eat & drink: NEW YORK

The Waverly Inn and Garden

Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s semi-private, revamped Waverly Inn is rumored to only take reservations via a special private phone number and/or e-mail address unless you show up on the restaurant’s doorstep in person two days prior to your desired dinner date. Luckily for me, I went with a friend who knows Doug, bartender extrordinare, and in my opinion, assuming he likes you, one of the best reasons to go to The Waverly in the first place (though the ever present paparazzi and star crazed patrons may not all necessarily agree).

We started with Doug’s latest concoction, the Cherry Blossom, a spring-minded martini of muddled cherrys and various other tasty ingredients. He recommended a great red I wish I could remember and by the end of the night let me try the homemade fresh garlic tomato water that was the base of his tomato martini, no longer on the menu but I bet must have been great. We ordered the tuna tartare, some version of which seems to be on everyone's menu the last few years, made of finely mashed tuna and a layer of avacado. I enjoyed it, but still think Magnolia’s version in LA is my favorite. Next we tried the Grilled Veggie and Country salads, the latter topped with a poached egg. Then we ordered the infamous $60 black truffle mac and cheese that was $85 when we were there because truffles were almost out of season. Though I don’t think it justifies the price, it is truly delicious; fresh grated black truffles on creamy Vermont cheddar covered macaroni. Doug insisted on either the apple crumble or bananas Foster for dessert and we obliged and ordered the Foster.

I’m not sure the food is as unbelievable as the hype surrounding this place, but it was quite good. Its one of those places that just feels good when you're there. The décor is dramatic, cozy and inviting and Doug is superb.

The Waverly Inn and Garden / 16 Bank St / New York, NY 10014 / 212.243.7900 / Cross: Between 4th St & Waverly St / Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave

BURGERS - NYC

Shake Shack

This alfresco burger joint sits in the middle of Manhattan’s Madison Square Park (at Madison Avenue and 23rd Street). The urban-retro “shack” rests beneath the park’s canopy of trees recalling 1950s chic to New Yorkers who have made the place so popular the line can sometimes stretch to the park's southeast entrance. I would advise going off peak hours (an hour or two before or after lunch) if you want to minimize your wait.
The Shake Shack burger taste is unique to some of NY’s other favorites (Corner Bistro and Burger Joint, both mentioned below) due to the sirloin-brisket combination used in their patties. And did I mention the Chicago-style dogs and St. Louis-style frozen custards? Simply delicious.

Shake Shack / Madison Square Park / New York, NY 10010 / 212.889.6600 / Cross: Madison Avenue and 23rd Street / Directions: N, R, W at 23rd St; 6 at 23rd St. / http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/

Corner Bistro
If you call yourself a New Yorker, chances are you’ve eaten at this classic tavern in West Greenwich Village at least once. And if you’re really a New Yorker, you'll know that the best time to do that is a weekday afternoon, when Corner Bistro is mellow and charming. Regardless of the time you visit, the real reason everyone goes is the Bistro Burger: an eight-ounce thick slab of juicy grilled beef piled several inches high with melted cheese, bacon and raw onions, served on a paper plate. And at $6.75, it’s not only delicious; it’s one of the cheapest eats you'll find in NYC.

Corner Bistro / 331 W 4th St. / New York, NY 10014 / Cross: Jane Street and 8th Avenue / Directions: A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave / 212.242.9502 / http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/

Burger J

oint
Inside the posh Le Parker Meridien, a lone neon burger sign points around a curtained corner to the city's "secret" hole-in-the-wall burger obsession.