Gramercy Tavern

2 E 20th Street (b/w Broadway & Park Ave S)

Birthdays come but once a year (still far too frequent in my opinion). This year, as I prepared to enter my quarter life crisis, InterSportsWriter did his best to help me forget my woes of growing older with a surprise dinner at Gramercy Tavern. What a dinner it was!

We both ordered the Vegetarian Tasting Menu consisting of the following:

Radish & Kohlrabi Salad
Country Egg

Sugar Snap Peas & Cucumber

Barley Risotto
Baby Carrots, Shiitake & Spiced Almonds

Warm Salad of Vegetables & Black Lentils

Spinach Fettuccine
Green Garlic & Mushrooms

Petit Fours

It took us a while to settle on a wine. The waiter suggested a Riesling Austrian called Stift Göttweig, a compromise to my dry, crisp preference and InterSportsWriter’s sweet tooth. One sip and I could not have been more pleased with the outcome.

As for the dishes (starting with my least favorite), the amuse bouche served at the start was odd in flavor and unimpressive. Everything else, however, was spectacular. From the initial radish salad to the barley risotto, the food was a feast for my eyes and mouth. The final entree of spinach fettuccine served with whole garlic cloves tasted especially unique yet not overpowering as one might expect with garlic.

We also ordered a plate of five cheeses. Despite the fact I no longer recall our various selections months later as I write this, I do recall the taste—perfection. Murray Greenberg, former owner of the infamous Murray’s Cheese in West Village, would be hard pressed to find a more delicious serving of coagulated milk (besides his own of course).

The plates were perfectly proportioned allowing for fullness without the feeling of being stuffed. The waiter was very accompanying and patient, especially as we discussed the pros and cons of the meal using him as a mediator.

For dessert, InterSportsWriter had the peanut butter-wafer-chocolate-toffee selection; I had the rhubarb shortcake. Both were amazing, but not near as good as the main courses.

Friends and colleagues have always raved about the upscale eatery located off E 20th between Broadway and Park. Following my quarter life crisis birthday dinner, I understand why. I now join the countless patrons who place Gramercy Tavern amongst their favorite eateries in New York City.

With its innovative menu, impressive interior, superb service, and amazing food, Gramercy Tavern is a place I plan to frequent (and recommend) often. It’s perfect for special occasions, get-togethers, Monday nights, Tuesday evenings, Wednesday aftern—well, you get the idea.

P.S. Did I mention there are complimentary chocolates at the end of the meal? See Petit Fours.

DAMAGE ~ $300+
VERDICT: GO NOW!