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November 9, 2012

Balthazar, New York

When I told my hairdressers that I was planning a holiday to New York, the first thing both of them told me was that I had to go to Balthazar, at least once, while I was there. Over the year or so of planning and booking, whenever I'd go back for my hair appointments they always told me the same thing - go to Balthazar! Once in New York though, I just didn't get the opportunity to go there - I knew that if I was going to go there that I'd want to spoil myself, and that my friend I was travelling with probably wouldn't have been as interested in that as I was. By the second week I'd started thinking that I wouldn't get there, but....maybe next time.

On the second last day in New York my opportunity came - I had some shopping to do and my friend had some things to do as well so after exploring the shops for a few hours I was ready for a late lunch and headed over to Balthazar to see what all the fuss was about.
And I'm so glad that I went. I wish that I'd gone earlier in my stay so that I could have gone back. I had such a great experience there - you know when you're having such a great time, when everything just works and you get that happy buzz...... sitting in Balthazar I got that buzz. I was just so....happy, that I didn't know what to do with myself :)
Here's my table for one :) I did get seated next to another girl from Sydney who was on her own too, so we were able to chat and I got some great coffee place recommendations.
I can't remember the name of this cocktail that I had, and I can't seem to find their cocktail menu on the Balthazar website, but it was delicious. It made the lunch that little bit more special.
 
Yes, this meal deserves two pictures. It's the Balthazar Bar Steak with pommes frites and bearnaise sauce ($28) - a simple but fantastic meal. The steak had a smokey flavour to it and the bearnaise sauce was creamy but not too heavy.
Dessert was a must, although it was difficult to choose from what was on the menu. I decided to go with a classic - the Creme Brulee ($9.00) which was lovely, and followed that up with a Cafe au Lait ($4.75). The coffee actually wasn't too bad, which is saying something - it's hard to find a really good coffee in New York!

 The finishing touch for me was when the waiter approached me during my meal and announced that it was the restaurant's policy that any ladies dining alone should have a complimentary champagne. What a nice way to make a girl lady feel special!
 
 
Have you ever had an amazing experience in a restaurant like this? I'd love to hear your stories and experiences!
 
80 Spring St
New York City, NY
10012
(Between Broadway and Crosby)
Reservations: +1 (212) 965-1414
 
                           
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2 comments:

  1. Oh Claire, I can tell from the way you wrote this post that you were so happy & in such a good place! Sounds like a really special experience & memory that you won't forget in a hurry! That creme brulee looks awesome, as does your first course! Look forward to reading about more of your foodie experiences...!!

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  2. Aww that's so great that you got a glass of champagne! :D And the dishes look like perfectly done classic :)

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