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Park Avenue Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
100 E 63rd StNew York, NY 10065
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
(212) 644-1900
- Nearest Transit:
-
Lexington Av/63 St (F)
Lexington Av/59 St (N, Q, R)
59 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
361 reviews for Park Avenue Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Review Highlights
"The chocolate cube, though, very unique and sooo tasty."
(in 45 reviews)
"My favorite side dish was the broccoli and Cheetos."
(in 25 reviews)
"Salmon tartare - delicious, delicious."
(in 37 reviews)
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361 reviews in English
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Review from Terren J.
2/2/2012
Love the concept of the decor changing with the seasons. The location is in snooty UES, but there's nothing obnoxious about the staff. The host (a European guy) was really friendly and upbeat. Our waitress took the time to ask if the food would conflict with any allergies or tolerance for spicy foods.
We partook in the Restaurant Week lunch menu. I started with the scallop sandwich. The scallops were nicely cooked but the entire dish seemed a bit on the oily side. For my entree, I had the pork chop. The meat was cooked well but the sauce was too sweet. I had one bite that tasted full of maple syrup. I ended the meal with the banana parfait for dessert which sounded really good on the menu. Unfortunately, the chocolate crumbs were too hard and dry, and the ice cream was too hard/cold and didn't have a creamy texture.
I really want to like this place and give it 5 stars, but the food just isn't up to par. -
Review from Sasha H.
New York, NY
Updated - 2/7/2012
As much as I loved it previously, I have to say it's lost a little bit of its lustre. Came back for RW during Winter, and the experience was noticeably lacking. First off, the hostesses were not as friendly and glowing and were dressed a bit casually - jeans and mocs? I was disappointed to be seated in the back dining room with the riff raff as well, where the decor is very much second to the main dining room.
Now, onto the food. I had the Thai soup. I was expecting a creamy soup, but got a clear broth that was VERY salty. I totally lost the ordering game on this one. The contents of the soup were not satisfying either, and did not redeem the salt broth. My friend had the scallop sandwich, which was excellent. Our entrees, salmon, were cooked well, but the sauce was pretty boring. The root vegetables were tasty, but not amazing. Dessert was the best course for sure. The chocolate tea gelato and banana olive oil sorbets were both incredible - balanced blends of both flavors that melded the two perfectly. The banana parfait was whimsical, fun and tasty. The service was attentive and standard, but definitely did no pizzazz like last time. I'm sad to write this review, as I hoped this would be a favorite for many seasons to come!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2008
I ate here for Restaurant week lunch, and it was a wonderful experience!!
Everything about it was on… Read more »
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Review from G F.
Manhattan, NY
1/27/2012
I've been here a few times...the first time for dinner and I spotted Ricky Gervais, not bad! This restaurant is BEAUTIFUL in every season...their visual people really know what they're doing and the food is amazingly delicious. That said, the bill is always a little alarming.
That's why I came here last summer for Restaurant Week and it was by far the best Restaurant Week meal I've experienced. My friend and I were blown away and I had ribs! What restaurant offers ribs on their Restaurant Week menu??? NO ONE! That's who!! -
Review from Michael C.
Mountain View, CA
2/9/2012
I came here for Restaurant Week on their lunch menu during the winter and it was pretty tremendous. Definitely order the Scallop Sandwich and also the Pork Chop.... they were as good as any dishes I've ever tasted anywhere. The dessert was pretty mediocre at best, though. The ambiance was very good and even though I was there for Restaurant week, I felt like the pricing was pretty reasonable even normally.
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Review from Li S.
Princeton, NJ
2/9/2012
This is the best of the restaurant week offerings - on equal balance with Cafe Boulud.
The presentations and decor were beautiful although the Service and wine offerings at Cafe Boulud is slightly friendlier and better.
I have been to Park Avenue Winter during non restaurant week and restaurant week and there was quantity and quality during restaurant week. The drink prices are high but the experience is well worth it -
Review from Nancy S.
1/25/2012
Best Restaurant Week meal experience I've EVER had... I wish they offered dinner as well because I was just brimming with excitement after lunch! I came here with a friend a week ago after another friend recommended the seasonal restaurant to me. Since it's right by work, I decided to check it out!
As you first walk in, the hosts are very welcoming, and the decor and ambiance as well. You walk into a small area in which the bar and host area can be found and the entire restaurant is decorated in a "winter" theme: white, yellow lights, bare tree branches, etc. It's really quite lovely. They sat us in the main dining room, which I was pleased with because it seemed they had smaller rooms in the back area by the coat check. The main dining room had very pleasant lighting, free standing tables in the center and booths and banquettes along the side. The booths and banquettes were lined with some sort of fur (not sure if faux or not).
But enough about the look! the food.. was fantastic! I always try to have lower expectations when I try restaurant week, especially at these "fancier" places because I expect that the chefs/servers/etc don't expect to provide the same quality food/service for less than 50% of how much they usually charge, but this was definitely not the case for Park Ave Winter!
I started with the scallop sandwich appetizer which I must say was amazing... It was an open faced sandwich, with the toasted bread on the bottom, scallops on top, topped with some sort of sauce, bacon bits, and potato I believe. Was VERY filled with flavor and packed a punch! My friend got the Caesar salad, which came in an interesting display, almost if the chef just ripped a portion of the lettuce head and placed it on her plate. It was much more than that however. Topped with cheese and infused with the Caesar dressing, it was crisp yet perfectly flavored.
For our entrees, I got the Pork Chop and my friend the chicken... Both entrees were amazing. The pork was cooked perfectly and when paired with the sauce and the assorted vegetables that came with the entree, my stomach was pleading for more! We both licked our plates CLEAN and I almost NEVER do that.. NEVER!
Dessert was great as well, but I think my heart (and stomach!) was just so phased by the amazing appetizer and entree, I just wanted to mull over the taste in my mouth more!
So, all in all, come! Park Ave Winter (Autumn, Spring, Summer) is definitely on my list of must go places for dinner! -
Review from Stephanie R.
Manhattan, NY
1/23/2012
I came here for lunch during restaurant week, and while I love the concept of this restaurant, the service was below par.
The fresh breads they bring to the table were fantastic. Melt in your mouth. But overall the food didn't blow me away.
I had a little incident with the waitstaff and the menu as well. I specifically asked if their pasta dish had cream sauce (I am lactose intolerant) and the waiter told me it was tossed in soybean oil. When my pasta arrived, it looked incredibly creamy and I later found out that the sauce was a "parmesan butter" and left feeling nauseous. -
Review from Jenny W.
1/18/2012
Stunning. Outstanding. Mouth-left-agape amazing.
Came here with a friend today for Restaurant Week lunch. I was a little skeptical, seeing this is a fancy UES place a hop and a skip from Daniel. Well was I totally surprised--in a good way.
The service was stellar, starting with the host and coat check. Our waitress was so sweet and attentive, even when I asked all sorts of questions. She was particularly good and clarifying what each dish was (you know when restaurants cleverly make dishes seem more awesome than they are by confusing the heck out of you? yes, don't fall for that). Bread arrived promptly, and the little pieces I tried were delicious! Their RW deal is awesome because it's $24 for the prix fixe but only $30 if you want a glass of wine with that. And--let me tell you, a very generous pour!
Every course was spectacular. For starter I got the caesar salad and my friend the scallops. My salad was amazing and I don't even like caesar salad! It was an entire small head of lettuce, nice and fresh and crunchy, with the dressing layered inside. The dressing was light but rich and not too greasy. It was topped with cured lemons which is now my newest obsession. The scallops were delicious as well, cooked perfectly and so flavorful!
For my entree I got the chicken and she, the pork chops. The chicken was FLAWLESS. Now that is saying something seeing how finicky I am with chicken. The skin was perfectly crispy on the outside and the meat juicy and not at all dry. This is actually only a few notches away from my ultimate favorite chicken which I had in Unik in Buenos Aires. Just stellar. It came with an Indian-inspired sauce and...wait for it...cured lemons! Yess. The pork chops were so yummy I wanted to eat her plate too. They were succulently sweet and tangy and not at all dry. Incredible. We cleaned our plates.
Dessert was great as well. I got a scoop of creme fraiche ice cream and a scoop of browned butter ice cream. I mean just think about that...how does one pass that up? And I was not disappointed. It was a little bit of heaven. Especially the creme fraiche. My frined got the banana parfait and it was pretty tasty, though I wasn't wowed by it. But then, I was rather busy demolishing my own dessert.
The decor and menu here changes seasonally, which is great. I'm so glad to see restaurants moving in that direction! I'm definitely coming back again soon for dinner. -
Review from Ignacio G.
Manhattan, NY
2/7/2012
My friends booked the kitchen table for my birthday!
Great experience!
I enjoyed being downstairs where all those great dishes are born but I'll go again to enjoy the matching-seasons decor.
Excellent place for a date. -
Review from Vienna C.
Manhattan, NY
2/5/2012 6 photos
I went to Park Avenue Winter for restaurant week and it surprise me of their food quality. I love their scallop sandwich that has rich flavor. And their salmon wasn't too raw and not overcooked. The salmon was just right. Environment was great. Service was teriffic. I couldn't find a reason not to give them 5 stars.
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Review from Diana C.
1/22/2012
big thank you, first and foremost, to martin luther king jr.
without him, i wouldn't have the luxury of having the day off allowing me to participate in restaurant week lunches.
you know its a good restaurant week deal when you walk in and sitting to the left and right, front and back of you, are asians - im talking both americanized asians and FOB asians. (i can say this cuz i am asian, boo-yah.)
overall, the food was good as i expected, but i was honestly a little underwhelmed with the decor - which is the real reason why i wanted to check out park ave winter. we were also seated in one of the rooms that had minimal decor, it was very standard.
appetizers:
scallops - SO good. i think i had a foodgasm but i'm not sure if i was faking it... so nice and crispy. it was a tad too salt by the time you get through half the sandwich though. the bread was really good too, nicely buttered and so fresh.
thai soup - yea, skip this. not that it wasn't good, just not really worth your money.
main course:
berkshire pork chop: easily one of the best pork chops i've ever had. it was nice and thick, but yet so juicy and tender.
veal: extra $10 supplement. i didn't try this myself but my bf said my pork chop was better and he regret getting the veal. it LOOKED good though, and it was a huge portion.
desserts:
panna cotta: tasted really good, i recommend this.
chocolate parfait: i'm not a big fan of chocolate but the texture in the chocolate "crisps" were so interesting. i'd recommend it if you love chocolate.
i'm i glad i tried park ave because i've always wanted to. but next time for restaurant week, i likely won't be back. only because it wasn't that interesting. it was very very good american food, but i wasn't too inspired. -
Review from Alana E.
Manhattan, NY
1/6/2012
My boyfriend and I came here for a romantic dinner after seeing the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.
The food was good - not great for the price you're paying- but I'm not sure if I would come back for dinner. I would, however, come back for drinks, because since they are seasonal and the team gets very creative.
Also, the wine list is very robust - something for everyone! -
Review from Ralphia L.
Astoria, Queens, NY
1/8/2012
Park Winter--
Went for a lunch. Good, attentive service. Mediocre food.
I had the salmon, which was well prepared but nothing special. Tasted food of others at the table, and it was the same -- just okay.
The chocolate cube was a disappointment. I love desserts (especially chocolate ones), but the cube didn't hit the spot at all.
Ambiance was cold, and quiet.
Can't recommend. -
Review from Yelp T.
New York, NY
1/17/2012
Great food, and lovely atmosphere. I went here for a girls lunch and everything was outstanding. I ordered the salmon salad and salmon main course (I'm not even a salmon lover but felt like being healthy) and both were delicious.
Try the banana dessert if you have room in your belly after your meal. Great place and I will be back! -
Review from Hilary T.
Belmont, MA
1/23/2012
The food was fabulous, but our waitress was totally humorless and she kept making mistakes. She wrote my order down wrong so I had to watch everybody else eat for a few minutes while my order was prepared. However, the food truly is amazing. The salmon bucatini is amazing. The salmon and roe add some salt and the sauce is creamy and delicious. The Upper East Sider is a sort of eggs benedict and that was also fabulous. The truffle on the egg was a brilliant idea. We got the chocolate cube for dessert and I thought it was great, but I think it was a bit much for others in my party. Very chocolatey and the chocolate ancho ice cream was great. Not granular like other chili- chocolate ice creams or harsh at all. Delicious.
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Review from Marisa F.
Updated - 11/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We came back to try Autumn, and I'm still in love. Only one season (Spring) left to conquer and I can say with confidence that I love this place year-round baby.
The decor for Autumn is my favorite thus far and set the mood wonderfully. Our Autumn-inspired cocktails were lovely, and the amuse bouche was a delightful little piece of apple dripping with fresh caramel and some chopped nuts. The bread basket, with its little checklist of what's inside, was yummy and adorable as in other seasons. And the menu itself disappointed no one in our party of four. The sweet corn gnocchi with table-side shaved truffle was stupendous (I cried in protest as my husband and mother stole bites), and even my mom's plain old garden veggie salad starter was standout-good.
Dessert here is an art, in that the plates come out looking like art, and is not to be missed. We shared (or rather, wolfed down) the glazed pear & caramel spice cake with cinnamon ice cream and the sweet potato fritter & pecan pie with maple bourbon ice cream (and crunchy bacon on the side; some of us -- me -- hate bacon). If you don't, like most people, it can be served on your dish.
I can't wait 'til Spring, and may even give Winter another go before then!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/18/2011
Our "Summer" experience was even better than our "Winter" meal. We were super-impressed with how… Read more »
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Review from Lauren L.
Updated - 11/18/2011
We celebrated my stepmom's 50th birthday here last week with a group of family and friends and had such an outstanding time from start to finish. We were seated at an amazing table in the main dining room, which with the fall decor is beautiful. (I think even more so than summer.)
We tried a wide variety of options from the menu, ranging from the corn gnocchi (with shaved truffles done table-side), pumpkin and lobster soup, fig carpaccio, salmon, filet mignon, and the famous broccoli and cheetos--which I suppose is unexpected at a restaurant of this caliber, but was so incredible I had to ask the waiter how to make them at home.
Dessert was equally unreal (the chocolate cube is ridiculous) and they made a gorgeous presentation for my stepmom.
I really can't thank the staff enough for such a wonderful time, and we are eagerly awaiting to try their winter menu.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/28/2010
I went to Park Avenue Summer for restaurant week after having wanted to go for forever and it was… Read more »
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Review from Brian N.
Manhattan, NY
1/31/2012
Good ambiance, hit or miss food, overbilled us. Went there for brunch with three others. The people at the door and bar were cool. The bloody mary was good not great. The bacon and calamari were excellent. The French toast was too buttery. They overbilled us by $20 per person and when we pointed that out they weren't very apologetic. It's a good place for a classy brunch, but I'm not going back.
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Review from jiali c.
Elmhurst, NY
1/30/2012
Intimate, seasonable, great service, great cooking, lighting and just a wonderful experience.
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Review from Ash C.
New York, NY
11/20/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
Horrid ambiance - the ceilings are so high and bare that it felt like you're in a warehouse room that is sparsely decorated with a few sprigs of tree branches from whatever season they are currently in. The lighting is way off and doesn't do the space any favors.
Food was incredibly over salted to the point where it was bordering on inedible. There was nothing special about the food here - nothing on the menu or in the dishes we ordered was inventive or interesting. There are better restaurants in the area - I would forgo this place. -
Review from Pam M.
ASTORIA, NY
Updated - 10/10/2011 Seated via OpenTable
I am so sad to report that brunch here, unlike restaurant week this past summer, was a complete bust.
My fiance and I decided to try the Park Ave Autumn brunch menu. For 35 dollars, you sign up for small assorted pastries for the table, a starter, and an entree.
The decor is always a treat and I have to say that was done well- tones of copper, orange, and different shades of brown really set off the ambiance.
The best part? Definitely the pastries in the beginning (that arrived IN THE MIDDLE of the appetizer and entree, huge pet peeve for me). For my fiance and I, there were about 5-6 choices, ranging from a pistachio scone to a cinnamon roll to a cranberry muffin, a spiced sugar donut and other goodies. Served with fresh strawberry preserves and apple butter, I wish I could just have the pastry platter 3 times.
For appetizers, I chose the roasted pumpkin soup while my fiance had the cured lemon caesar salad. Mine was decent but needed some salt. My fiance was left disappointed with his uneventful and literally 5 bite salad.
For entrees, I was recommended the "signature" autumn haystack with crispy shrimp. The waitress talked it up, stating that it was "full of roasted beets, pomegranate seeds, etc etc" with deep fried shrimp. At best, it was a good choice for another appetizer, but it left me unsatisfied. I was grateful for the filling pumpkin soup at the beginning or I would have been hangry.
My fiance had the maple french toast, which actually was very generous with the portions, but was too soggy and sweet for him.
We left Park Ave summer disappointed, but maybe it was just brunch itself. I will most likely still return to try Park Ave Winter (hopefully for restaurant week). What a bummer!!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/21/2011
Went for restaurant week during this summer and was so pleased with everything. The decor was light,… Read more »
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Review from r n.
Stony Point, NY
1/28/2012
I have eaten at Park Avenue Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn a number of times. However, the last time I was there, I did not have a good experience. Which is OK, it can happen. The most distasteful part of the experience is that I followed up my meal with a note to management. I purposefully wrote a note making it clear that I was not asking them to front my meal or provide me with an apologetic drink or dessert. Unfortunately, management never responded. To me, their lack of care is intrinsic to the place, and was consistent with my last (and I mean last) experience there!
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Review from A Z.
New York, NY
11/15/2011
Autumn
I meeeeann, who couldn't get excited for changing seasonal food, decor, drinks, and so much more? Glad it didn't let me down. From the cocktails to the amuse bouche (caramel nut apple bites) to the pumpkin soup with lobster crouton I'm still talking about, my favorite season in New York was not disappointed. -
Review from Teresa G.
9/27/2011
Park Avenue Summer:
My husband and I used a Blackboard eats coupon ($55 5-course prix fixe!) here to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The setting is gorgeous and we were swiftly greeted and seated. Our waitress was delightful. I don't remember her name but she was adorable.
In addition to the 5-course meal, we opted for the $15 wine flight which was an incredible bargain. Though it was a "flight" the portions of wine were as large as if we had ordered each by the glass.
The food was really exceptional. Each course was elegantly presented and portions, though not large, were perfectly adequate, even for my ravenous husband.
Can't wait to come back and try Autumn! -
Review from Kan L.
Walnut, CA
12/14/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We went during Park Avenue Autumn. The decor was very nice. We went right when it opened and were seated promptly (had reservations). I ordered the sliders. I'm not sure if it was the lunch menu or what but sliders were good but seemed overpriced. The menu didn't look appetizing to me. Lunch time seemed like it was more of a place for business lunches in NY. From the reviews and since we weren't satisfied with our lunch, we decided to get dessert. We ordered the chocolate cube. It's a little rich, but it definitely was unique and different tasting. If you get this, it looks small but since it is rich, you should share it. I'm eager to try another season as well as maybe dinner instead.
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Review from Tim S.
New York, NY
1/6/2012
I do not know what has happened here over the past year or so, but this restaurant has really taken a turn for the worse. In my opinion, it is only a shadow of the restaurant that it once was. From the moment that we arrived to the moment that we left, the overall experience was thoroughly and utterly disappointing. I am writing this review so that others will be spared the marginal dining experience that I endured and for which I had the distinct privilege of paying.
Let me share some highlights:
If you choose to dine here after reading this review, you must insist on sitting in the main dining room. There is a back dining room, which is thoroughly lacking in ambiance. I know that this is subjective, but the back room is just that, the back room. As I also learned, the more inexperienced servers and bus-people are assigned to this area as well. The back dining room is the equivalent of steerage on the Titanic.
The most disappointing part of the evening was the service, which was simply unprofessional. Our server came over to our table with menus after we had been seated, but it took him over 15 minutes to return. My guests and I wanted to enjoy cocktails while we were getting situated with the menu, but this was not an option. At one point, we flagged him down, and he actually said, "You'll have to wait; I'm busy." If I hadn't been at the restaurant with one of my guests who was from out of town, I would have left immediately. This type of response from a server is totally unacceptable.
Again, I really have to focus here on the service. When one goes to a restaurant of this "caliber", one expects superior service, especially since one is paying for that service. It was not just bad; it was absolutely horrible. To begin with, our server was all but unintelligible. No one at my table could understand him due a bad combination of mumbling and foreign accent. Besides the unacceptable "I'm busy" comment, he was very inattentive. When we asked him if there were any specials, he replied, "There are no specials, but there is a menu here where you can share stuff." We were all totally perplexed by his response. After he left the table, we perused the menu that he was referencing and realized that it was a listing of entrees that were priced per person. Assuming that we could even understand what he was saying, our server did not convey any real knowledge of the menu. One would could find a better and more knowledgeable server at a local diner.
Not to beat a dead horse, but the bus staff was equally as poor or even worse than that or our server. Our water glasses were constantly empty, and we had to keep asking to have them refilled. When our bread was brought out, a complimentary hors d'oeuvre was also served, but it was simply dropped onto the table without any explanation. I still am not sure what it was. In addition, when our appetizers and entrees were served, the plates during both courses were given to the incorrect people. When utensils were replaced between courses, they were literally dropped on the table haphazardly, so much so that we were joking about it throughout our meal. Overall, the service was simply sloppy and inconsistent.
Upon leaving, a somewhat bitter looking hostess was sitting at the door scowling at people as they left. If she could not wish people a good evening, maybe she could at least smile. This was my parting impression of Winter Park Avenue.
Net-net, I was so distracted by how poorly the restaurant was managed that I have neglected to make a comment about the food, which sadly enough was average at best (e.g. an uninspired tuna appetizer and an over salted filet). However, when I assess an evening spent at a restaurant, it is more than just about the food as I have highlighted above. The overall experience itself is also about the ambiance and the service, which on both accounts fell short of what one would expect from a fine dining establishment.
Again, I only write this review so that others may be spared what I endured. This was absolutely one of the worst dining experiences that I have had in quite some time. With all of the amazing restaurants in our fair city, this is one that I seriously suggest that you take a pass. You have been warned! -
Review from Anne C.
New York, NY
8/18/2011
Superb.
Reservations were easy to make, even the day before. We were meeting here for a business lunch, so the atmosphere was perfect - not stuffy, not noisy, bright, modern, classy - and the servers gave us plenty of time to chat without bothering us about ordering. We were suited self-important lawyers meeting a start-up entrepreneur, so the balanced atmosphere was all the more important in making everyone feel at ease and in their element.
Decor can be described as frolicking in a bright blooming meadow - which is of course what I felt like doing after having the first mouthful of my entree. Holy smokes - so flavorful! I had the organic scottish salmon with kale and cucumbers, and we shared a side of tasty little latkes. So so yum.
My only regret is not having dessert - but that can be easily remedied with a return trip to Park Avenue Summer! -
Review from Victoria F.
New York, NY
8/24/2011
I've been here on two separate occassions, once during spring and once during summer. I had brunch and dinner respectively.
Overall, the ambiance and atmosphere of the restaruant seems a bit forced. Of course, the scenery changes each season so to me it felt a little unauthentic to see a "different" resturauant when you come back each time.
The brunch was a better value compared to dinner. I had baby back ribs that were okay, while my friend had the salmon, which was exquisite! Those two entrees plus one drink was $90 with tax and tip. It wasn't outrageous, but I didn't thnk the entire package was worth the money. The waitstaff could have been more attentive and the recipies could be more imaginative.
It was a solid solid dining experience both times, but I doubt I'll be returning. -
Review from James N.
New York, NY
11/28/2011
Went to PA Summer and I'm not sure what has happened to the food here, but from previous visits a year ago, it has taken a turn for the worse. Soft shell crab was badly paired with strawberries and jalapenos (and I've seen bugs that were bigger than this tiny crab), the salmon tartare was served with charred country bread that overpowered the dish, the lobster salad was reeking of cumin spice, the chef owes gnocchi an apology for calling the leaden tater tots he served "gnocchi". The manager to her credit saw that we were not happy and tried to make it up to us, but overall it was a terrible experience. We were seated in an area that was no more than a hallway between the private dining room and the bar, and the service was indifferent. Sad to see it happen.
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Review from Luisa D.
8/3/2011
My friends and I went for restaurant week and it was probably the best choice we made.
Upon walking in, the bar was neatly color coordinated and lit up, very eye-catching and pretty!
Dinner was amazing. It seems like everything was thought out...from the bread to the deserts, everything was delicious.
The service was friendly and the atmosphere really fit the season...summer time dinner choices, decor and the relaxed feel of summer all combined in one restaurant.
I would love to go back and experience Park Avenue Spring, fall, and Winter -
Review from Ancy N.
New York, NY
7/24/2011
We had a reservation with Cafe Boulud but did not expect the play to end so late at Park Amory. Randomly yelp for a nearby restaurant and Park Ave showed up, and a quick call confirmed that we have 10 min before the kitchen is closed. Perfecto!
It was both our first time here, and love the decor of the place. at 11pm, the place was energetic, which I love. No table was clearing yet and we were both starving, so we sat at the bar.
And they have a restaurant week menu! woohoo! I started with the Roasted Baby Beets with Ginger and Labne Yogurt. Delish.
For my main, I ordered the Seared Sea Scallops with Eggplant-Mango Chutney. though there were only scallops, but they were the big plump ones which I love. The scallops were cooked perfectly, slightly rare inside, and charred on the outside. The chutney was a little too Indian to my liking and quite spicy too.
I was trying to decide on whether to have the Chilled Banana Parfait with Chocolate Crumbs and Banana Butterscotch Puree or the Peach Panna Cotta with Basil Foam and Lemon Cakes. The bartender said definitely the panna cotta. It was good, but a little to rich if you have the whole thing by yourself.
What I like about the restaurant is that it is one of those that serves a restaurant week menu from items on their regular menu. What is the point of getting people to come in to try your food, and you serve them a "special" menu with cheaper products? That would just make me not want to come back to try the real deal. So that earns the 4th star on this review as every item offered is on their ala carte menu. -
Review from Sharifa C.
New York, NY
7/26/2011
It was everything I'd expected, didn't expect,...then more! Thanks to our wonderful waiter (Paul...I believe lol).
Came here for summer '11 restaurant week and I have to say that I thought the main dining area would be a lot bigger than it was but nevertheless, we were shown to our seats. I came with 2 girlfriends but this is absolutely a great date spot and there were TONS of a double daters there (I must have missed the memo) lol.
I started with the Salmon tartare (i.e. raw salmon, a nice portion of it too, topped w/ fresh sprouts). We ordered a bottle of wine and let the good times roll lol. For the entree, I HAD to go w/ the Dr. Pepper baby back ribs. I mean, where and under what other circumstances would I have Dr. Pepper marinated short ribs!...which were some of the best ribs I've had. I come from a comfort food background so my co-sign means something lol
Finished w/ the chilled banana parfait which was absolutely delicious (layed granola, banana, and cream). So so good. Our server was VERY attentive, patient, helpful, and had a wonderful sense of humor. I'm officially sold (though I was b4 I even set food in the door) lol. Def looking forward to trying the other Park Ave. seasons! -
Review from Vania K.
Manhattan, NY
7/13/2011
I came here last night for Restaurant Week and the decor was just breath-taking. Service was VERY friendly, much to my surprise. Reading the previous reviews, I thought the service was going to be lacking at best. Our server was very patient in explaining the menu items and making suggestions. I would describe the noise level as higher than the average restaurant. I found myself having to shout a little bit throughout the whole dinner. The melon appetizer was a very nice touch!
I had the gnocchi, which was quite possibly the best gnocchi I've ever had (well... I haven't had too much gnocchi either, so I guess that's not saying much). Now to why this restaurant is getting only 3 stars from me. I had the Dr. Pepper ribs... which was great at first bite, but quickly became too sweet. Maybe too much sauce? I felt like I had just consumed the sugar equivalent of a whole Hershey's bar in one meal. UGH! The peach slaw was nothing to write home about either. I did enjoy the homemade ice cream and sherbet. I had the cantaloupe sherbet, which was as refreshing as eating a slice of the fruit itself. My friend seemed to really like the vanilla ice cream, too.
Overall, an excellent dinner experience despite a sub par meal. I will likely be back to check out the decor for the other seasons and for the homemade ice cream. -
Review from Wendy C.
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
What an incredible dining experience! My review may be a little biased because it was a company dinner so I didn't have to worry about price for all the delicious food I was consuming. As this was a celebratory dinner for concluding a project, we had a 3 course prix fixe menu along with a personal message thanking us for our good work. For ease of ordering, our planning people picked 4 appetizers, entrees and desserts for the menu so it's great that they are accommodating.
For appetizer, I was debating between the escargot with gnocchi and chili oil or the thai lobster bisque. The lobster bisque won me over. The waiter came out with a bowl filled with little asian noodles and then a milk jug filled with lobster bisque and poured it into the bowl. Presentation definitely deserves at least a 4. The soup had large chunks of lobster and you can taste the lemongrass in it that gives it the thai feel. I also tasted the gnocchi since my coworker ordered and it was also excellent. Apparently adding the chili oil makes a difference.
Entree- green crusted sirloin. It's a sirloin- nothing very exceptional about it but the sauce was awesome and the meat was tender and cooked to the way I liked it.
Dessert- CHOCOLATE CUBE!!! Don't think it's just a cube of chocolate on a plate. This dessert was full of surprises. It's a pretty large cube (about the size of a rubix cube) made with milk chocolate sides and the inside was a chocolate creme and pieces of chocolate cake. Awesome. Then next to the cube, it was chocolate ice cream on top of a mint chocolate cookie. Delicious. On top of all this was a masterfully crafted chocolate wafer. I wish I wasn't so full from the other meals so I could consume this entire dish.
Definitely going back in the future! -
Review from Krista J.
8/8/2011
The ambiance of this seasonal restaurant was quite charming...I really felt relaxed as soon as I stepped inside on a rainy Wednesday evening. My friend and I were seated right away, per our reservation, at 6pm. We had tickets to see Romeo and Juliet at the Park Avenue Armory right up the street, so the location was PERFECT.
The service was very good, though we should have mentioned we had a hard out for our showtime. When it came time to pay the bill, our waitress was engaged with another table and we got to our show 5 minutes late. That is what a lovely meal and a glass of sangria will do!
I was in love with the flatbread sticks that were provided with dinner...I had to ask for more! They were salty, which is unusual! And for my meal, I couldn't get enough of the white sangria and the sea scallops! But the fresh corn on the cob in truffle butter (a chef's special add-on, free of charge that night) was really the most amazing thing ever. I love truffles!
I would go back, but during a different season. Summer wowed me, but I'd really like to return in Winter. -
Review from Christine G.
Englewood, NJ
8/5/2011
My friends took me out for a welcome back dinner and this was the venue for our event. We were a group of 7 and seated right away with reservations at 8pm. There are two dining areas and a bar. We were seated at a round table which I think is better when dining in a group. The restaurant was dimly lit and the noise level was just right.
Our server was great and explained lots of things and didnt rush us at all. They were doing the summer menu already (June 11). We did a round of their special cocktails that came with a face mist. The cocktail was refreshing with cucumber infused vodka. We were also offered complimentary watermelon pops which were so cute and cleansed the palate for our food adventure.
We shared the apps which was great since we could have a bite of all. My favs were the gnocchi and salmon tartare. For my entree I had the halibut with black truffle. I know you're saying how can you not enjoy anything that has truffle. So yes I did enjoy it but on top of that the halibut was cooked perfectly. And for dessert you have to get the chocolate cube!
Definitely a place for a special occasion with very special people be it a significant other or a group of your best friends.
Enjoy! -
Review from Omar C.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 9/15/2011
Came here for dinner on a Tuesday night for Autumn. I quite liked the ambiance, dark as usual but intimate. I didn't get to enjoy the view as much as my date who sat in the booth facing the restaurant while I got to sit facing her and the wall. Not saying the view wasn't still pretty good, but would have liked to have been able to see the restaurant without turning my whole body. I also noticed our whole row of about 6 tables were all what seemed to be dates as well and every booth seat had the girl in it. Who says chivalry's not dead??
The tables were quite close and we actually struck up conversations with our neighbors on both sides which was a lot of fun. The food was actually not as good as Spring and Summer when I last came. I got the lobster tail and the plate and garnish made the plate look huge but it ended up being only a small amount of meat. My date had the half pasta dish which was quite good. I do have to mention the savior for the night was the appetizer we shared: Broccoli and cheetos. Now this sounds strange, I know, which is why I wanted to try it. And I wasn't disappointed! The sauce with it was the secret ingredient imo which hides in plain sight. People probably focus more on the fact that they're eating cheetos with broccoli, but the sauce really brings them together.
I'll definitely be back here for winter. I've heard that's the best decor of all the seasons. Would suggest you try Autumn, get 3 orders of broccoli and cheetos and a bottle of white and you'll be good to go.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/2/2011
I visited here during Park Ave Summer. I had an amazing dinner at Spring and Summer was even better.… Read more »
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Review from Charles N.
New York, NY
12/14/2011
well -- winter is here. we new yorkers who work in terrible finance jobs are just trundling about doing holiday shopping and getting fat. then there is park avenue winter. holy fuck. came with other terrible finance people (aka the FIG bankers at a dying institution). i look like hot garbage these days but the people were oh so nice to me. i had the filet over the braised short rib. let me say that i would look cat poop if it meant i could eat this dish afterwards. also had the broccoli cheetos thing. very tasty. i drank 5 scotches then went to the ice bar for 3 more beers. stone IPA. come here the place pops.
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Review from Sarah L.
Paramus, NJ
7/26/2011
Came here for Restaurant Week with high expectations and was pleased to see that they were mostly met. We couldn't stop raving about the starter bread and had to restrain ourselves from carb overload before the actual meal. "It has real bits of corn in it!!!" Exciting stuff.
I got the Yelp-recommended potato gnocchi appetizer and it was very good. The small portion for the heavy dish was suitable, as any more might have been a little nauseating. The Scottish salmon was probably one of the best salmon dishes I've had in the city -- the fish was lightly crisped and the cucumber and sauced onions on top were refreshing. There were mixed reactions to the banana parfait for dessert, but I was a big fan. The chocolate crumbles added a great texture to the otherwise sweet, creamy mix.
Decor was nice and indeed very summery, with fake grass chillin' on the ledge next to us. Will probably come back to check out the other seasons. Service was quite attentive, almost nerve-wrackingly so, since I was one of the slower diners and felt pressured to just eat and get out. (Understandable though, with the Restaurant Week crowds.) At least the take-out bag is cute -- my friend thought I'd gone shopping at an upscale boutique when she saw me carrying it later.
1 star docked for the not-so-tasty rose sangria, which was more red than pink. Turns out there IS such a thing as too much alcohol. -
Review from Frankie R.
Manhattan, NY
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here a couple of weeks ago for my sister's last night in NYC and figured this would be the perfect place to celebrate her month long trip here.
Park Avenue did not disappoint. They made you feel like special guests upon arriving and the restaurant decor was breathtaking.
As far as the food goes, my only complaint is that it was a bit on the salty side. I ordered the Mediterranean Branzino, which looked tiny when it first came to the table but ended up being a healthy sized portion. It was very tasty and cooked to my satisfaction. The presentation was spectacular.
The dessert was the winner here with it's unique concoctions! Talking about the chocolate cube here...favorite display of the night. Everyone was ordering it. It's a must when you come here.
I would definitely visit Park Avenue again, probably out of curiosity for the other seasons!
