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The Four Seasons Restaurant

Location
99 East 52nd Street
Neighborhoods
The Four Seasons Restaurant 1 American Midtown East

Unlike some of the other 52nd Street Side Picks, the Four Seasons needs no introduction. The famed New York restaurant has maintained its status as one of the city's most iconic restaurants since it opened in 1959. Over the next decades, the Four Seasons made a name for itself as the home of the "power lunch" par excellence and is credited with the invention of the seasonally-changing menu, from which it takes its name.

For me, I have had several memorable meals at this magnificent restaurant. So, when The Four Seasons invited us to come by, my daughter happened to be in town, and I chose to have her go in my place. Other members of the Manhattan Sideways team were slightly intimidated – and very excited – by the prospect of visiting this restaurant where the likes of Jackie O, Princess Diana, and Aretha Franklin have dined. But it was Julian Niccolini, the charming Italian co-owner, who welcomed them warmly and put them at ease. Over delectable plates of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, followed by perfect cold poached Ora King Salmon, Julian regaled them with stories of the rich, the famous, and the scandalous. Laughing, he told the three girls how the Four Seasons has done "everything from bar mitzvahs to divorces."

Although the entire experience was incredible, the impeccable service and the immensely kind wait staff particularly impressed everyone. They were especially taken by Neng, from Thailand, who has been working at the restaurant since 1976; "they treat us like family here," he said when asked what he likes best about working at the Four Seasons. Our team's visit ended with a selection of desserts "so delicious it was almost sinful" – including a plum tartlet and a dark chocolate-raspberry concoction – accompanied by glasses of Moet & Chandon champagne. I was so pleased that everyone had such a remarkable experience at this incredible restaurant, particularly my own little girl. Thank you, Julian.

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The Four Seasons Restaurant 1 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 2 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 3 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 4 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 5 American Midtown East
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The Four Seasons Restaurant 10 American Midtown East
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The Four Seasons Restaurant 12 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 13 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 14 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 15 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 16 American Midtown East
The Four Seasons Restaurant 17 American Midtown East

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Hudson Malone

When legendary bartender Doug Quinn parted ways with his longtime employer P. J. Clark's a few blocks north, he marched right over to 53rd Street and began creating what he describes as "an iconic New York saloon restaurant. " Doug's goal is to make Hudson Malone, named after his two young boys, the kind of neighborhood spot where people can feel at home. Whether the customer is twenty-one or ninety, "I like people to mingle with one another, " Doug told me. His hope is to build something that he believes New York lacks at the moment. A big part of this is Doug himself, as I witnessed while visiting. His warm greeting to familiar faces and new customers was genuine and charming as he quickly ran behind the bar to fix them their favorite drinks. It is also in the small details of Hudson Malone, particularly the decor, where Doug has collected photographs of New York sports legends including the 1938 Yankees, a twinkling jukebox by the front of the bar, and a chalkboard displaying Quinn's Laws - "They're all things your Grandma should have taught you, " Doug demurs. I was particularly drawn to the upstairs room, which has its own private entrance and features an intricately carved nineteenth-century center-piece serving as the backdrop to the bar. This is just one more example of the classic saloon decor. In addition to a wide selection of beers and cocktails, Hudson Malone offers a traditional American menu held to Doug's high standards. "I like putting on a show every night, " Doug excitedly told me. "I want the food coming out of my kitchen to cause people to turn their heads. "

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