Tao
Tao is renowned for its exquisite décor, which mixes industrial chic with Asian tranquility. Here you'll find a Zen garden, bare brick walls. a reflecting pool, and industrial staircases. For the best views, head to the mezzanine, which opens up toward a giant Buddha statue. If you're looking for a quick bite or a drink, there are also two full-service bars and a sushi bar here. While many come here for the social scene (plenty of celebrities dine here on a regular basis), the food is also fabulous. Of special mention are the Squab lettuce wraps and the Mandarin Sizzle fried rice with pork. For dessert, order the giant chocolate fortune cookie.
Tao
42 E 58th St
New York, NY 10022-1910
(212) 888-2288
www.taorestaurant.com
Casa La Femme North
Casa La Femme North is an exotic restaurant that aims to imitate the feel and taste of Egypt. To the delight of customers, they seem to be doing a great job. The tables here are covered by gauzy white tents, so you're able to dine in privacy while still being able to watch things going on around you. There are belly dancers and exotic items decorating the walls and ceilings, such as leather lamps and plush furniture. There are two choices for dinner here: the Prix Fixe Menu or A la Carte Dinner. The first is a great choice if you want to sample a variety of dishes, which include appetizers, a side dish, a main course and dessert. If you're ordering on your own, the bell-pepper-based Felfel Mashi and the Warak Enab (a traditional dish with grape leaves) are favorites.
Casa La Femme North
140 Charles Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 505-0005
www.casalafemmeny.com
Masa
One of the most expensive restaurants in the country is right in NYC, according to Forbes. Located in the Time Warner Center, Masa has no menu. Instead, guests are treated to a tasting menu, a series of dishes created by Master Chef Masa Takayama right on the spot. The whole experience lasts three hours, and the small restaurant (there are only 26 seats) charges a fixed $300 per person. Drinks and tips are extra. Aside from the high-end Japanese dishes, the traditional outfits, and the Shinto-like space, this restaurant is famous for its quiet ambiance, which makes the place almost a religious experience. Popular dishes included in the tasting menu include Kobe-beef sukiyaki, aji mackerel sashimi and uni risotto, rich in truffles.
Masa
10 Columbus Cir
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9800
www.masanyc.com
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
