An UES Jewel- Crown

The UES just got a bit hipper now that Chef and Restauranteur John DeLucie is in the hood. Crown is housed in a plush townhouse that exudes sexy. As soon as you arrive, you’re drawn in by the long zinc-topped bar, perfectly dim lighting, and well mixed cocktails. And this is just the beginning! The elegant and well dressed dining room has a clubby-lounge feel where distinct, stylish accents like crown molding, leather banquettes and wood-paneled walls really round things out. There’s a level of sophistication that’s apparent and it goes beyond the mature crowd.  It’s definitely worth the schlep uptown especially to catch a glimpse of the private dining room tucked away behind a swinging bookcase on the lower level.

Chef John DeLucie delivers a well balanced menu of American classics- oysters, caviar, seafood, pasta dishes and meat favorites. We sampled a broad selection of items and were quite satisfied.

CHOW FAVES:

Trout Tartare- The cucumbers and pumpernickel crostini added a nice texture.

Seafood Salad- Perfectly prepared.

Wagyu Beef Crudo-  Uniquely flavored with parmigiano reggiano and truffle vinaigrette.

Handkerchief Pasta (White Bolognese, Hazelnuts, Black truffles)-  Amazingly delicious!

Short Rib Pasta- Arrived with small tortellini shells in a broth, and it was a lot lighter than I thought it would’ve been. Well done!

Brussels Sprouts- All veggies should taste this good.

Spinach

Fries- Could rival McDonald’s- and I told John DeLucie this…he knew it was the ultimate compliment when it comes to fries!

THE SWEET SPOT:

Chocolate Souffle- Yummy!

Crown- 24 East 81st St / 646-559-4880

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Tags: american food, bar, celebrity chef, Cocktails, Crown, Crown NYC, food review, hot spot, john delucie, manhattan, new american, nyc, private room, restaurant review, secret vip dining room, the glam foodie, The Lion, UES, upper east side, waverly inn