Aquavit 65 E. 55th St. (Madison & Park Aves.)
Midtown
212.307.7311
Aquavit:
Marcus Samuelsson has done for Swedish food what Demi Moore has done for woman over 40: given hope. Aquavit goes way beyond herring and meatballs, though both are on the menu. Put your trust in Marcus and ask questions, otherwise you might be alarmed that your lobster roll is actually encased by paper-thin apple slices. Other surprises include a brioche-wrapped salmon with porcini mushroom ketchup and an Arctic Circle dessert that you have to taste to believe. This is not your Grandma Olga’s smorgasbord, but what else would you expect for $115 a person? Sample the signature aquavit drinks, which come in flavors like cucumber, horseradish, saffron, and roasted pumpkin and espresso, and you might find yourself digging out your old Ace of Base and ABBA CDs to keep the party going into the night.
