Last Sunday was a day of exploring and we headed up to the High Line so that we could see how much more they’ve expanded the gorgeous elevated gardens. We started at West 30th and walked south with a mission in mind…we wanted to have lunch at The Standard Grill at 13th Street, right under the High Line.
The Standard was recommended to me by one of our fav food stylists who was just in NYC in January, so I knew it would be great.
We were seated at a cozy table at the back, directly in front of the kitchen. We had arrived around 1pm and it wasn’t packed, but lively enough. There were a few couples seated along the same side we were, but with an empty table between us. JT noticed the gentleman directly beside me; hmmm he thought, seems familiar, but it wasn’t until the gentleman spoke that he realized I was sitting right beside Jessy Ferguson (Mitchel from Modern Family)! How COOL IS THAT? We didn’t let on that we recognized him to respect his privacy, but boy would I have love a picture with him! Sigh, the cost of being polite 😦 Jessy and his date were having lunch about the same pace as we were, so I could really say that I had lunch with Jessy Ferguson!
So I forgot to take pictures yet again. OK, now this is getting silly, but I did order the Steak Tartar à Go-Go…again…I think I have outdone my beef quota for a while. It was traditionally seasoned and a small portion (appetizer) ($16). I enjoyed it with a lovely glass of Prosecco served in an old fashioned champagne goblet. I normally prefer the newer tall flutes so the bubbles don’t dissipate as quickly, but it was somehow appropriate in this traditionally decorated French restaurant. JT ordered Standard Cobb Salad made with local lettuce with grilled chicken, avocado, tomato and blue cheese. There was tonnes of blue cheese and it was so tasty! He generously gave me a huge blob which I spread with glee on a crisp toast that came with my tartar. There I said it, I ate bread! It was delicious and such a treat.
I also wanted to mention the unique floors at The Standard Grill…they are entirely tiled in pennies. I asked the hostess how many and I think she said over 5 hundred thousand, but I could be wrong. You can see a very good photo here.
Overall rating of The Standard (in my opinion): Decor 4/5, service 4:5, food 4/5, Value 4/5, Noise: 4/5 (1 being very noisy, and 5 being very quiet). We paid for our meal in full.
Those salt & pepper shakers are beyond adorable but never mind that. I can’t believe you sat beside fame in NYC!! My eyes were wide open and supremely vigilant during our visit but there were no brushes to be had :). Happy to have your review Eva – there will definitely be a next time ;-).
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Thanks Kelly, that restaurant surely was a keeper for NYC. I really like Schillers on the Lower East Side, it has a great late night vibe! Yes, Mitchel, I mean Jessy was pretty cool.
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Yet another lovely restaurant experience. Sounds like a really great trip Eva — lots of walking, eating and drinking. What more can you ask for?
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Thanks Barb, it was quite fun. All the walking allowed us the eating and drinking! I didn’t gain an ounce on the trip!
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I too go for the polite thing when around “famous” people (the few times I have been). Sometimes it’s so darn hard. How fun that you saw Jessy! 🙂 Sounds like a great place for lunch. I’m telling you…the next time we travel to a place I know you’ve been I’m going to need a detailed tour plan from you. 😉
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Thanks Kristy, I can’t really take credit. My tour guide and planner is JT! He really researches a place and comes up with the best things to do.,
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you are so lucky to get to go to so many grewaet NY restaurants. I am not bitter at all:) This one sounds amazing and sooo totally cool that you meet Jessey!
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Thanks Jessica, I do hope you’ve been well, it’s been some time since I’ve seen a new post on your blog.
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Sounds like you found a great little spot to dine, Eva, and I applaud your discretion. I bet he’s had far too many dinners interrupted by well-meaning but thoughtless fans. Cannot get over that floor! It must have been something to install!
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That’s probably true John. When I googled the floors I found that they used a sticky sheet that someone attached each penny to.. What’s really beautiful about the floors is how symmetrical the pennies are installed. It’s quite awesome!
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Haha, what fun – of course, had he been next to me then he would have had “uber privacy” by default… I must admit to never having heard of the guy, or the show… oops.
The pennies on the floor sounds awesome – a good use for the damn things too… I hate tiny coins rolling around in my pocket.
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Well, that would have been me too, Charles; even though I watch the show, I would never have recognized him—I just don’t generally! In fact, he probably could have bumped into me and said excuse me and I still wouldn’t have got it!
Interestingly enough, the Canadian Mint made out last penny about t month ago!
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You have such interesting stories/experiences. And get to taste the best foods. 🙂
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Thanks Maria, it sure was a fun trip!
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Reading your reviews is reminding me how LONG it’s been since I was in NYC. Must remedy that! Star gazing is always fun, isn’t it?
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It’s a great city with lots to offer! One of my favourites!
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This time I’ll just have the Prosecco. Cheers!
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Cheers to you too!
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Hi Eva,
Just love those salt and pepper shakers-so, so cute!!
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Thanks Green Dragonette, they are super cute.
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cool celebrity sighting! And you make me want to visit that restaurant just to see the floor!
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Welcome to my blog, Carol, very nice of you to comment. I’ve checked out your blog and left a comment or two.
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Oh wow! I love Modern Family and his character (and Eric Stonestreet’s). And the floor sounds very cool too! 😀
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Thanks Lorraine, both characters are well cast and the writing is one of the best on network TV!
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You must have been busting to ask for a smile! Nice work on the restraint 🙂
And the dinner sounds delightful!
Cheers
CCU
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Thanks CCU, it was great!0
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Very thoughtful of you Eva, how many people could excercise such self restrain?
Must check out this restaurant next time I am in NYC, got to see the penny floor.
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Thanks Norma, he seemed like he really wanted his privacy. It’s a great spot as are the other two, highly recommended!
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One more NY review! How many restaurants (worth mentioning) have you made there? The food sounds yummy too. I remember the actor from the Modern Family! (Although my favourite character was the chubby boy 😉 )
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Mine too Sissi. We carefully chose each restaurant, the ones I didn’t review we’re the one’s not worth mentioning!
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How exciting to be seated next to such a talent. I would have found it so hard to restrain myself to being polite like you did. I love the sound of a floor tiled in pennies – that is something I have never seen. What a great idea! xx
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Thanks Charlie, it was pretty cool! The penny floor looked great. I feel sorry for the poor person who had to polish them up!
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