The Oak Room at the Algonquin

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The Oak Room at the Algonquin

Photo: Cititour.com

Contact Info:

Address: 59 W. 44th Street
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10036
map: View the Map
Phone: 212-419-9331

Food Info:

Cuisine: American

Cititour Review:

There’s no question that you should head over to the venerable Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel before year’s end. This decades-old cabaret is hosting three of its most popular acts, the fabulous jazz singer Paula West (through November 5), the superb mother-son team of singer Sandy Stewart and pianist Bill Charlap (November 8-19), and the Queen of cabaret herself, Andrea Marcovicci (November 21-January 30). The question is whether you should have the $50 prix fixe dinner (at some shows, only a $20 minimum is required) -- and if so, what to order. Happily, under the room’s new chef, the answer is go ahead and eat -- and you’ll probably be fine no matter what you order. Knowing that they may need to serve as many as 80 people within an hour, the kitchen wisely limits the menu to four appetizer and entrée choices. A starter salad of watercress, tomato and gorgonzola lacked the endive listed on the menu, but it was sprightly and delicious. So was a disk of tasty lump fresh crab set atop an excellent avocado mousse. Moving onto mains, the grilled filet mignon was surprisingly flavorful, accompanied by first-rate buttermilk mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe, while a polenta-crusted filet of salmon was satisfying. The house’s dessert selection is somewhat more expansive, and if you’re a cheesecake fan, that’s definitely the way to go. A caramel mousse cake is pleasant if unremarkable, and the apple tart is a bit too dry and doughy (though ice cream or whipped cream helps a little). The Oak Room is only a destination because of its outstanding entertainment, but it’s good to know that your stomach – as well as your ears – will go home happy.

 

Review By: Brian Scott Lipton

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