I was more than happy to plan a New Year’s Eve that included not much more than my couch, my husband, and my cats… but friends of ours were visiting from London and were passionate about having a nice meal out, especially at Gramercy Tavern. So 30 days before 12/31, we were online and calling to snag a reservation. And we got one.
And I’m glad she motivated me to get off my butt to enjoy a nice meal on New Year’s Eve. Because it was a really lovely way to spend the holiday, without having to deal with any of the craziness that is NYE in NYC.
The Dining Room menu is typically a 3-course menu where you can choose from an app, entree, and dessert for $92 or a Seasonal Tasting Menu (~6 courses) for $120. New Year’s Eve was no different. (Which I think is important, because I hate price gouging on holidays)
We were at a table with 2 other couples, some of whom were not the foodie activists we are, so when the waiter said it would be hard to have some of the table do the 3-course and the others do the Tasting Menu, we sadly went with the 3-course.
But I longed for that Seasonal Tasting Menu. There were so many dishes on that menu that had my name all over them. I used every kindness I had and asked the waiter if I could choose some things off the Seasonal Tasting Menu, even if they came with a supplement. He checked with the chef and agreed. OH HAPPY DAY!
We started with an amuse bouche, and I got a special one with pickled veggies, which was a very nice start.
One of the items that tickled my fancy off the Tasting Menu was the lobster with squash. This was fantastic. Sweet lobster, cooked just right, complimented by a perfectly roasted squash, squash seeds, and a delightful sauce.
Some other dishes around the table looked equally delicious.
But the other dish off the tasting menu I needed was the short ribs. These were cooked perfectly and in a fantastic sauce with bright, beautiful veggies.
We then got an intermezzo of shaved ice that was a really refreshing transition into dessert.
All of the desserts were lovely, including the cheese tasting.
And we ended the meal with beautiful chocolate fudge and salted caramels.
And they sent us home with homemade banana bread and chocolate hazelnut spread to enjoy the next morning (and oh boy did we).
This was a great meal, and a great way to end a great year with great friends. They were so kind to let me order a custom meal and get the things I so wanted, and for that bit of hospitality I cannot help but love them even more. We already had one great meal at Gramercy Tavern, and I can’t wait to go back for another one. It’s such a classic New York City restaurant that always impresses.
Total Nom Points: 8 out of 10
