NY Top Picks/Attractions (Shun Lee Palace; Peter Luger; Beacon-all for Fine Dining/Bronx Zoo (9/05)

On your next visit to New York, here are some top picks of places to dine, stay and attractions to see that are MUSTS!  First, let’s talk about the Fine Dining with 3 of my choices.

 

      If you are in the mood for Chinese Food, look no further and head to “Shun Lee Palace” which offers lunch & dinner specials and a variety of the BEST Chinese food around.  Owner, Michael Tong has kept this Jewel going strong for about 35 years now and has another location of Shun Lee Dynasty not too far away.  This establishment has won numerous awards for the Top Chinese Restaurant in NY. Some of the highlights from the menu include the Sea bass prepared a couple different ways. You cannot go wrong there or by ordering any of the Prawn or other seafood dishes as they melt in your mouth accompanied by delicious sauces and a variety of fresh vegetables.  Don’t forget the Beijing Duck served with homemade crepes. An assortment of fine Noodle and Rice dishes go very well with any entrée.  There are also plenty of meat dishes which I didn’t get to try as one can only eat so much.

 

     Next up is one of the most famous Steak Houses in the World and now I know why.  You have to go to Brooklyn but “Peter Luger Steakhouse” is to Die For. The atmosphere is very casual and it can get loud but by time you dive in to your Porterhouse (The Only Steak they serve there!), you think you have died and gone to heaven. But that is after the great fresh bread, Thick Cut Bacon, Caesar Salad and Beefsteak Tomato and Onion Salad.  The Porterhouse has 2 portions.  Either for 2 or 4 people and that beautiful tender piece you get is about the best I have ever had.  Don’t forget the German Potatoes and Creamed Spinach to go along with the meat.  This Beer hall of a place with the best steak around has visitors coming from all over to try it.  Opened since 1887, make your reservations early as the place gets packed nightly. Nothing really much else to say!

 

     Lastly, Beacon Restaurant is a more traditional all around place with beautiful décor and a relaxed setting.  Located in Midtown, Weekend Brunch there is truly divine.  The table starts with mini bagels, muffins, and bread with cheese spread, smoked salmon, tomatoes and onions; sliced prosciutto and fresh fruit.  That is before you even order what you want to eat. All above served Family Style.  The main courses you choose  range from Roasted Fruit with French Toast in their famous Wood Burning Oven; Coddled Eggs; Fried Eggs on an Arugula Pizza baked right on top; Pecan Waffle with Apple-Smoked Bacon or my favorite- The Best Crabcake I have ever had which is not deep fried. Just wood roasted with tasty ingredients.  Only $29 for Brunch.  If you thought that sounded tasty, definitely try arranging dinner there.

     There is a priced fixe dinner for about $42 or select al a carte from starters such as Wood Roasted (of course) Wild Mushroom Ravioli; The Crabcake- A MUST!; Seared Tuna Grilled Squid and Baby Octopus Salad or Three Cheese Pizza in the Wood Oven. Next, there is a variety of Steaks, Lamb, Veal or Pork Chops with different sauces and sides.  If you are not into the meat, try the Fresh Swordfish, Salmon or Trout.  Wood Roasted Lobster with red onion and fennel salad is a hot ticket!  Herb Chicken, Black Pepper Duck; Roast Pig are some of their other specialties.  If you come in the summer, a fantastic way to go is the Weekly changed Menu featuring the fresh fruit or vegetable.  I was lucky as I got the Mushroom Tasting Week Menu featuring all types of wild fresh mushrooms made with incredible dishes such as risotto, lobster, pasta, Cod or Veal all served with a different paired wine.  Desserts suggested are the wood roasted white peaches, chocolate chocolate chip soufflé, vanilla crème Brule and spicy carrot cake. Price for that menu is $49-59 depending on if you choose regional or international wines.

     Chef & Co-Owner Waldy Malouf has been working in NY for a while and has started Beacon for 6 years strong now.  Chef de Cuisine, Michael Smith does a great job with his creations and even comes out to greet guests to make sure all is going well.

 

     Some of the places to visit while in NY include taking a walk around Central Park during the day while making time to visit one of the very close museums. The ones I recommend are the Natural History and Space/The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art)/ and Moma (Museum of Modern Art) which is closer to midtown.  Each is very different yet worth the time to see.  Greenwich Village is always a place to go one night to check out with many pubs/bars and clubs.  Of course you have to check out Broadway and one of the many fantastic Theater/Musical Shows.

      The one I got to see was “All Shook Up’- An entertaining and very talented funny musical inspired and featuring many Elvis Songs.  If you like Elvis, don’t miss this one, which has a great cast, fabulous dancing and chemistry you will either be singing or laughing during the full show!  Cheyenne Jackson and Jenn Gambatese are both brilliant as the 2 main leads.

     If you visit during the summer, why not check out Flushing for a Mets game or the US Open (See full story on the Sports Page); Or spend a day in the Bronx to visit the biggest and most incredible Zoo in the USA. Over 4000 exotic animals with a great tram tour and special daily shows and attractions.  Great exhibits include the Monkeys, Birds, Bears, African Animals, Butterfly Garden, Reptiles among many other findings.  If in town, check out the Yankees as there is no better ballpark to see a game.

 

     This should give you a few tips while in Big Apple- The City that never sleeps.

 

Contact Info of our Top Picks:

 

*Blakely Hotel (see Hotel Section for more) 212-245-1800

www.blakelynewyork.com

 

*Shun Lee Palace- 212-371-8844    155 East 55^th St. (Midtown)   www.shunleepalace.com

 

*Peter Luger Steakhouse  718-387-7400  178 Broadway,  Brooklyn    www.peterluger.com

 

Beacon Restaurant & Bar   212-332-0500    25 West  56 Street   Midtown

www.beaconnyc.com

 

Bronx Zoo    718-220-5100    2300 Southern Blvd.    Bronx , NY

www.Bronxzoo.com

212-245-1800        136 W. 55^th St.

Midtown