Johnlathropa
Jan 1, 05, 6:18 pm
Prime was first-rate as always: we (my gambling buddy and I) rejected initially a banquette table close to a family; the hostess warned us it might be a while as they were so busy, but we waited and had a drink at the bar, and were given a much more private table for 2 with partial view of fountaints within 15 mins.
I don't mind close seating at a noisy place such as Circo, but at a sedate place such as Prime I find it oppressive.
My only criticisms were a) the diffuse wait staff - the senior waiter who took our order seemed to take little interest afterwards and b) the gratin potatoes are still bland, this despite my having written Jean Georges and been kindly given a free meal for two in Manhattan in thanks for my constructive letter ! Also John the always-knowledgeable but pressed sommelier did not decant our 96 amarone: a $165 bottle of wine that needed opening up earlier than it did in our glasses and the open bottle.
Anyway - we started with fabulous foie gras: a caramelized top on a toasted brioche, with a little fig jam on the side. Out of this world. We accompanied it with two dessert wines for variety - a Hungarian 4 putas (sp ?) and a Dolce Far Niente from Cali.
My buddy went on to some composed salad which he said was great; me the true carnivore enjoyed the steak tartare/carpaccio combo plate.
For mains we both had the large filet - prime as ever, with the usual excellent sauces though I thought their number (3: peppercorn, house and underseasoned bearnaise) had been reduced.
Not much room for dessert: an underflavoured caramel ice cream, lacking that burnt crispy flavour that should characterize it.
$485 plus tip - worth it: first-rate as I said though not as perfect as it might have been.
Circo the next night was outstanding in a different way. We were given a banquette with a clear view of the fountains - and well spaced from the couple next to us. Anyway the noise and bustle renders the conversations protected by decibels rather than isolation !
We took it easy on wine as we were getting up and driving to airport at 4 am to catch our flight home after 3 busy days - a glass of prosecco to start, then a nice fruity shiraz.
I started with a toothsome ravioli of beef: great pasta, wonderful ragu and filling; my buddy had a mixed seafood salad which he loved. Then he had a veal shank which looked like a minimalist osso bucco: he found it underseasoned and fibrous. I loved every bite of my lamb: two double chops, a wonderful mustardy-rosemary-garlic coating - every mouthful a treat. His parmesan mashed potatoes were ace; my own underseasoned with a tomato mix on top: camp food !
Bombolini and coffees rounded out a super meal - served in a relaxed way within about 90 mins or so, and we were back to the casino ! $240 overall.
Next trip: Il Mulino, Mon Ami Gabi and Bouchon.
I don't mind close seating at a noisy place such as Circo, but at a sedate place such as Prime I find it oppressive.
My only criticisms were a) the diffuse wait staff - the senior waiter who took our order seemed to take little interest afterwards and b) the gratin potatoes are still bland, this despite my having written Jean Georges and been kindly given a free meal for two in Manhattan in thanks for my constructive letter ! Also John the always-knowledgeable but pressed sommelier did not decant our 96 amarone: a $165 bottle of wine that needed opening up earlier than it did in our glasses and the open bottle.
Anyway - we started with fabulous foie gras: a caramelized top on a toasted brioche, with a little fig jam on the side. Out of this world. We accompanied it with two dessert wines for variety - a Hungarian 4 putas (sp ?) and a Dolce Far Niente from Cali.
My buddy went on to some composed salad which he said was great; me the true carnivore enjoyed the steak tartare/carpaccio combo plate.
For mains we both had the large filet - prime as ever, with the usual excellent sauces though I thought their number (3: peppercorn, house and underseasoned bearnaise) had been reduced.
Not much room for dessert: an underflavoured caramel ice cream, lacking that burnt crispy flavour that should characterize it.
$485 plus tip - worth it: first-rate as I said though not as perfect as it might have been.
Circo the next night was outstanding in a different way. We were given a banquette with a clear view of the fountains - and well spaced from the couple next to us. Anyway the noise and bustle renders the conversations protected by decibels rather than isolation !
We took it easy on wine as we were getting up and driving to airport at 4 am to catch our flight home after 3 busy days - a glass of prosecco to start, then a nice fruity shiraz.
I started with a toothsome ravioli of beef: great pasta, wonderful ragu and filling; my buddy had a mixed seafood salad which he loved. Then he had a veal shank which looked like a minimalist osso bucco: he found it underseasoned and fibrous. I loved every bite of my lamb: two double chops, a wonderful mustardy-rosemary-garlic coating - every mouthful a treat. His parmesan mashed potatoes were ace; my own underseasoned with a tomato mix on top: camp food !
Bombolini and coffees rounded out a super meal - served in a relaxed way within about 90 mins or so, and we were back to the casino ! $240 overall.
Next trip: Il Mulino, Mon Ami Gabi and Bouchon.