Lunch Date in New York
 

My husband and I will be in New York for 8 hours on the Saturday after Christmas and would like to splurge on lunch. Any suggestions on excellent food, service, views? We prefer French but like almost everything.

If you have a neighborhood in mind, that will help narrow things down, but places that come to mind (and call now for reservations!) Keep in mind that I don't know if all of these places have weekend lunch.<BR><BR>River Cafe (great views of Manhattan from Brooklyn Heights---from my experience, it's the only place in the city with both great views and great food)<BR>Le Bernardin (fine French, seafood focus, best service in the city I think)<BR>Le Cote Basque (wonderful food, beautiful room, lovely service)<BR><BR>If views are most important...the View at the Marriott Marquis and the Rainbow Room fit the bill, but I think the food is pretty dreadul and over-priced at both.

Thanks, J. I actually don't have a neighborhood in mind. We are flying in from Boston for the day, just to rack up air miles in a special deal. Thanks for your suggestions. I have checked out the River Cafe, and it looks ideal.

Yes, definitely go with the River Cafe!

The River Cafe is beautiful but a little out of the way if you want to do any shopping or sightseeing. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Jean Georges with a view of Central Park.

Not really...there is a great little water taxi that leaves from the pier next to the River Cafe about once every 40 minutes on weekends (nywatertaxi.com). It stops at the South Street Seaport, World Financial Center (check out the Annie Liebowitz photo exhibit and cool models/designs for the WTC site there), Chelsea Piers, and the Intrepid. The water taxi is quick and comfortable...I just took it this weekend.

My recommendation is the Water Club on East 30th Street and the East River (FDR Drive). You will have a waterside view, good service, good food and still be in Manhattan. It feels like you're on a large yacht that's permanently docked. Every 4th of July, the Water Club gets sold out because people love to watch the fireworks there. I saw former Mayor Guiliani there on the 4th.

If you like French, La Grenouille is the best - food, service &amp; ambience are all perfect! Located on E. 52nd St.<BR><BR>Bon Appetit!