Five city stores where you can dine, too
ABC Kitchen is Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant in ABC Carpet & Home. Credit: Handout
As any good shopper knows, finding the right jeans or the perfect gift takes stamina. Lately, New York City retail-store restaurants have been offering shoppers a way to fuel up without leaving the premises. Here are five of the best spots for a shopper's timeout.
1. ABC Kitchen
WHAT Home decorating is hard work. Luckily, ABC Carpet & Home boasts this critically acclaimed restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Entering the rustic space helps you leave your woes behind, as will the pizzas, pastas and entrees from sea bass ($27) to lobster ($37) to cheeseburgers ($21). Reservations accepted.
WHERE 35 E. 18th St., off Broadway
INFO 212-475-5829, abckitchennyc.com
2. Armani/Ristorante
WHAT Few things in the fashion world trump Giorgio Armani.
So whether you're browsing the gowns or getting fitted for a suit, add Armani/Ristorante, on the third floor of the eponymous store, to your list. The space is a sexy, low-lit room; the menu ranges from a simple burrata ($17) to duck ($32); the pastas are the sure thing. Reservations accepted.
WHERE 717 Fifth Ave. at 56th Street
INFO 212-207-1902, armani.com/ lifestyle
3. Le Train Bleu
WHAT Tucked above the housewares department is Bloomies' original restaurant. Away from the hustle, with sweeping views of Manhattan, Le Train Bleu serves up classics like chicken paillard ($19), salad niçoise ($21) and steak frites ($26) in an elegant turn-of-the- century European dining car. Reservations accepted.
WHERE 1000 Third Ave. at 59th Street, sixth floor
INFO 212-705-2100, bloomingdales.com
4. Fred's at Barneys New York
WHAT The quintessential spot for ladies who lunch, it's here that Jimmy Choo-clad fashionistas are found in high volume waiting during the midday rush. Once seated, look around: You're sure to spot a celebrity (or two). Sure bets include the tuna tartare ($17.50) and the chopped chicken ($25). No reservations.
WHERE 660 Madison Ave. at 60th Street
INFO 212-883-2200, barneys.com
5. Boutique Eat Shop
WHAT Is art your passion? Chelsea's Boutique Eat Shop is a one-of-a-kind experience that incorporates commissioned installations from local galleries with fine dining. Whether it's an architectural model or a painting that grabs you, the setting is a constantly changing performance space that serves excellent global cuisine such as seared tuna ($18) and lamb chops ($28). Reservations accepted.
WHERE 559 W. 22nd St., off 11th Avenue
INFO 212-414-8700, boutiqueeatshop.com
