Look at this building – just like the tip of a flat iron with go-to Eataly in view on the right. 
Pan fried trout with olive tapenade 
Classic beef Wellington
Butter soft smoked salmon rocket salad
Creamy foie gras terrine 

Today’s eating experiences have ranged from fast food court-side at a lunchtime New York Knicks basketball match, to this evening’s sumptuous Christmas dinner in Soho’s Crosby Street Hotel. The variety of cuisines in this vibrant city would suit even the fussiest of eaters. I had to chuckle to myself at a sign in the refreshment area of the basketball stadium that read, “Healthy Garden” in reference to a so-called healthy food outlet. Deep fried corn chips, commercially processed salsas, and a variety of sugar laden (but low fat!!) menu items were on offer and unsuspecting diners lined up in droves. Gosh, their notion of healthy was certainly questionable. 

As we walked a couple of kilometres from the excitable madness of Madison Square Garden, we soon found ourselves facing an incredible architectural structure. An iconic “Flat Iron” building. The stunning detail on the stone facade and impressive shape had “out-of-towners” (like us) stopping and snapping shots, i-Phone in hand. As we turned we realised that popular, widely publicised eatery Eataly was opposite. A shame it was not open for business today, but peering in through the glass windows we were impressed by the expanse and impeccable fit-out of this restaurant, cafe, grocery store and cooking school complex. I had heard Eataly described in Australia as our “Fratelli Fresh on steroids”. What an apt description. Must go back tomorrow after our sightseeing stint through Central Park. 

All that cross city strolling today came in handy as it geared up my appetite for dinner. Despite the restaurant being full and bustling with diners in a jovial Christmas mood, the floor staff managed to keep courses flowing almost effortlessly. Not only has the food been faultless both in flavour, preparation and presentation, during our stay at The Crosby Street Hotel, the service has been sophisticated, knowledgable and attentive – very New York. 

Included above are some of the dishes we devoured this evening, but I didn’t manage to snap them all we were having so much fun. Cheers and Merry Christmas with a glass of celebratory Veuve Clicquot in hand.