New York City - Part 2

As a good mileage hoarder, I take every opportunity to collect miles. In NYC, I planned to use the AA dining program for that purpose. Most of the airlines and hotel chains have a variant of this program. Basically, you eat, pay with your registered credit card and earn miles on the amount you have spent. One wonders whether the best restaurants participate in such a program (the answer by-the-way is no); however, I have many successes with good restaurants over the years. As I my lunch time was constrained by my location during the working part of the trip, it was a good opportunity to test some new restaurants and earn miles at the same time.

Largest sandwich ever

The first restaurant I’ve frequented is Roxy Delicatessen. It was quite a shock to see the price of the sandwiches. However, you do get a lot of food in the sandwich. Service was a little sketchy – as a single person who orders only sandwich I guess I was not the high roller they assume I would be. The sandwich was good; however, I am not sure I will be returning, as there was nothing special about the place.

Rino Trattoria

The following day I’ve tried Rino Trattoria. I have to say the food was pretty forgettable, service just OK. Not a place I would return to. The next day it was the turn of Matt’s Grill. The food was just OK, nothing to write home about, but the service was top-notch even at the busy lunch hour. It would be worth getting back and giving the place another chance on the food, if only because of the great service.

Matt's Gril

I have tried Remi Restaurant after a visit to the MOMA. Let’s just say I was the odd duck in the crowed. I was t only one with jeans and a T-shirt. Lunch time at the middle of the week saw mostly business man or business meeting. I literally got the worst seat in the place (not surprisingly), and a cold treatment by the waiter. The food, when it finally arrived, was supreme. As expected from the establishment, they charge you for drinks by the glass. The price tag was quite high but worth the food. I would return, but will remember to dress up.

The last restaurant on this round was Sea restaurant at the meat-packing district. Despite its unassuming look, it is one of the greatest finds in the city. For a lunch menu of $8 you’ll get an appetizer and a main course, both of which were very good. The service was attentive and present, but not overwhelming. It is one of my new favorite places to get back to.