Town: Subterranean Dining in New York (New York Restaurant Review 3)

On the last day of our New York visit, the concierge made reservations at Town for brunch. We entered at the restaurant's ground level and were taken down a wide metal spiral staircase to an underground dining area with no windows. However, the ceiling was very high, and the light-colored walls made the room seem bright and open. While the room was interesting, the food left something to be desired, mainly good flavor.

We started with appetizers. Steve had the smoked salmon, which was not as fresh and tasty as one would expect at a top-notch restaurant. Lisa did, however, enjoy the tuna tartare. For the main course, Lisa ordered a banana hazelnut waffle, which like just about everything else, was overly sweet. Steve had french toast. It was acceptable, but was neither filling nor inspired. It did not taste any better than what could made at home, and in fact was not quite as good as the cinammon french toast Lisa makes for her holiday brunch every year.

In a role reversal, for dessert, Steve ordered a chocolate and caramel dish, which, in keeping with the rest of the brunch at this restaurant, was too sweet. Lisa had struedel with granola, which was mediocre at best, as she can barely remember eating it.

By far the best part of the brunch was a complimentary basket of rolls and muffins. (Steve initially tried to order and pay for a basket or rolls, which was on the menu, but the waitress told us we would get the rolls anyway for free.) The bread was warm and fresh.

We each drank a glass of champagne, compliments of the concierge who made all our restaurant arrangements that weekend. Otherwise, we had orange juice.

The bathrooms both were very nice and clean, with unusual sinks. The sink basins were rectangular and slanted down from the wall. HIdden faucets automatically sent warm water streams. Groups of what looked like white rocks or stones that appeared to be for decorative purposes lay in the sink basins, which was a little unnerving.

Brunch for two at Town with only orange juice to drink was still $150.00, which struck us as well-overpriced for what we got.

Our ratings for Town, 15 W. 56th Street, New York, New York:

5.5 of 10 Spatulas (steak knives just doesn't make sense for this one) and 2.5 of 3 Bathroom Brushes