*Barclay Prime (Philly). Before your steak is presented to you, the waiter rounds the table with a sliverware felted tray. Would you like the Wustof or Chroma? Furitechnics or Laguiole? I felt really special.
*Tipsy Parson: Bite size spicy cornbread with honey butter brought out before the meal. I love a basic breadbasket like most, but how smart are they to list the cornbread on the menu as an official "side" and then bring out compliments of the chef before dining?
*Ditch Plains: Lobster rolls and crab dip are one thing. A jar full (think: 12-15 pieces) of salt water taffy brought with the check is another. Totally satisfies the "I just want a bite of something sweet" to finish the meal.
*The Smith: Perhaps my favorite simple gesture of any decently priced go-to restaurant....sparkling water served w your meal in green glass bottles. So often we dont go for the Pelligrino simply for the tripled price tag.
Eating out and the whole dining experience in NYC is one of the most social elements of our week. And...like many things in life, small gestuers go a very long way into making it a memorable one. Cheers!