La Houppa or Brio for business lunch?

[summerUWS2008]

Hi,

I'm taking a native Italian to lunch in the east 60s near Park. We wont be eating pizza. Brio looks like it might be hard to converse there, but can't get much take on the food at La Houppa. All insight welcome -- and suggestions for other Italian places nearby appreciated. We can venture a little further, but not much.

[RGR]

Been to Brio once for lunch. The food is fine but nothing to rave about.

I have to be honest and say that I don't understand why you would take a native Italian to an Italian restaurant. Even it the food were splendid, to me, it's the "carrying coals to Newcastle" thingy.

You might consider going to Aquavit, on 55th, b/t Park & Madison. We recently went there for the first time. We had the lunch tasting menu, and it totally blew us away! If the main dining room costs are beyond your budget, there is the less expensive Cafe. Service was splendid, and the ambiance is perfect for a business lunch. (Saw lots of suits there.)

http://www.aquavit.org

[summerUWS2008]

Why?

Because the native Italian wants to eat Italian food.

[RGR]

Got it! I guess that's like Americans who go abroad and want to eat McDonald's. lol

[summerUWS2008]

No, he lives in New York. But having lived in Italy for some time myself, and coming back and eating here, I think it's more a case that most Americans eat like they think, and wanting to limit one's exposure!

[progressivenewamerican]

So why does he want to eat Italian food? Of course RGR was joking but it is kinda good point. Besides, I agree Aquavit is a fantastic restaurant with an elegance space (and the lunch in the cafe is a steal). The arctic circle dessert is amazing.

[Vinous]

La Houppa is an under-the-radar, very reliable and very satisfying restaurant. I often go there for dinner with parents and out-of-town guests. Low key and solid.

[summerUWS2008]

Thanks Vinous. That's good news. The interior space looks perfect.