up to the indoors. It is very European in feel, food and clientele. Bistro food. The steak tartare was very good (though not prepared at the table). House sauterne was very nice. It is great people watching. You can get something small enough to leave room for your great evening meal. The service is brisk. I'd definitely go back for a no-brainer lunch and it is reasonably priced given the neighborhood.