Balthazar Restaurant My Favorite New York Hot Spot
I once heard that there are so many restaurants in New York City, that if every single one of the citys nine million residents wanted to eat at the exact same time, they could all be seated somewhere. I dont know if thats true, but sometimes it seems like there are more dining choices in New York than I know what to so with. Yet still, I keep going back to the same spots I love over and over again. And my absolute favorite is still (and probably always will be) Balthazar restaurant in Soho.
Why do I love the Balthazar restaurant so much? It just seems to have everything I want in a dining experience. It is designed to look like an authentic French bistro, with high ceilings and mirrors all over the walls. The menu is written out on the mirrors.
Speaking of the menu, the food at Balthazar restaurant is fantastic. Its classic French bistro fare, prepared to perfection every time. The bar steak is always delicious, and the French fries are to die for. I also love the steak tartar, which is unfailingly fresh and flavorful. If you get a chance to eat at Balthazar restaurant, you absolutely must try the macaroni and cheese (with bacon, of course). I think it might only be available at lunch, but words cannot describe the transcendent experience you will enjoy if you order it.
Of course, Ive left out the real star of Balthazar, the feature that makes this restaurant an eternal standout: the raw bar. If you love fresh seafood, especially raw oysters, you will get your fix at Balthazar restaurant. I highly recommend one of the raw bar plates they serve. The one called Le Grande is two tiers high, and packed with every wonderful thing that comes from the sea you can think of. It makes a great appetizer if you share it with a couple of friends. Or you might consider Le Balthazar, a gigantic, three-tiered celebration of seafood. Even when shared, Le Balthazar is a filling meal by itself.
Another great feature of Balthazar restaurant is the amazing wine list. I dont know much about wine myself, except that I like to drink it. But the sommelier at Balthazar is very knowledgeable about their selection, and will be glad to help you pick out a wine that complements perfectly whatever food youve ordered. Dont be intimidated to ask. The staff is actually surprisingly friendly at Balthazar restaurant.
For all these reasons, whenever I visit New York I make sure to make a reservation for Balthazar restaurant. The atmosphere is inviting, the dcor is chic, and the food is delicious. Balthazar is quite simply a top notch New York City dining experience.
