La Carne Grill is a Good Midtown Manhattan Restaurant
It was quite difficult to get a handle on what this restaurant is about prior to our going there tonight. In the end, it was exactly what we needed and we don't understand why others are unclear about it. Although it is under the same ownership as Prime Grill, it is quiet and elegant. We do recommend requesting to be seated on the top floor (there are 4 levels in all). The top floor is an open space with entrances on two sides. It was quieter than the lower ones. It would also make a great party room as it leads into an even quieter space that is between it and the lowest level. There wasn't anyone seated at that level tonight. We highly recommend the Delmonico Steak. It is the priciest on the menu (56), but well-worth it in taste, consistency and portion size. It comes with mashed potatoes served in a frame of delicious onion rings. Husband had the special which was a Black Angus steak served with batter dipped asparagus and creamy sweet potato mash. It didn't wow us in the same way as the Delmonico, but it was good. I had a La Carne appetizer which was a combo of short rib spring roll, duck in a purse, sausage and chicken dumpling. Unfortunately, only the spring roll was particularly good. We also had a dragon roll sushi which we all loved. It truly melted in your mouth. Flavors were subtle. Presentation was elegant. They seem to be known for their Sushi and we can see why. Service was polite and even friendly. The wait for the main was a bit long, but not completely untenable. We don't know why more people don't rave about this restaurant. The food is definately tastier than at Mike's and the upper room is a pleasure to dine in. Also, why grown-ups choose to fight the noise pollution of Prime Grill is beyond us. Enjoy La Carne. Next time, we will do drinks and desserts...and more Sushi. It will take a couple of months to save up the money, though.
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I agree with your assessment. I did see the "reviews" that were posted about LCG a few days ago and I was very surprised about the negative comments. I was only there once and it was a few years ago, but it was a great experience. We also sat upstairs and everything was delicious (and quiet - which is what we were looking for). I am not a real "foodie" and rarely go out to eat, so my opinion may not be as valid as some of the other posters. My husband, who goes out for business a lot, opts for this restaurant whenever he can. When I last looked at the menus for both PG and LCG, it seemed that the steak prices were similar and LCG might have even been less expensive.
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Last time we ate ate La Carne, which was, admittedly, a while ago...we were on a bench seat with a large family on the other end. I bounced through my meal. Not something I want to repeat.
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re: DebbyT
You'll see that we inquired here about La Carne a couple of days ago. We searched reviews online and asked friends. What we are surprised about was the lack of information. Very few people we spoke with had actually been there. Deis, if you check out the website, you'll see that it is an Eddie Allaham (creator of Prime Grill) restaurant.
It just happened to have been a good experience with excellent food. We paid a fortune, but did not walk out hungry as we did after our experiences at other places. There was an engagement party seated on the bench seats right next to us and we did not feel overwhelmed by them at all. While that may have seemed like good luck, I don't quite think so. The tone lends itself to it despite DebbyT's experience. Deis, while you are correct that sometimes you don't necessarily want a quiet dining experience, those who do should know that La Carne is a good option. My husband who has attended more than a few business dinners and office parties at Abigael's will be lobbying on La Carne's behalf from now on. As for Prime, I'm sorry, but--to me-- that kind of dining is untenable. Tables are too crowded together to be enjoyable. Noisy does not mean that you have to actually be part of your neighbor's conversation.
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