For a Memorable Meal, Try Le Veau D'Or. Some people might just decide on a whim to pop in to Le Veau D'Or for a quick bite, but this very famous and established French restaurant has a gravitas about it that lends it best to a special ocassion. The pacing of a meal in this age of harried people and untrained waiters makes Le Veau D'Or stand out even more than its largely unchanging menu of French bistro classics like Carre d'Agneau Roti. When surrounded by people who believe that the point of a meal is to eat it slowly and taste every bite and in between bites engage in stimulating conversation, it's hard to want to rush anything. Not only would it be a criminal waste of money (the restaurant is expensive), but it would be an insult to those who have given their careers over to the art of cooking fine food and serving it with knowledge and respect.

Everything on our table was expertly prepared, and the presentation was flawless. I love to order foods that I find difficult to execute at home without labor and know-how, and so I particularly enjoyed the Céleri rémoulade, my first course. Coq au vin, which followed, was perfectly tender. I do think I was eating a slow-braised rooster and not some random factory hen! The crowning event was the simple and yet so flavorful rum parfait, with the rum mixing expertly with a rich coffee ice cream, thanks to the waiter's deft hand.

Le Veau D'Or is not an assuming and presumptuous restaurant. It does remarkably little to call attention to itself, and its patrons clearly like it that way. Those in the know, who can appreciate the art of an expertly cooked meal in a beautiful restaurant without fanfare, clutter, and hype are the patrons that Chef de Cuisine M. Gerard Vidal wishes to invite in. They come, and they leave fully satisfied and eager for another ocassion to return.

One of my favorite memories of NYC. Was sublime. Had the rack of lamb and peach Melba for dessert. I hope they re-open. The romance of the place was intense!!