Aquavit?

[daiquiri ice]

Accompanying a friend there for a small celebration. I can hardly find anything on the Manhattan board about this place - thoughts anyone?

Thx in advance.

[bronwen]

You'll love it, it is very chic. The gravlax is out of this world.

[uwsister]

I assume you're going to the Dining Room, not the Bistro/Cafe? I've eaten at the Dining Room a couple times and found it a little underwhelming. Spiritchaser is right - the service is not as polished as it should be at that price level. I got the impression that most of their waiters were busboys trying to act like waiters. Decor is a little worn, a little tired. Food is good though, especially herring sampler, venison, and Arctic Circle (one of my favorite desserts in the city) but I haven't been since Samuelson left. Since he was hardly in the kitchen anyway, I don't imagine much has changed. These days we stick to the cheaper and more casual bistro to get our herring fix and whatever else we like and always finish with Arctic Circle - can't go wrong with that.

[daffyduck]

completely agree. I had a few stellar meals a couple of years ago, I went not that long ago and it was good. but nothing like before =\. I would avoid the swedish meatballs they're a little dry though the other components of the dish were good.

[uwsister]

The Swedish meatballs are only on the menu at the Bistro - I'm still assuming the OP is going to the Dining Room.

[boredough]

Just went there last night (Dining Room) - the food was fantastic and the service was excellent. Our waiter was in fact quite polished and very knowledgeable. The 3-course $84 prix fixe was accompanied by 5 other small plates: amuse-bouche, hors d'oeuvres, "intermezzo" (a delicious, unforgettable, intensely flavored mushroom velouté), pre-dessert & petits-fours. Would definitely go back, but would like to try the Bistro next time.

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Aquavit
65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

[Spiritchaser]

I think it was much better when Samuelson was the Chef but the food is still very very good, some of it excellent, it WILL NOT be a bad meal. The one complaint I always have is the service is not polished at all, it's adquent but not much more. The room is classic Scandanavian design, clean and simple, very nice. If you drink make sure you have some of the house made aquavits (love the horseradish aquavit to accompany some oysters).

[daiquiri ice]

Oysters, twist my arm. Thanks!