The Charming Back Dining Room (Above)
Swifty's
1007 Lexington Ave., New York, NY; (212) 535-6000
Hours of Operation: Open for Lunch & Dinner.
Location: Upper East Side
There are three reasons to check out this long, narrow restaurant, peppered with pictures of Swifty, celebrated restaurateur Glenn Bernbaum's perky pug. The most obvious is if you live in the neighborhood. The second is if you're an in-the-light socialite (or wanna get a glimpse of some notable examples). The last is for some unexpectedly good food by executive-chef Stephen Attoe.Even the Melba Toast is house-made and delicious.
Truth be told, I have always had a place in my heart for this watering-hole-for the-rich with its cozy English manor-house back room with wood-beamed ceilings, bright laminated photos, skylight and windows sporting bamboo shades. (The warm atmosphere, enhanced by seasonal flowers, was created by renowned decorator Mario Buatta.)
Appetizers are just stylish enough to be fashionable --- just familiar enough not to offend: Corn Fritters with Alaskan Salmon Roe and Crème Fraiche was as downtown-a-dish as Jumbo Lump Crabmeat on Tomato Aspic was fancied-up steak house. East/West Coast Oysters were beautifully fresh and a perfect compromise, between old and new.
Entree fare includes the signature "twin burgers" with delicious slaw, and fries, the noteworthy Crab Cakes; a beautifully grilled Angus Strip Steak with Béarnaise sauce and fabulous Fries; and summer specials such as Chilled Poached Salmon, Boston Lettuce, Cucumbers and Basil Sauce.
Swifty's Is Also Doing A Sunday Evening Lobster Dinner For Two With Choice Of Field Green Salad Or Corn Chowder, Homemade Ice Cream, Sorbet Or Cookies And A Bottle Of Either Pinot Grigio, Or Greyson Cellars Merlot Wine For Just $90. Now that’s a real deal and the lobster is tender and juicy.
Desserts are all homemade American adaptations and some are extraordinary, such as Classic Vanilla Meringue Cake that is light and luscious, Granny Smith Apple Galette, with Creme Fraiche and Lemon Pound Cake with whipped cream. Inquire if the Chocolate Soufflé is available, if so, go for it.
The wine list is small and offers some good values under $60, like Chateau-Fuisse, Pouilly Fuisse, Tete de Cru, 2009 for $58: a best buy.
Service is very friendly and accommodating. On our visit, the Maître d’ Romana was wonderful. Since chef Stephen Attoe is part owner, he is hands on and in the kitchen, which explains the carefully prepared food. Swifty’s may be a club, but first timers get a warm welcome. For an extraordinary treat, observe the regulars and order a sometimes-on-the-menu Cheese Soufflé with Mustard Sauce. It is arguably the best in town.
Chef Stephen Attoe
Copyright 2012 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.
Sample Dinner Menu (Prices and Content Subject To Change)
First Course
Celery Remoulade, Prosciutto di Parma 16
Warm Frisee Salad, Sautéed Octopus, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon Dressing 16
Artichoke, Vinaigrette or Hollandaise 19.50
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Chipotle Tomato Sauce 19
Soup du Jour 10.50
Corn Fritters, Alaskan Salmon Roe, Creme Fraiche 19
Half Dozen East Coast Oysters, Cocktail or Mignonette Sauce 19
Endive and Watercress Salad, Walnuts, Stilton 15
Gravlax of Salmon, English Cucumber, Mustard Dill Sauce 19
Iceberg Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Blue Cheese Dressing 16
Jumbo Asparagus, Mustard Vinaigrette, Chopped Egg 19
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Salad, Tomato Aspic 23
Caesar Salad, Shaved Parmesan 14
Salads & Sides
Field Greens, Mustard Dressing 11
Baby Arugula Salad, Pecans 15
Haricot Verts 10
Creamed Spinach 10
Leaf Spinach 10
French Fries 9
French Fried Onions 9
Mashed Potatoes 9
Swifty’s Slaw 9.50
Dinner Entrees
Blackened Mahi Mahi, Stir Fried Vegetables, Pineapple Mango Salsa 29
Home Made Three Cheese Ravioli, Light Tomato Sauce 26
Curried Chicken Salad, Banana, Avocado, Almonds, Mango Chutney 24
Swifty’s Baked Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Haricot Verts 27
Penne with Spring Vegetables, Virgin Olive Oil, Parmesan Reggiano 26
Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Haricot Verts 29
Calves Liver, Sautéed Onions, Smoked Bacon 29
Chilled Poached Salmon, Boston Lettuce, Cucumbers, Basil Sauce 28
Chicken Curry, Basmati Rice, Pappadum, Mango Chutney 28
Risotto with Maine Lobster and Asparagus 27
Swifty’s Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Creamed Spinach 34
Tuna Carpaccio, Ginger, Green Onion 32
From the Grill
Branzino, Mediterranean Style 32
Lamb Chops, Straw Potatoes, Chopped Vegetable Salad 35
Pasture Raised Greyledge Farm Black Angus Hamburger, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Chili Fries, Chipotle Ketchup 28
Twin Burgers, Swifty’s Slaw, French Fries 27
Black Angus Strip Steak, French Fries, Béarnaise Sauce 39
Grilled Mahi Mahi, Stir Fried Vegetables, Pineapple Mango Salsa 29
Desserts
Granny Smith Apple Galette, Creme Fraiche
Bananas Foster Baked Alaska, Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Classic Vanilla Meringue Cake
Gene’s Lemon Pound Cake, Whipped Cream
Homemade Ice Cream and Sorbet
Swifty’s Chocolate Mousse, Fresh Whipped Cream
Tahitian Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee
Assorted Homemade Cookies
Carrot Cake, Molasses Cream Cheese Frosting, Fresh Whipped Cream
Chocolate Molten Cake, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Fresh Berries Available
12
All Desserts Made on Premises
For Swifty’s Full Service Catering Please call (212) 861-5350
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