Mark's Restaurant, The Mark Hotel Currently Closed for Renovations -- scheduled to reopen late 2008

A French Rose Blooms on Madison Avenue

After a sumptuous meal of French and American cuisine at Mark's Restaurant, you and your date will be seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. You won't, however, forget that you're in New York. The critically acclaimed restaurant at The Mark Hotel is the epitome of old Madison Avenue glamour, with its elegant tea lounge, dark-wood decor, and seductive lighting (bright enough to see your date and the gorgeous presentation, dark enough so that you look your best). The tiered dining room is conducive to intimate conversation, and you'll feel as though you are in a brownstone library rather than a restaurant.

The atmosphere's understated sophistication conceals an exotic surprise: the menu. Lively flavors and daring combinations await you in your menu, which is actually four menus in one: Mediterranee, Fan of Asia, Equinox, and Modern Classics. Each has a distinctive theme, but Chef Jean-Pierre encourages patrons to mix and match when choosing their first and second plates. You'll have a difficult time deciding between succulent dishes such as the baby poussin with truffle mashed potato and foie gras sauce and the wild striped bass with spices and lemon confit.

The staff is careful to give their guests space, appearing exactly when you need them to give expert advice on how best to pair your meal with wine from their extensive collection. It is the food that steals the show, bursting with surprise flavors and sometimes even arriving in disguise. The walnut and truffle cappuccino - a frothy, savory soup - masquerades as an ordinary cappuccino, complete with a parmesan "cookie." The chef has been known to create sushi-inspired dessert trays on special occasions.

Your main courses arrive with sultry ingredients flanking the dishes: caviar, avocado, pomegranate, lobster, mango, black truffle. When choosing your date for Mark's Restaurant, invite someone from whose plate you're not shy about stealing a bite or two. You'll want to sample everything that comes to your table. End your evening with the soft centered dark chocolate cake with Bailey's and cinnamon ice cream. Any hyperbole aside, it is the best dessert you will have for a long, long time.

Besides having a wonderful dinner menu, Mark's Restaurant is an excellent place to stop and have tea in the middle of a busy day of Upper East Side shopping. Year-round events include tea seminars, wine tastings, and an annual summer Riesling Festival. But if you choose to go to The Mark on a dinner date - and I highly suggest that you do - take someone whose company you crave. This is a dining experience to savor.

The Mark Hotel
25 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021
The Mark Hotel

The Blakely New York

By Sheree Bykofsky

What do you want from a hotel? A comfortable bed, nice amenities, a good shower and bath? What about excellent value, welcoming service or maybe a central location? The Blakely New York has it all. These smartly appointed rooms are a real deal in Manhattan, but the hotel's fabulous penthouse includes a separate sitting area with its own private outdoor terrace, a marble bathroom with Jacuzzi and shower, wireless internet service, luxurious down bedding and a large flat screen TV. Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, you'll have easy access to Carnegie Hall, Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art, but it's just as tempting to stay in and enjoy the view of the City Center from the most reasonable balcony penthouse in New York.

The Blakely New York
136 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-245-1800
800-735-0710
BlakelyNewYork.

Abboccato Ristorante

What do you expect from a fine Italian restaurant? A delicious offering of breads and cheese? A superior wine list and elegant goblets? Do you prefer an atmosphere as tempting as the menu? True to the intimate nature of the Blakely Hotel, its outstanding restaurant--Abboccato Ristorante-offers all of this in a romantic and comfortable environment that puts you at ease for a mouth-watering, belt-loosening feast. The decorative touches such as the clay colored brick walls on one side and luxuriously upholstered ones on the other compliment an equally divine meal. Sip on a strawberry rhubarb bellini or ask one of the helpful servers to assist you in picking the perfect wine from the extensive list. Inspired chef, Jake Addeo, has created such fantasies as pasta with Valrona chocolate served with morel mushrooms, white asparagus and parmesan areggiano finished with Umbrian black summer truffles. Reluctant to leave such an intoxicating evening? Spend the night in The Blakely's beautiful penthouse, complete with a balcony and an enchanting view.

Abboccato Ristorante
136 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019
212-265-4000
www.Abboccato.com