Aquavit

Frommer's Review

I'll miss the waterfall and the intimate town-house setting that Aquavit vacated in 2005. Thankfully, however, the food and staff have had no trouble adjusting to the transition. Everything remains first-rate. The restaurant is now in the bottom of a glass tower on East 55th Street, and designed in sleek Scandinavian style with modernist furniture. In the front of the restaurant is an informal and less expensive cafe, while past a long bar is the dining room.

After the move, if anything, the food has improved. The smoked fish -- all the fish -- is prepared perfectly. I often daydream about the herring plate: four types of herring accompanied by a tiny glass of aquavit, distilled liquor not unlike vodka flavored with fruit and spices, and a frosty Carlsberg beer. The hot smoked Arctic char on the main a la carte menu, served with clams and bean puree in a mustard green broth, is also a winner. Most fixed-price menus offer a well-chosen beverage accompaniment option.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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