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My husband and I were fortunate to be able to spend Thanksgiving with a few of our grown children in New York city. On a recommendation, we went into the ABC Kitchen for a late dinner. We has a most splendid meal in a most unique and comfortable environment. The service was top rate and I enjoyed them all wearing flannel shirts and jeans. The food was among the best offerings we had ever been served. We all look forward to another special time in New York city to enjoy a meal together at the ABC Kitchen.

I've been to ABC a couple of times, and every time is the same thing: customers are kept waiting while more than half the tables are empty. I suppose this is done so they can pretend the restaurant is in more demand than it actually is, and generate some hype. Go figure... The restaurant is beautiful, and the food is good enough that they should have more confidence in their ability to attract a crowd without the pretense.

I have been to several of JGV's restaurants lately and honestly they have been hot and cold. While I really liked Mercer Kitchen, The Mark and Spice Market did not impress. I am hppy to report that ABC Kitchen is the real deal. Yes, it is a pain to get a reservation but once that is behind you it is all clear sailing from there. Start with the hamachi toast and or the crab toast. Both delicious. Move on to the tuna sashimi or any of the salads. For mains I really enjoyed the sea bass and lobster but was a little less thrilled with the salmon. I would have like to have tried one of the pastas as they looked terrific as well as more of the side vegies which excelled. The dessert was ok but can be overlooked when everything else hits the mark like it did. I even liked the atmosphere which is a little quirky but a nice change. With food like this I will tolerate the hassle of getting in.

Went for a late dinner one Saturday night a few weeks ago. The decor and atmosphere are terrific. The local, organic menu, recycled tables, and handmade dinnerware are all very impressive. The wait staff is helpful and considerate. Those are the only reasons I might consider giving them another shot at the food. The roasted beets and the spinach and quinoa salads were very tasty. The warm mozzarella appetizer was a complete waste to order. The sea bass was just weird, sitting in an oily broth and tasteless. The person who ordered the cod actually sent it back and ordered something else hoping that it would be less bland! Unfortunately for him, the lamb shank was only slightly less bland. The only happy person was the one who ordered the burger. Organic and locally grown does not mean unseasoned and tasteless, does it? On the bright side, I would definitely go back for drinks!

Delicious

ABC definitely attends the Keith McNally school of reservations -- only 5:30 or 11 available no matter what, even for a Monday in 2013. It usually takes me a couple of calls to find a reservationist who will give me a more reasonable time. Regardless of reservation, you will wait at least 15 mins for your table, so grab a cocktail at the bar, which is among the best bar spaces in Manhattan. Once you make it past the reservation/seating phase, the entire experience is perfection. ABC has enough ambience and style for every Keith McNally restaurant combined. Every item on the menu rates around a 10/10, but the squash toast is literally one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth (and that's saying a lot). The service, once you are seated, is impeccable in every way. For my birthday, I only go to restaurants I've never been to before -- but this year I am making an exception because ABC is that special.

My sister and I recently wandered in to ABC Kitchen . We had been wanting to try it for some time and were welcomed by friendly hostesses who found us a spot immediately. The squash toast was buttery and decadent, and the crab toast was superb. We shared an apple and pear salad, it was delicate and mysterious. The service was seamless.