We enjoyed two whirlwind days in New York City last month, staying at the Jumeirah Essex House in what was billed as a Deluxe View Central Park Room. In truth, this very expensive room was on the sixth floor at tree-line, so our “deluxe view” was a sidewalk outside the park, and the horse coaches and tour buses filled with tourists. The bathroom also needed a serious remodel, as the door kept hitting the toilet and the shower was tiny. Here are the restaurants we visited, along with thumb-nail sketches of our experiences:

• Sarabeth–a few blocks down from the Essex House–suggested by our concierge, and it was AWFUL!!! Really a rip-off.

• Tabla–Danny Meyers’s upscale Indian overlooking the Flatiron Bldg. Nice views of a pocket park from the upstairs dining room if you snag a window seat. Credible Indian (Spencer’s fave meal in NYC) BUT they were overhauling the menu so that the downstairs bar and upstairs more formal dining-room menus are the same, so not sure how it will fare moving forward.

• Aquavit–One of our previous faves; had a bad server so didn’t live up to memory. Dining room seemed a bit “tired” as well. Pricey for the amt. of food you get. The wine we ordered wasn’t available, etc.

• Jean Georges–VERY professional service, creative food without being too weird, gorgeous plates, really the whole package (but be prepared for the price tag!). Jean Georges was in the house and popped out into the dining room to keep his eye on everything.

• Le Pain Quotidien–very good breakfast/brunch/lunch place right near the Essex House. Healthy, pure, just-good food and quite a large crowd at 9 a.m. (but the wait was short).