vip in the city

Good (looking) eats

J had offered to accompany me back to the doctor early this morning, which was fortunate for me, as I quite literally could not have navigated my way the ten blocks to Roosevelt Hospital, and then through its labyrinthine corridors, without her physically guiding me the entire way.

And so this beautiful day wouldn’t be all about my medical crisis, we stopped in for lunch at Bouchon Bakery, with its stellar views over Columbus Circle into the southwest corner of the park. Not that I could really enjoy it: in my impaired state, I only narrowly avoided a very embarrassing situation when I couldn’t determine with certainty which set of doors led to the women’s restrooms. The photos below were just as much for me to review later as they were for this blog.

J and I split a curried chicken salad sandwich, which was hands down the best chicken salad sandwich I’d ever had — in a mall or otherwise. Thomas Keller – of Yountville’s French Laundry and Ratatouille fame – elevated this simple café fare with his focus on fresh, premium ingredients. The gourmet version of our sandwich was made up of tender chunks of roast chicken, studded with golden raisins and toasted almonds, and served on hummus-spread fennel semolina bread, with romaine lettuce, pickled red onions and a side of cornichons.

Though his were just named the best sticky buns in the city, this afternoon we opted for the Thomas Keller Nutter Butter – a decadent, yet comforting take on the classic Nabisco cookie. (There’s a TKO — Thomas Keller Oreo — also.) At just under $20 for the two items, plus a quality lemonade and a bottled soda, our lunch wasn’t exactly “cheap eats,” but at less than one-tenth the price of a the prix-fixe tasting menu at Per Se upstairs, well worth the small splurge.

Back at my still-dimmed apartment, J kept me company as we sat through a mini-marathon of Top Chef. Later still, SYB dropped in for a brief visit after having valiantly endured the still-considerable crowds to bring by another taste of luxury in the form of Madagascar vanilla gelato from Grom.

I think I could get used to this.