Originally Posted by United747 (Post 28412438)

I need some advice...

I'm taking my sister to NYC for her (and my) birthday, I would like to take her to a Michelin starred restaurant but cannot decide which. She ruled out Jean-Georges and me Per Se, but I have been leaning towards Le Bernardin or Gramercy Tavern but can't decide. She's never been to any Michelin restaurants and don't know if we should dive right into 3* or do it more slowly?

She'll eat almost anything so cuisine isn't much of a factor. So I guess my question is, what would you do?

Originally Posted by offerendum (Post 28338361)

House of Tides looks good, I like British cousine.

Originally Posted by VivoPerLei (Post 28414288)

Do you have a Twitter feed for all of your pics? Was looking at Andy Hayler's pics from the Typing Room last night. Seems like a good idea.

I could Tweet mine tonight but doubt anyone wants to see pics of Wahaca in White City..I'd lose my followers

Originally Posted by PsiFighter37 (Post 28413334)

Both are excellent, but if you want something that feels like an NYC experience, do Gramercy Tavern. Been there multiple times and it never gets old.

Originally Posted by United747 (Post 28416562)

Thanks, I've only been to Gramercy Tavern for lunch and your comment made me take another look since I was siding towards Le Bern. But the beverage program at Gramercy Tavern looks pretty cool and that seems to have tipped the scales for me.

Originally Posted by United747 (Post 28416562)

Thanks, I've only been to Gramercy Tavern for lunch and your comment made me take another look since I was siding towards Le Bern. But the beverage program at Gramercy Tavern looks pretty cool and that seems to have tipped the scales for me.

Originally Posted by CappuccinoAddict (Post 28429295)

I think it depends what type of experience you are looking for. Gramercy Tavern is always a good meal but not always a particularly memorable one. Le Bernardin is just as much as a NYC institution but a more splendid one. If you both like seafood I'd go for Le B.

Originally Posted by uggboy (Post 27301752)

April 2016, Our lunch experiences

During my fiancé’s birthday travel in April 2016 we decided to have lunch at VAU. It has one Michelin star and is just off the Gendarmenmarkt, where the Franzoesiche Dom and Deutscher Dom are located, on Jaegerstrasse in the heart of Berlin, Germany.

It is in a quiet area and VAU has as a direct neighbor the Greek Embassy. The classic building has a vibrant color and a Mediterranean feel.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8809/2...0a54bf5b_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr

The interior was designed by Meinhard von Gerkan. He was also responsible for Le Canard Nouveau in Hamburg, where we had lunch only a few days earlier. Please see our review.

There are some things both restaurants have in common: The chairs and the use of wood. Otherwise Le Canard Nouveau is understated and Japanese/Asian, while VAU is inspired by the sunnier climates of Southern Europe.

VAU is divided into two spaces. One at the back, which contains the most of the tables, and another, bright space where ca. 10 people can sit. The window is very large, and reminds us more of a show window of a shop which lets in lots of natural daylight.

Another reason was the personality of the chef Kolja Kleeberg. He is very creative - not only in the kitchen. He is a musician and actor as well.

The first thing, when entering, we encountered was the bar, which looked stylish and right out of the 1930s.

We were warmly welcomed and brought to our table near the window.

There was an elderly couple already enjoying their lunch. Later a group and a single business man arrived. The atmosphere was good and the staff made us immediately feel welcome and at home.

The table was covered with a white linen cloth and had a flower in a vase as decoration.

We were offered Seltzer water, which was included in the price of the lunch, and asked if we would like to have an aperitif. We checked if they had alcohol-free cocktails. The bartender came to us and asked if we wanted a classic or modern one. We decided for the latter. It was made with Matcha green tea, lime, grape juice and soda and was served in a Martini glass. We both loved it. The combination was just right, not too sweet and not too dry.

Next bread and salted butter were brought to our table which we enjoyed, a good start.

We chose from the lunch menu and decided on three courses. Our starters were roasted cod, onion tarte fine, rocket salad and anchovies and asparagus ceviche, elderberry, pomelo and watercress.

It was followed by crisp pike perch, spinach, brown butter, almonds and pink grapefruit and pink fried duck breast with wild broccoli and radicchio trevisano.

Desserts were Piedmont hazelnut cake with cream praline and sea buck thorn and Tarte Tartine with rum raisins and walnut.

My fiancé wanted to try the other non-alcoholic drink with orange juice and Sun-bitters. It came in a long ball glass and was decorated with skewered orange pieces. The "classic" was equally memorable as was the "modern" non-alcoholic cocktail we enjoyed earlier.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8668/2...024cf231_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr

With the choice of our coffee, Cappuccino, which was also included in the meal, we received Canele, the same pastry as we had at the FG Restaurant in Rotterdam, The Netherlands earlier during our travels. Please see also our review for more.

The menu was well prepared, the flavors balanced and fitting to the ambience of the restaurant.

The invoice came in at 115 Euro / ca. 130 USD.

The service was attentive, warm and very well aware of our allergies and dislikes.

The lunch was delicious, of high standards and beautifully presented, beside this we enjoyed the location and service, plus the overall setting of the Restaurant VAU.

When in Berlin, we would eat here lunch or dinner again in our future.

Would we recommend this restaurant to a friend? YES! ^
Would we want to enjoy again lunch/dinner at this restaurant in the future? YES! ^

Here are some of our images we took during our lunch at VAU, Berlin, Germany in April 2016:

https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8553/2...48f889c2_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8797/2...be30ded0_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8750/2...39482177_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8582/2...5f4b60a0_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8745/2...0e6d6a74_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8863/2...ecac4caa_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8517/2...6c4f7827_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8778/2...c11f579e_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8691/2...8225a25a_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8702/2...f91e64bc_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8734/2...37ff6bd4_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8851/2...043fac70_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8613/2...95909c18_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7562/2...4ee1023e_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8815/2...49d5c1cf_c.jpg|| VAU || 1* MICHELIN STAR || 16 GAULT MILLAU POINTS || CHEF: KOLJA KLEEBERG || OUR MEMORABLE 3-COURSE LUNCH IN THE HEART OF BERLIN || GERMANY || HIGHLY RECOMMENDED || OUR DUB-AMS-[RTM]-AMS-HAM-[TXL]-DUB-TOUR-APRIL 2016 || by UggBoy UggGirl, on Flickr

Thank you and safe travels. :)

Originally Posted by CappuccinoAddict (Post 28429295)

I think it depends what type of experience you are looking for. Gramercy Tavern is always a good meal but not always a particularly memorable one. Le Bernardin is just as much as a NYC institution but a more splendid one. If you both like seafood I'd go for Le B.

Originally Posted by PsiFighter37 (Post 28434898)

This is fair, but I think the atmosphere does contribute something. GT is prototypically NYC, whereas Le Bernardin is a bit sterile and generically cosmopolitan in atmosphere.

That said, there is no denying that some of the best seafood you will ever eat is at Le Bernardin. I think the deciding factor should really be how much you are in touch with your pescatarian side.

Lastly - the aged / cellared beer selection at GT is phenomenal. I never fail to get an aged beer (last one was ~20 years old!), and they are excellent. No other restaurant I have been to in the world (3-star Michelin or otherwise) has as thoughtful a selection of aged brews.

Originally Posted by uggboy (Post 28433762)

UPDATE:

Sadly, Vau Restaurant in Berlin, Germany has now closed.

We enjoyed our memorable lunch at this beautiful restaurant in April 2016.

We wish Kolja Kleeberg well and have learned that he's looking for a new address in Berlin.

Cheers & Safe Travels. ^