I'd like to have dinner at a restaurant run by a Food Network chef or judge after seeing a play in NYC. Does anyone have any thoughts on what might be the best one to try? I read some online reviews of Butter and many were saying that the food was mediocre and portions laughably small. Paladar, an Aaron Sanchez restaurant, is apparently no longer owned by him and service is awful, food served cold. I know that Bobby Flay has a couple of places. Would appreciate any comments - I am open to anything as far as type of food - seafood, Italian, Mexican, anything. Thanks!

I have a friend who was in NY this week on business. She and her colleagues had dinner at Bobby's Flay's Bar Americain. She said the food was very good. She was a little disappointed that the waiter, when asked, couldn't suggest a wine to go with a particular fish that was being ordered, but the food was good.

I'd probably choose one of Mario's restaurants.

Tom Colicchio has opened a restaurant, Riverpark, on the East River (First Ave at 23rd St). Its been open for about a month. Eat in the bar section for the best views.

Or Marimoto on 10th Avenue (between 15th and 16th).

Bookmarking.

A group of about 12 of us were at Bar Americain last Friday night and had great food and very attentive service.

Manzo? Reservations essential.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/manzo/menu

I'm not sure I know all the restaurants that would be considered food network places but I THINK Bar Americain (Flay) and Esca (Batali) are the only ones in the theater district. Look at reviews on menupages.com and elsewhere.

You should know that many shows run long (2 1/2-3+ hrs) so if they start at 8 you might not be eating til 11 or later. Most theater district places will stay open but others may not. For example I think Manzo closes at 10. Imo, being a celebrity chef and running a great restaurant are somewhat mutually exclusive. Imo the very best restaurant in/near the theater district is Le Bernardin for seafood. But it's so outstanding, I'd say fitting it in before or after a show doesn't do it justice. Are you only in NYC for the night of the show? If not, I'd do this on another night. I think Riverpark would be interesting to try. I haven't yet.

Does it have to be a chef from Food Network or can it be another chef with a tv show? If the latter, you certainly can have a great meal at Eric Ripert's restaurant and it is not far from the theatre district.


http://aveceric.com/wp/

http://www.le-bernardin.com/