Travel time! If we aren’t out adventuring in Los Angeles, New York City is where The LA Girl wants to be. (Obviously.) NYC is a fan-favorite tourist spot, and it is so clear why! The skyscrapers, the parks, the fashion, and let’s not forget about the fantastic restaurants. After a long day of traveling and far too much airport food, Editor-in-Chief Erika De La Cruz had only one restaurant on her mind; Boucherie NYC. With four different locations located around the city, there is sure to be one near your next meeting or shopping spot. No matter what neighborhood or outfit you are in, there will be a Boucherie that’s perfectly fitting for you. La Grande Boucherie hosted our night out, located at 145 W 53rd Street in New York, and has a more formal, chic dress code. (Side note, it is New York, so almost anything goes!) Before entering the restaurant, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. You’ll enter on an uptown sidewalk, into beautiful cherry blossom trees and an enormous grand entrance that makes you feel like you’re on vacation in Paris. Off we go!
The Ambiance: Parisian, but Make It East Coast
Elegant design, authentic architecture, and the smell of roasted meats take you straight to France in the heart of NYC. La Grande Boucherie is a traditional brasserie that is inspired by Art Nouveau style and has quite the grand entrance. If you find yourself in the city around the holidays, you’re in for a treat as the lights and holiday decor line the building interiors on 53rd street. Even the stroll walking up to this gem feels lux. As you walk in, you will spot the unique seating arrangements and centuries-old decor. The tiers of booths and tables span from underneath the ceiling with a staircase beneath, to a wide grand open floor plan and even tiers in between and outside. The combination of the atmosphere and delicious entrees make for a perfect date night, family outing or business dinner. If you are visiting or living in Manhattan, this is a spot you will regret skipping.
The Food: Délicieuse (delicious)
La Grande Boucherie is an authentic French restaurant with a menu filled to near perfection when it comes to variety. Steak Frites, Escargots, and Crème Brûlée were just a few of the many options that caught our eyes (or should we say stomachs). The menu features many French classics, along with fabulous meat choices and cheese plates. Pair your delicious meal with a photographable cocktail or choose from the extensive wine list they have to offer. Attention meat-eaters, the skirt steak and wagyu are off the charts! Some might even say it is some of the best steaks in New York City. For our seafood lovers, the Upper East Side location, La Grande Bucherie, has a full lobster and oyster bar that is divine. Finally, for our vegetarians, the celery au gratin is a new dish we had never experienced and was a 10/10. The entire restaurant is also quite aesthetically pleasing if you are looking for an Instagramable spot. Finish off your meal with a scoop of sorbet or sip on a shot of espresso. Better yet, take The LA Girl’s recommendation and make it an espresso martini if you are in the mood for a sweet treat. Enjoy!
The Service: Attentive & Pleasant
Bonjour! As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted with kind smiles and hellos from a fully staffed host stand. As soon as we sat, our server, Izzettin, walked us through the menu and even recommended some of the fan-favorite dishes from the menu. With his help, we were able to pick out some delicious entrees and decadent cocktails. Our waters remained consistently filled and our plates and table settings were cleared with permission by friendly staff continuously. Overall- we vote: BOOK, BOOK, BOOK for your next trip to New York City!
Photos courtesy of Minimalist Movement