↳replying to u/NMGJ200: Ollie’s Chinese - original first UWS, Lincoln Center location, before they enlarged the first space.
H&H bagels
Pò - Batali’s first resto in WV.
Union Square Cafe - original on 16th was unmatched.
La Fourchette - UES. Mark Murphy co owner and exec chef, his best work.
Vong - Jean George 2nd resto Thai French Central Park South
Original Russian Tea Room - super elegant. Saw 6 mil dollar man there.
Felidia - UES Lydia Bastianich - excellent pasta finished tableside
Circo - Sirio Maccioni’s Italian resto midtown.
24 hour Greek diner on 68 & Broadway.
Upstairs cafe at Fairway, supermarket first location at 74th broadway. Best eggs.
Shun Lee - first management in 90’s
Honorable mentions already noted:
Spotted Pig (& orig Babbo) when you could actually walk in, & obvs pre-scandal.
Prune - especially NewYears.
Florent - Yes, for vibes, but let’s be honest, the food was mid at best.
La Caridad - special mention for the crack chicken.
“Also China Fun, Rain and Ruby Foo. All neighborhood staples…”