Lunch Between 5th and Park

Joe C. writes:

Dear Joe,

        How long has it been since you were at La Grenouille (3 East 52nd Street, 212 752 1495)?  The flowers are exuberant as ever and the service is not stuffy anymore. I find it incredibly sexy to sit at the bar and watch the noon-hour drama, but then I’m a pinch penny and the inexpensive bar menu is perfect.   

        And are you a fan of Marcus Sammuelson’s food at Aquavit (65 East 55th Street, 212 307 7311) between Madison and Park? 

        You might try Alto (520 Madison Avenue, 212 308 1099) at 53^rd St., where Michael White keeps an eye on the kitchen while devoting most of his time to the new Marea (out of your designated turf on Central Park South). 

        I haven’t been to San Pietro (18 East 54th Street, 212 753 9015) for a while but I loved the cooking and owners fussing on my last visit and if it’s good enough for Ron Perelman, it might be good enough for you, Joe.  Nobody in your crowd talks about Fig and Olive I’ll bet (10 East 52nd Street, 212 319 2002). Try it on 52^nd between 5^th and Madison for a feel of Mougins.

        If watching stylish women, jetsters from Italy and expensively draped fashionistas is more important than great food, you might try the new Armani/Ristorante (717 5th Avenue at 56th St., 212 207 1902). 

Gael