beautique || 8 w. 58th street, new york, ny 10019 ||
“first impressions are of utmost importance, especially in a pretentious setting.”
blame it on the recent write up on page six in the new york post attracting a particular high profile clientele now scrambling over to this venue like there’s no tomorrow. wear your 9’s, bring your 10’s because this is serious.
upon entering beautique [after getting the approval from the almighty gatekeeper that you are worthy enough to join] you are instantly greeted by a beautiful giant bouquet of flowers + a shiny birchwood baby grand piano — double win.
naturally i had to test it out. 
then you pass a staircase of angled mirrors [last looks to ensure your face is perfect] before you descend into a den of judgmental patrons & staff more opulence. [the staff was actually very warm + welcoming.]
wallpaper of bittersweet cut rose heads or lychee, i haven’t quite figured it out yet, but either way, really contributing to the aesthetics. they care!
if you are special enough, you will be guided through the kitchen to a secret back room only available to the VIP & such. the walls are covered in artwork including warhol originals & other reputable artists.
of course i made a pitstop behind the kitchen counter. “i’m topchef i swear!”
concentrating on placing the snow pea shoot perfectly onto the roasted leg of lamb dish. 
quick snaps of a few dishes: salmon + soft-shell crab. the lighting is dark in the back room & since i dislike flash for dishes, i didn’t photo-document the complete dinner. 
recommended appetizers not photographed: mixed green salad with fruit – simple yet delicious. // spaghetti in a sweet tomato sauce.
recommended main courses not photographed: roasted chicken breast – very juicy & tender – not overcooked at all – i was impressed. // roasted sweet potato over buckwheat, mushrooms, & spinach mix
basically i’d like to return for the 3rd time to try everything else on the menu, especially the items laced with foie gras, & even more so after learning that beautique is under the helm of star chef craig hopson, formerly of le cirque.
espresso martini + double espresso
louis xiii + other fine whiskey
keepin it classy with the soft shell crab: slightly salty but the bed of puréed peas & greens was delightful.
snap of the ladies. you can’t sit with us but you can try to charm us.
i hear tuesday nights are especially great there since rogue nights brings in a crazy wonderful bunch. from the beautiful decor to the trendy, upscale crowd to the attentively crafted menu selection, this is a rare combo + gold medal winner.
beautique is simply magnifique!
also it’s located near the infamous plaza hotel & right next to the paris theater…oh paris.
parting is such sweet sorrow, but there will always be tomorrow!
channeling the end of the night scene of [classy] drunks on the piano from gatsby.
