If we selected only one spot you have to see in New York; FireBird would be it. The double townhouse, was created by Baroness Irina von der Launitz, who yearning for her native St. Petersburg, had her millionaire husband recreate a Tsar's home. Whether it's the books brought over from Russia at the turn of the century in the Library room, to the Picasso drawings in the China room, to the FireBird ballet costumes (encased by MoMA for them in air-tight glass) on the second floor, this spot has to be seen to be believed. Under new owner Joe Valentine, diners are discovering the 200+ types of vodka; 300+ types of wine; the caviar tasting menu (an artistic tableside service involving red onion, eggs and crème fraîche rolled into buckwheat blini); the "Herring Under a Fur Coat" a terrine of herring, beet, carrots, potatoes, egg under a sprig of dill; the sumptuous puff-pastry salmon Kulebiaka, with sorrel spinach sauce and a citrus-fennel slaw. Not to be missed are the borscht, over brisket; the Venigret salad of red and yellow beets, potato, pickles, sour cabbage; a flaming presentation of Bananas Foster; and the Ptichva Moloko (Bird’s Milk), a melt-in-your-mouth almond cake that is light as a feather. Those looking to book a spot for a luxury group dinner or small wedding must see the LV room and garden patio that can seat 50 and hold 150 for a reception. Must.

$$$$

terms of use
© Copyright 1998-2024 Hipguide