New York - It's one of the hardest questions for a food critic to answer: “Where do I find a decent place to eat around Penn Station/Madison Square Garden?”
Between the bright lights, stalled traffic, clamouring tourists and dense skyscrapers, New York's transportation and commercial hub isn't pretty, and accessible, edible options near there are few. Options exist, if you're prepared to experiment in Koreatown or walk far enough; otherwise, be prepared to make serious culinary compromises.
The good news is that the development of Hudson Yards, the biggest private real estate development in US history, is already making a profound change, pulling new restaurants, millennials and businesses west. The High Line, the raised walkway that's transformed Chelsea, now wraps around the construction site, to the Hudson River and all the way to the Javits Centre. The extension of the 7 train to New York's first all-new subway station in 25 years, at 34th Street-Hudson Yards, allows access to this new frontier.
For now, you'll still need to do a bit of walking as west side blocks are almost twice as wide as east side blocks, and those blocks seem to get longer the colder the weather gets. Take comfort in knowing that in a few years, it will be an entirely new culinary destination and those who have moved there now will be laughing all the way to the bank.
GO WITH CLIENTS
Drinks
Winnie's (63 W. 38th St., 212-729-0277, www.winniesnyc.com): At the Refinery Hotel, it's a sophisticated place for a discreet martini. The rooftop bar is more of a an intense party scene.
American Whiskey (247 W. 30th St., 212-967-1070, www.americanwhiskeynyc.com): It's a gritty locale with an excellent selection of whiskies.
Any Irish bar: Penn Station abounds with old Irish bars, all about the same. In the station, Tracks (212-244-6350, www.tracksbargrill.com) is pretty good. Stout (133 W. 33rd. St., 212-629-6191, www.stoutnyc.com/landing.php) is among the best.
Dinner
Pennsylvania 6 (132 W. 31st St., 212-727-3666, www.pennsylvania6nyc.com): It's not haute cuisine but gets the job done. Works as both a bar and restaurant. Perfect for client meetings or for folks who need to catch a train (or a game).
Keens Steakhouse (72 W. 36th St., 212-947-3636, www.keens.com): Some say it's the only choice in the area. Some argue it's the best steakhouse in NYC. Tables are hard to get on game or performance nights.
GO WITH FRIENDS
Drinks
Porchlight (271 11th. Ave., 212-981-6188, www.porchlightbar.com/): Danny Meyer already has a bulwark on 11th Ave. Excellent drinks and nibbles with a Southern bent.
Dinner
Kirakuya (2 W. 32nd St. 2F, 212-695-7272, (www.sakebarkirakuya.com): Head up a flight of stairs to find one of New York's best value Japanese ramen/hot pot/sushi spots.
Lupulo (835 Sixth Ave., 212-290-7600, www.lupulonyc.com): This offeres fun, casual, excellent Portuguese with a large central bar.
Brooklyn Fare (431 W. 37th St., 212-216-9700, www.brooklynfare.com): This market's Manhattan outpost is already serving the pioneers living in the area. The restaurant, hidden in the back to the right, promises to open soon.
The Breslin (16 W. 29th St., www.thebreslin.com)/John Dory (1196 Broadway, 212-792-9000, www.thejohndory.com): April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman's rocking bistro and raw bar twins.
Late Night
Vu (17 W. 32nd St., 212-991-8842, www.vunyc.com): This New York secret atop the La Quinta hotel is unpretentious, with good prices and a sensational view.
GO WITH FAMILY
Pre-Game/Pre-Show
Lucy's Cantina Royale (34th Street and Eighth Avenue, 212-643-1270, www.lucyscantinaroyale.com): In a fun-looking shack in Penn Plaza, Lucy's scores with decent Mexican food, location, friendly staff, and good margaritas.
Lugo (1 Penn Plaza, 212-760-2700, www.ldvhospitality.com/brands/lugo-cucina-italiana): Opposite the station, this is a perfectly serviceable Italian option.
Nick & Stef's (9 Penn Plaza, 212-563-4444, www.patinagroup.com): Part of Nick Valenti and Joachim Splichal's Patina Group, the food is surprisingly edible. Book early.
Dinner
L'Amico (849 Avenue of the Americas, 212-201-4065, (www.lamico.nyc): Laurent Tourondel's new Italian pizza spot appeals to the young folk pouring into the neighbourhood and their parents who are probably subsidising them.
Parker & Quinn (64 W. 39th St., 212-729-0277, http://www.parkerandquinnnyc.com): American bistro fare, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great for groups, visiting family and parents.
Bloomberg - Washington Post