Aquavit, New York City

Note: I first dined at Aquavit in 2003 at it's original location on 13 West 54th St. when it was headed by internationally acclaimed top chef, Marcus Samuelsson (James Beard award winner for Best Chef in NYC in 2003). Aquavit has relocated since then (see address below) with a different Executive Chef, Marcus Jernmark. Although the restaurant has undergone changes in the past several years, what remains true is the fact that it has withstood the test of time in an ever-changing NYC restaurant scene. What a testament to its quality and resilience.

-------------------------------------------
I first heard about Aquavit on the Food Network channel a while ago and wanted so desperately to dine here. However, on my tight budget, only a special occasion could warrant such a visit. Consequently, I took P.G. here for his birthday.

We were greeted by a very pleasant and professional wait-staff and seated in the main dining room, which boasted of a six-story high glass enclosed atrium and an 18-foot cascading waterfall. Such is Scandinavian design, the restaurant was contemporary and minimalist; sleek and elegant, featuring blond woods, black leather and beige linen.

We ordered from the pre-fixe menu, which included three courses. Prior to our meals, however, we were pleasantly greeted with various Scandinavian samplings, courtesy of the chef.

It was definitely a lovely dining experience at Aquavit, but don’t come hungry - the portions are small. Remember, you're paying for quality, not quantity.

Favorite Dish: I ordered the Lobster Roll for the first course, the Tournedos of Duck for the second, and Chocolate Ganache for dessert. I don't recall what P.G. ordered, but I know he enjoyed it.

This place is very upscale and expensive. This is a Swedish restaurant where the prix fixed dinner is a 4 course meal. Which comes with of course Lemon Aquavit to clear your palate. The decor with beautiful.

Favorite Dish: The lamb is very delicious. Also try the Lobster roll.

I visited the Aquavit's cafe, for a mid-day lunch. The food was a bit too sophisticatedly presented, but the veil was soft and tasty, and the vegetables that came along with it (neatly arranged like an Origami arrangement!) were nice too. The desert - some chocolate fudge with some ice-cream was delicious. I realize the restaurant has recently moved to another location - 65 E 55th street.

I visited the Aquavit's cafe, for a mid-day lunch. The food was a bit too sophisticatedly presented, but the veil was soft and tasty, and the vegetables that came along with it (neatly arranged like an Origami arrangement!) were nice too. The desert - some chocolate fudge with some ice-cream was delicious. I realize the restaurant has recently moved to another location - 65 E 55th street.

Treat yourself to a meal at Aquavit- the best Swedish restaurant this side of Stockholm. It's expensive, but the presentation, service, ambiance and mostly- the food - is worth it.

Located in the former Rockefeller mansion, the dining room is an experience. Try to get a table by the indoor waterfall. And try the different flavor aquavits.

First of all, let me just note that this is a SWEDISH restaurant. (There was no Swedish category to check off).

If you are going around December 31, you will be treated to the Swedish tradition of girls singing with candles in their hair to celebrate St. Lucia.

We sampled many of the Aquavits - and just to warn you, if you have never drank aquavit before - WATCH OUT! It's potent! And it stays in your sinuses long after.

We ordered the sampler platter which had a variety of traditional Swedish cuisine beautifully orchestrated on the place. The food was fantastic!

The decor was absolutly beautiful. Both the upstairs and the downstairs. Contemporary and clean.

I have recommended this place to several people, who now recommend it as well!

Doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you see the mainfloor, the extremely high ceiling and atrium feeling of the restaurant is very impressive with the large fountain display adding a nice elegant touch to the scenery.

Favorite Dish: Vasterbotten cheese, the parsnip dish with truffle and asparagus. Rich, but delicious. Dessert was warm chocolate ganache with red pepper sorbet. Excellent! Little surprises along the way included the one-bite appetizers, brought over as "compliments from the chef". Kobe beef ravioli in truffle oil tea was a great appetizer. The porcini-crusted steak and it was delicious! I am a mushroom lover and I rarely see these exotic mushrooms on the menus of NY restaurants.
(I personally won't eat seafood) This are recommended by the friends I went with for seafood lovers: curried herring, sunchoke soup with crab ravioli, melon, and sea urchin (uni), the herring platter and tea-soaked duck and the gingerbread dessert. Elegant yet understated, sublime food.

It's Brazilian/Japanese fusion food.

Go to the one downtown - nicer ambience, esp. if you can get a roof-top table. Great seafood, drinks and don't miss the desserts. Fun place to get together with friends and people watch.

Incredible atmosphere and course upon course of food! We had 9 courses of food and 7 wine flights.

Favorite Dish: Salmon