Gracie's

Gracie's Restaurant Review:

In its whimsical way, Gracie's seeks to fire the heart as well as please the palate. "Follow Your Dreams" is the motto of this Downcity landmark. Shooting stars, sunbursts and flickering candles in the capacious dining room set the mood for an evening of culinary reverie. During a seasonally changing seven-course tasting menu (five- and nine-course versions are also available), you expect at least some stumbles, but chef Matthew Varga delivers one delight after another. The restaurant collaborates with local purveyors, and greens come right from its rooftop garden. Handmade potato gnocchi might be accompanied by butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, bacon and white truffle cream, while Hudson Valley foie gras may be served on cinnamon-currant brioche, flavored with red grapes, verjus, celery leaf and hazelnut nougatine. Mains continue with local market fish and all-natural Black Angus rib-eye. Desserts include pastry chef Melissa Denmark's signature Gracie’s crème brûlée made with Madagascar vanilla bean.