They say it is impolite to
stare. But I wonder it does this rule apply only to people or does it also
apply to the food they are eating? What if you catch yourself ignoring your
companions, while you instead visual stalk a waiter tray in hand, with your
eyes clued to the dishes on that tray no matter where he or she moves with
nothing breaking your concentration? There is no piece of furniture, fake
shrubbery, or even other customers that can distract you. Suddenly you realize drool is coming
out of your mouth and you don’t even care. Is that impolite? I wonder. I know
that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I think memorizing a
lunch menu via the tables around you should count too.
When I first walked in I
was in love. It was totally love at first sight. The location is great, right
on the corner of 57th street and 6th avenue in New York
City. There were some tables outside but the day I went it was raining on and
off so I didn’t want to chance it. Definitely next time. Once inside it was
like I was transported into a restaurant in Paris. It was beautiful and
elegant. I loved that there was plenty of seating and so even though it was
mid-day and very crowded I was seated immediately and without a reservation.
There was even an entire downstairs I wasn’t aware of at that point which would
be perfect for a dinner party or special celebration.
That was pretty much the
last calm thought I had before I sat down. Then I lost my mind. I began to
smell and see the food. I was reaching for my camera and menu at the same time
and couldn’t focus on either. Never mind answering the questions of my cousin
who happened to be with me. I was just so happy. I remember feeling like I had
a permanent smile on my face. Oh wait, that came later with the food!
Ok so I took some deep
breaths and we managed to make some wise decisions. The main reason I wanted to
come here was because it offered two of my favorite kinds of food: French and
Japanese. I love anything from a French restaurant. I don’t see how you can go
wrong. And, sushi- please. I adore it. I knew my original game plan was to try
both kinds of cuisine here so I wouldn’t feel like I left anything out. We
decided to share a Thai Spicy Tuna Roll, a Grilled Steak Sandwich, and of
course an order of Pommes Frites.
This way we figured we would have room for dessert. I felt better after
we ordered. I felt we choose correctly. But I had ants in my pants watching
others getting their food. It was all I could do to sit in my seat and not
steal a fry or bite of their cake off their plate. I am told this is poor
manners in N.Y.C. and in Paris.
However I needed have
worried. My food came right out. Sushi came first. It was fresh and tasty. It
was the best I have ever had. It has ruined me for all others which in
hindsight is now a huge mistake. But what can you do. Once you know better, you
eat in better places.
Next came the steak
sandwich and frites. Hmmmm. I will never be able to properly convey this to any
of you except say this: when I took my first bite I remember I closed my eyes
and felt the huge smile that had to be proudly displayed on my face. I actually
danced a little in my seat. I was never happier or more excited to eat. I
almost couldn’t bare to eat it because I wanted to scream. It was that good. It
looked like a steak sandwich you could get at any French bistro in the city but
by God it had gold inside. I don’t even want to know why it was so good. Or so
enormous. Thank God we were splitting it in half because each side was almost the
size of one hero.
But you know the truly
great part of this sandwich? Well it is a trick question. There were two. One
was the Swiss cheese. I don’t know where in Switzerland it came from but I must
move there A.S.A.P. My next favorite thing was a surprise! There were two onion
rings not listed on the menu with this item. Now of course I love onion rings,
they are fried. I would eat just about anything fried. I said just about
anything, I am not Andrew Zimmern. I am not likely to eat grasshoppers any time
soon. That man is nuts. But luckily for me these onion rings were not only safe
they were the best onion rings of all time!! No I am serious. They used a sweet
onion and while they were thickly cut, the batter was deceiving. They were
light as air! Oh my god I am sweating and crying right now I am remembering
eating that delicious combo of cheese and onion rings. Now if only that Swiss
cheese were on those rings! That is my next mission in life.
Since my food was good
beyond measure I was sure to take every last bite. Even when I knew it was
going to be a battle. Then we took a break. But we still wanted dessert. Hey
you didn’t see what we were seeing! Those people that were ahead of us course
wise were taunting us with their cakes and pies. I had to have one. So this
time we each got our own. I got a cappuccino and the cheesecake. I have to try
the cheesecake everywhere I go (http://bit.ly/LTjQF1). My cousin got a coffee and
the warm apricot cherry cobbler that came with cherry ice cream. We tasted each
other’s but liked our own choices the best. We did our best to finish and came
in close, but the desserts won.
As I sit here and relive
this experience for your benefit I am full all over again. It was one of those
meals you will be satisfied with every time you think about it because it was
money and time well spent. More importantly it is now on the top of my list of
go to restaurants and that is just priceless.
I strongly recommend this
restaurant. If you don’t want to go, that’s fine more cheese and onion rings
for me.
For Rue 57:
Going to have to try that steak. Looks Yummy..
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