Aquavit

• Cuisine(s): Scandinavian
  Hours: Daily 5:30pm-10:30pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm
  Price: $$$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: dressy
  Features: Private Party, Wheelchair Accessible
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Accepted, Recommended
  Parking: No Parking

Description

Marcus Samuelson's shadow looms large at this Midtown staple of high-end Swedish cooking. While he's moved on to conquer the world of food television, the restaurant has returned to its roots, ditching most of Samuelson's multiculturalism for executive chef Marcus Jernmark's simple, seasonal Scandinavian cuisine. The results are stellar. An arctic char comes out with crispy skin along with warm pickled vegetables, hazelnuts and fava beans. Lamb loin and breast comes crusted in a lemon-dill mixture. In the more casual bistro section of the restaurant, you can nibble on Swedish classics like the herring sampler, venison tartare and, of course, Swedish meatballs. The large restaurant, with its sleek Scandinavian design complete with high-backed banquettes and leather chairs, has a formal feel perfect for business lunches and special nights out. Of course, one wouldnčt want to miss out on the house-infused aquavit, mild in flavor with hints of things like horseradish, cucumber and grapefruit.—Keith Wagstaff