Gobble Grade: The House

For KH's birthday a few weeks ago, we went to go see UP in 3D. For fear that the three-dimensionality might induce a very expensive post-dinner upchuck, we decided to eat AFTER the movie. The film was great, and we did NOT suffer from nausea. We laughed hysterically and got choked up on this adorable, adventurous ride. Highly recommended. (P.S. I did end up ordering that shirt after all. I totally fell in love with Russell during the movie!)

After the showing, we walked a few blocks from Union Square to The House in Gramercy. We picked it because of the rave reviews on NYMag ("...probably the best date restaurant in Manhattan hands down," "I love how small, simple, pretty, quaint, romantic it is!" Self-described as "a magnificently restored 1854 carriage house," The House is small, simple, pretty, quaint, and romantic indeed.

It was adorable as we walked up to it:

Exterior (photo via The House)

It was strikingly gorgeous as we entered the first floor parlor:

Parlor (photo via NYMag)

And I think it actually stole my breath for a second as we were lead up the staircase to be seated on the second floor:

Second Floor View (photo via The House)

An elderly couple had entered The House just prior to our arrival, and we followed them to the second floor, where we saw them seated at a beautiful, intimate two-person table framed in the middle of that gorgeous crescent window. If only we had gotten there 30 seconds earlier!

Nevertheless, we were happily seated at an equally intimate table. In fact, what was so surprising was that the entire restaurant was so intimate. When you live in New York, you don't expect to find any place that offers true peace and quiet and intimacy. Even the smallest city restaurants tend to resonate with the ever-present din of chatter or overly loud "background" music. So when you find a are noiseless respite, it is incredibly refreshing.

The restaurant was small yet absolutely uncrowded, and I truly cannot remember even background music playing. The sounds were only those that you would want - the easily comprehended conversation at your dinner table, the pleasant, unobtrusive suggestions by the friendly waitstaff, and the ambient clinks and clanks for a meal well-enjoyed. Plus, taking in the beauty of the Antebellum decor and details was a great experience - there was always something new to discover, like the wonderful bushed-steel telephone and beautiful latticework accents seen below. It was truly the best dining atmosphere I have come across in New York so far.

Adornments (photo via NYMag)

For our meal, KH and I split a half bottle of the Pinot Noir 3 Vineyards, Chehalem. The House boasts an extensive (and expensive!) wine bar with 4 full pages of options, so if you wanted to splurge on a great wine, I'm sure a fantastic bottle could be recommended to you. KH knew what she wanted immediately, the seared rack of lamb, which came with sunchoke puree, sweat peas, and mint oil. I debated for a bit but settled on the Szechuan Peppercorn Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, accompanied by bok choy (my favorite!), long bean, choy sum, ginger, and yuzu soy. The service was incredible, and I do have to say that our waiter was incredibly easy on the eyes, and very friendly. When he learned it was KH's birthday, he couldn't stop smiling and saying happy birthday to her.

Our food was very good, though not mind-blowingly fantastic. We both cleaned our plates, if that says anything. I'd say the vegetables that came with my Yellowfin outdid the Yellowfin itself. I guess seared tuna is seared tuna to me. KH enjoyed the lamb, though some pieces were a little too rare for her liking. Portion size was Goldilocks perfect - not too big, not too small. Afterwards we had just enough room to split a small key lime pie that came served with a raspberry reduction and fresh berries. All in all it was a good meal, but it was the experience and atmosphere that made for a fantastic dinner. I would return to The House and recommend it to others for the atmosphere alone.

Gobble Grade: A