Rue 57: What is the French word for Sushi?
Written: Nov 13 '03 (Updated Jul 08 '05)
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Pros: Great decor, French / Japanese cuisine will appeal to many, good service.
Cons: A bit pricey, portions on the small side.
The Bottom Line: Rue 57 is a great dining experience in a great city. The food was great although the portions were on the small side.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Rue 57 |
I am pretty sure all restaurants offer sushi nowadays. I was recently in the middle of Pennsylvania, in farm country, in a German/American brewery / steakhouse that serves red-blooded farm-raised Americans called Stoudt’s and I found that in the past year they added sushi to the menu. I suspect that it is only a matter of time before we see Mcsushi at our local fast food restaurant. That said, I had a wonderful meal at Rue 57 in NYC which has almost successfully fused Japanese and French cuisines.
DECOR
There is no doubt that French comes first in this restaurant. It has the feel of a 1940s French restaurant with a tin ceiling, tiled floors, dark wood furniture and enormous palm fronds. The lights were low (so low that waiters had flashlights so we could read the menus) and there were candles on the tables. The feeling was positively French.
MENU
Most of the menu was French. There was a lot of fish but plenty of meat and many French classics such as bouillabaisse. The menu was quite broad and even had meatloaf which I don't believe to be either French or Japanese. As I proceeded down the menu, there is was, that corner of the menu dedicated to the restaurant's sushi offerings. With the exception of an Asian exotic fruit dessert, I didn't see many other Japanese dishes. Perhaps the French dishes were Asian inspired? If so, I didn't really see it. I suppose the most accurate way to describe the menu would be: French dishes with an option for sushi. As for the sushi, the offerings were typical sushi offerings. There was nothing unusual or creative and no daily specials.
To start, generic french bread and butter was brought to our table. I had a fish dish served on a bed of spinach and an interesting array of sauces that decorated the plate. The presentation was pleasing without being over the top. The food itself was delicious. I wasn't particularly hungry but I finished the portion because it was on the small side. If I had been hungry, I would have had to order something else. The other thing that mildly bothered me was that my dish did not have carbs. I wish they had served some rice or other side dish with the meal. My friends and co-diners also ordered fish and all reported that their meal was delicious. For some reason, everyone else at my table got carbs so I can't say the flaw in my dish extended to the entire menu. I suppose this would be a great place for Atkins dieters.
Prices: Appetizers were around $7, entrees were around $25 and desserts were around $6.
SERVICE
We were seated immediately upon arrival. The hostess offered to take our coats. Our waiter was very attentive without hovering and we got everything we needed in a timely way. All entrees were served hot and at the same time. We didn't need to ask for anything. Overall, the service was perfect.
AMBIANCE
I ate here with friends. I think it would also be a nice date restaurant as the lights were low and the cuisine was french. Many patrons were wearing business attire or date attire. I didn't see any jeans or sweatshirts.
KID-FRIENDLINESS
I didn't have my kids and I didn't see any other kids either. I also didn't see high chairs or a children's menu but I can't definitively say they didn't exist. I wouldn't recommend this place for families, although teens and older might like it.
OTHER INFORMATION
They have a liquor license and decent wine list.
They take credit cards.
I didn't see valet parking and otherwise parking would be difficult/expensive. I suppose this is common in Midtown Manhattan.
The restaurant was about half full at 6pm on a Friday night.
Vegetarian: All entrees had either meat or fish. I didn't see any vegetarian options but they seemed accommodating so perhaps they could make something special.
Handicapped: Everything was on one floor and the tables were well-spaced.
LOCATION AND PHONE
60 W 57th St (about 5 blocks from Times Square)
New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 307-5656
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I really enjoyed eating at Rue 57 and would recommend it. The interesting mix of French and Japanese dishes has something to please most diners. The food was quite good although the portions were on the small side. Great service and pleasant decor rounded out the evening.
MY MINI-GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY
Things to Do:
The Metropolitan Museum
Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty
Places to Eat:
Lucky Cheng’s has Chinese food for adults.
Ruby Foo’s has Chinese food for families.
Pipa is next to Manhattan Mecca ABC Carpet & Home.
Starlight Diner is where singing servers bring your burgers.
Places to Stay:
The Roosevelt Hotel
The Hudson
The W on Lexington
Sheraton Manhattan
Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers
Broadway:
TKTS sells half-price tickets to Broadway shows.
Rent is an unusual Broadway rock musical legend.
Gypsy is Broadway at its best.
Wicked is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz.
Thanks to Megugrrrl for adding Rue 57 to the database.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The fish dishes were tasty.
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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modernmarvel
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