44 & X / High Bar

44 & X

So.....Shilpa was in town to see Rafta Rafta, (which we tried to get into, but tickets were sold out), and we met her along with Monica and her husband, Subash, for a pre-theater dinner at 44 & X. We arrived first. The challenge, it seemed, was to make you forget that you were eating across the street from a gas station that measured an entire block.....so we definitely did not want to eat outside, even though it was a nice evening. The entire place was white.....walls, chairs.....everything....very white. I wondered. At least, we knew it must be clean. We sat down and were greeted by a very pleasant waiter. I felt safe. We ordered wine, appetizers and entrees. I tasted the lobster tacos....so so, the salmon tartare....yum,......the blue claw crab fritter, which was good, but more like a pancake entree; and then for the main event, the crispy tilapia with creamy polenta and wilted spinach in a lobster reduction. I have to say, out of everything, I was most drawn to the polenta. It was divine. I could have eaten a whole bowl of that!

High Bar

After we left them at the play, we decided to check out the bar Monica had recommended to us, so we set about to find it. Eventually, we deducted that it must be the non descript entrance with the roped off line, which a few people were currently standing in, even at the early hour of eight o'clock. I was not about to wait in line, but curiosity got the best of us, and we had to know if this, in fact, was the place. We went up and asked, and were swiftly escorted in. What a wonder we emerged on! A rooftop bar.....beds and sofas, and other cushy seating, (important to a girl who hates discomfort)....we were outside, but had the best of inside amenities.....and a view. Spectacular! Although....it did come with the stiff price of $16 a drink....in a plastic glass....but the vibe was all party and we had fun anyways.

Mermaid Inn

June 14th-

So.......my husband and I thought we were somewhat safe in planning a semi casual/romantic dinner on the upper west side at 9:00 pm on a Saturday evening in the summer when most of the annoying people migrate to the Hamptons. Anyway, it appears, we have much to learn. We were seated in the back.....not where we wanted to be, but we had been there before and had a wonderful time, so we felt ok about it. Although, when we sat down and observed all the gray hairs in our midst, I was concerned for a moment. What had we done wrong? We dressed well. Had we called too late? Our waiter was friendly. Our cocktails were good.....the cucumber martini is to die for. The oysters were amazing! So far....so good. Then.... the table of seven arrived. They had a two year old....mind you....they didn't arrive until at least nine thirty. A two year old up at nine thirty? Really? You would take him out? Too cheap for a sitter? Think everyone loves a side of screaming two year on a Saturday evening? We should have bolted at once. But, we ordered our entrees....the skate and the daily special which was the mackerel. Meanwhile, this child was walking about......cooing and whining in a normal annoying baby sort of way......but the parents were oblivious, of course. We shouldn't have been surprised as the upper west side is kind of known for its obnoxious, inconsiderate parents, but we wanted to be optimistic. Our entrees arrived and frankly, they were just plain so so. Both of the pieces of fish were fried, which is my least favorite way to have fish, and the mackerel had a very strong fishy taste. I did really like what came with the mackerel....cauliflower, olives and capers. I really liked that combination of flavors. My mouth wasn't bored with that. I may even have to make that myself at home. However, the skate came with succotash that was so infused with bacon, that it was all I could taste. I wouldn't order either one again. I may be inclined to go back and sit at the bar and have oysters and a cucumber martini. So, to sum it up....the food wasn't as good as we had hoped, and the atmosphere wasn't what we were looking for at all. We hadn't realized we would be eating amongst the Chucky Cheese crowd. I thought it was just me, because Nathan never gets annoyed with anything ever, but to my surprise as we left he said to the hostess ever so politely, "I know its the upper west side, but maybe you could keep the children out." Yeah! Go Nathan! Anyways.....the Mermaid Inn.....pretty much sucked for us tonight, but I guess, its a great place to go if you're too cheap for a sitter.

Bistro Citron

June 5th-

After having an overpriced drink and a greasy, commonplace appetizer at a restaurant close to where I work, Nathan and I decided to venture into Bistro Citron for some real food. We ordered a bottle of wine to start with and they brought us their usual complimentary bread, butter and pate.....which is oh so very good. The butter is cold and so sweet, the pate....so rich....and together on a piece of bread.....heaven. Nathan ordered the hanger steak with shallots accompanied by French fries.....which sounds much more delicious when you read it off the menu....and I had the brie.......yes.....for dinner.....just cheese. I love to have wine and cheese for dinner.....must be the Shanteau in me. The French waiter seemed to understand. We were both ever so content. This place just never disappoints.......and we barely spent more here for this fantastic, decadent meal than we did a mere hour before for our overpriced drinks and commonplace appetizer. Go Citron!