Even in a city like New York where
there are numerous new, trendy restaurants popping up practically everywhere
you turn, there are still several classic favorites that have stood the test of
time. One of these restaurants, La
Mediterranee, is a lovely French bistro and piano bar in East Midtown,
which opened in the summer of 1980.
For the past 35 years, loyal
patrons have enjoyed the old-fashioned atmosphere that truly captures the
essence of the French Riviera with the seaside paintings that grace the thickly
plastered walls, the harmonious piano music, and palatable cuisine.
Live jazz music is offered every
night with regular house musician Harold John performing most nights during the
week. Some guest musicians have included Tony Middleton, Joe Alterman, and
Laura Angyal among others.
The happy hour, which lasts from
noon until 8 p.m. includes $5.00 Chilean Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay as
well as Champagne, Sangrias, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys. Some of the best appetizers include
the French onion soup topped with Swiss cheese, and Escargots de Bourgone with
garlic herb and pernod butter.
La
Mediterranee also offers Sunday brunch which includes Belgian waffles,
chicken and mushroom crepes, and a wide variety of omelets including the Classic
Eggs Benedict, the Smoked
Salmon Benedict, or the Maryland Crab Cake Benedict among others. Delectable sandwiches include the
Croque Monsieur consisting of ham and cheese with béchamel sauce and served with pommes frites, or
the Croque Madame which is the same type of sandwich plus an egg on top.
Enjoyable pasta dishes include Lobster Ravioli with
shallots, white wine and saffron cream sauce, Potato Gnocchi with sun-dried
tomatoes in a fresh pesto sauce, and Fettuccine Primavera with fresh vegetables
and roasted tomato sauce. Some of the finest fish entrees include the Pan
Roasted Atlantic Salmon with lentils, asparagus and Dijon mustard, or the Bouillabaisse
a'la Mediterranée which is a collection of assorted seafood cooked in a Pernod
lobster broth with saffron served with croutons and rouille.
Classic meat dishes include Classic Beef Bourguignon
with beef in red wine served with vegetables, onions, and mushrooms, Coq Au Vin
with chicken in red wine with onions and vegetables, and Roast Pork Tenderloin
served with sautéed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes in Calvados sauce.
And last but certainly not least, some mouthwatering
desserts include Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brulee, Cheesecake, Souffle, and
assorted ice cream and sorbet.
