Picholine

Based on the Zagat 2004 Guide to New York City Restaurants, we chose this restaurant. We were disappointed on many counts. The food was just OK. The 3 asparagus hors d'oeuvre was bitter, but the Lamb was excellent. We had to request that bread be brought to us. My glass of wine was not brought to me along with the main course ; they forgot and I had to request it.The famous cheese plate was exhorbantly priced in addition to our meal. We were led to believe it was part of a prix fixe menu. It was never clarified to us. We voiced our total dspleasure to the management. Certainly NOT in the top Zagat 20 as was stated.

Though the rear dining room was full, its tapestry hangings and well-spaced tables meant you could enjoy conversation in the understated, warm and elegant surroundings. Service was excellent, and the food was thoughtfully presented and delicious. The blend of textures and flavors in the sea urchin panna cotta (silky custard, salty caviar, crunchy seaweed) was intriguing and delightful. Pressed squab with five-spice was also excellent, and they surprised us with an extra course of roasted John Dory with truffle vinaigrette that was sublime. The wine list is wide-ranging with many affordable choices, as well as premium bottles. The smell of the passing cheese cart will occasionally drift across your table, reminding you to save room for a superb cheese course.

I really love this place. The food was great as well as the service. It was very classy. The place is beatiful too. Everything there was so intersting. I had a risotto as my main dish, it was soooooo good!!! Unfortunatley, I didn't have cheese from the critacaly acclaimed cheese cart. But, i had a great dessert. But, by the way bring someone to pay for the meal, or take out a loan. This place aint cheap!!!!.

You can never go wrong at Picholine. Fantastic ambience. Delicious preparations. Make sure you get the cheese for dessert -- don't worry, they will give you chocolate on your way out!