The John Dory Oyster Bar

...is owned by the renowned chef, April Bloomfield, and is located in the Ace Hotel in NYC in the bordering neighborhoods of the Flatiron District and Lower Midtown at 1196 Broadway.

This restaurant specializes in oysters (of course) and small plates.

I started with a Veronicocktail (prosecco and candied ginger) - $12.

Then I had the Char Pate ($9) served with a Parker House Roll. The pate was good, but the roll was fantastic - warm and buttery.

Next I had their famous Oyster Pan Roast ($14) which is a creamy soup studded with oysters and topped with an Uni crostini. The waiter suggested a side order of Parker House Rolls ($4.50) for dunking - which was a great idea. I could make a meal of these fabulous rolls. The Uni was also buttery and rich.

Then I tried the Spanish Mackerel Escabeche ($12) which was very tart and even though the white filets were flaky I didn't like the flavor all.

The dessert menu was not very inspiring so I had the Grapefruit with ginger sugar cookies ($7). The cookies were great - light and airy.

Ma Peche again

I returned to Ma Peche now that the full fledged restaurant has opened adjacent to the Chambers Hotel in NYC's Midtown at 15 West 56th Street. This is another restaurant in David Chang's kingdom and I am a loyal follower. The full menu has lots of interesting options, but the prices reflect the midtown address.

I had two small plates:

gỏi calamar (ri) – squid salad, cilantro, peanuts ($14) - the calamari was tender and had a nice spicy kick to it.

ba te de pintade (piedmont, nc) – guinea hen pate, foie gras ($15) - the bread was warm and the pate was thick and tasty.

They were both just enough for lunch.

The cute blonde waiter with the Australian accent forgot my beverage, an Arnold Palmer.

Theatre District Hidden Gem

On the east side of Broadway in NYC's theatre district is a great little french bistro, Saju Bistro, located at 120 West 44th Street.

They offer a great 3 course prix fixe pre-theatre menu for $28.

I had the the country pate with gerkins, hanger steak with mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse. They also give the table complimentary petit fours along with our desserts.

The a la carte menu is reasonably priced and the service is excellent.