MFEA offsite food and drink

Seuk Kim

by Seuk Kim

New York City is a great place to travel on business, and I’m really looking forward to visiting for this year’s MFEA Product and Distribution Council. The city’s high energy and constant bustle make meetings and conferences more exciting and offer plenty of options for after-hours activities. With so many choices, though, it can be really tough to pick a good place to eat dinner alone after a long flight, to take colleagues, clients or business partners for a fancy dinner or after hour cocktails, or a casual spot to grab a quick bite to eat on your way to the airport.

Sure you can go to one of the chain restaurants and be “safe”, but you’re really missing out by not visiting one of the many hidden gems that NYC has to offer. To make it easier for you, I’ve created a cheat sheet of “go-to” restaurants that are favorites of mine, my colleagues and my clients who all have spent significant time there.
These suggestions are all within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt. If you don’t see something that appeals to you, feel free to come see me at the event. My colleague Anthony Massucci or I would be happy to give you other suggestions if you’re looking for something else.

• Grand Central Oyster Bar, 89 E 42^nd Street – Located in the basement of Grand Central Terminal, this is a great place to go if you’re in the mood for seafood and beer. Whether you like your oysters raw, fried or broiled a la Rockefeller, they’ll have 20-30 different varietals to choose from on any given day as well as a great selection of other seafood (their current special is Stone Crabs). The prices are very reasonable, but don’t expect exceptional service. You may also want to leave the jacket and tie in your room. Reservations can be made through OpenTable and are recommended if you’re planning to go with a party of 3 or more people.
• Benjamin Steak House, 52 E 41^st St. – a “traditional” NYC steakhouse from a couple of Peter Luger alums. Their dry aged steaks are some of the best in a city that is full of great steakhouses. They also have an extensive wine list and offer excellent seafood options. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Park Avenue Tavern, 99 Park Avenue – This upscale “tavern” is a great place to hang out with friends or colleagues. The food and ambience are miles above typical pub grub and they have a few tables fitted with self-serve taps where you can pull your own pint of beer.
• The Campbell Apartment, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue (corner entrance at Grand Central Station) – This cocktail lounge is built inside of the former private office and salon of 1920’s tycoon John W. Campbell. The apartment has been restored to its original state and now serves some of the best cocktails in the city. Proper attire is required and seating is limited to around 125 people, so we recommend leaving your jeans and t-shirt at the hotel and getting their early enough to grab one of the comfy corner seats. The ambiance and décor is almost as good as their signature cocktails. Make sure you look up and check out their ceiling as well as the original steel safe, which now takes center stage in the fireplace.
• Pershing Square Cafe, 90 E 42 Street, under the Park Avenue Viaduct – A good place to go for breakfast, quick lunch or casual dinner. The outdoor seating gets filled up quickly on a nice day or evening.
• Culture Espresso, 72 West 38^th Street – This is a little longer walk than the other suggestions on this list, but it’s well worth it. Do NOT go to Starbucks across the street, or the one next door, or the two in Grand Central station. Don’t go to any of the 14 Starbucks within a 3 block radius of anywhere you happen to be standing. Not that there’s anything wrong with Starbucks. I like to go when there is nothing else available, but if you like and enjoy good coffee, you will thank me for this suggestion, even if you have to walk 5-8 minutes to get to it. They take their coffee very seriously, and you can taste the difference. For something a little different, try their cold brewed iced coffee. They also have delicious baked goods which come in from some of the best bakeries around the city each morning.
• Uncle Paul’s Pizza, 70 Vanderbilt Ave, at 46^th Street – They have a wide variety of choices at Uncle Paul’s: Pizza, pasta, salad, wings, subs, sandwiches, beer, wine, Snapple, and more. It’s bigger than most pizza shops and not quite as big as a restaurant. Feel free to stop by for lunch, dinner or just a slice. Or call (212) 922-1200 for delivery. They have fast, friendly service and the pizza and pasta are tasty, as is their Greek yogurt, homemade desserts and gelato choices – all reasonably priced for New York City.
• Bierhaus NYC, 712 3rd Ave, at 45th Street – This beer and food restaurant is just a few blocks from Grand Central Station. It’s big enough to take reservations, and is family-friendly while also being a great place to have a good time without the kids. Bierhaus is an authentic Bavarian experience with long communal tables, as well as bar seating. Try their cold Hofbräu original, enjoy their live polka band, and be sure to order a warm soft pretzel. It’s like travelling from NYC without leaving the city. Go experience it for yourself. If you do, try their slow-roasted pork shank with sauerkraut and potato au gratin, and finish it off with another beer or a warm apple strudel.

Do you have any other suggestions? Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite spot in NYC is and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a $25 Starbucks gift card.