Review: Visit AUGUST on the UES for Approachable Gourmet Dining

If you're looking for a stylish, yet approachable gourmet dining experience on the Upper East Side, look no further. We visited August on Lexington Avenue between 61st and 62nd Street where we enjoyed an outstanding meal. The location is ideal for Upper East Siders and the neighborhood is now even easier to reach with the opening of the 2nd Avenue Subway.

The venue includes a welcoming bar with comfortable high top tables. August's dining room has a fashionable, sophisticated décor accented with soft lighting. This spot is ideal for a solo meal, romantic date or a friendly get together.

Executive Chef Mark Mata has designed a menu with creative takes on classic cuisine using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. There's something for all tastes and dietary preferences. We started our culinary journey with a delicious Beet Salad. The red and yellow beets are garnished with creamy goat cheese and pistachios. Their Tuna Tartare appetizer is definitely on our top ten list. It is served on a bed of avocado and shaved radish with a touch of miso lime dressing.

The menu has a wonderful array of tempting entrees. Chef Mata's Long Island Duck Breast is served with braised red endive, potato puree and a tangerine glaze that complements the tender, moist meat perfectly. One of the house specialties is the Ahi Tuna on Crispy Rice with a savory soy glaze, avocado, chili mayonnaise and black sesame. The Filet Mignon Oscar is one of the best we've ever had served with jumbo lump crab, béarnaise sauce and asparagus. Dishes are beautifully presented and portions are generous.

August's sides are especially nice as a table share. They include Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus with béarnaise sauce, Sauteed Spinach with olive oil and garlic or French Fries.

Top off your meal with one of August's housemade desserts. Selections include Crème Brulee, Hot Apple Pie a la mode, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae. You can also stop by anytime and order one of these scrumptious delights along with a coffee drink, dessert wine or aperitif.

You'll love the beverage program. Expertly crafted cocktails by Mixologist Eduardo Fernandez are sure to please. Their Cucumber Cooler is a refreshing mix of Tanqueray Gin or Ketel One Vodka, fresh cucumber juice, ginger syrup and lemon juice. A favorite is the Bourbon Smash made with Bulleit Bourbon, strawberries, triple sec and orange juice. For those that prefer, there is an excellent selection of champagne and sparkling as well as red, white and rose wines.

Plan a visit. We predict that August will soon be one of your favorite restaurants on the Upper East Side.

August Restaurant is located at 791 Lexington Avenue (between 61st and 62nd Streets), New York, NY 10065. They are open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Join them for drinks and bar bites from 3-6 pm Monday to Friday. They have a special menu with 2 Courses for $25 and 3 Courses for $30. Telephone 212-935-1433 and visit: https://www.augustny.com/.

Editor's Note: Check out our "Chef Spotlight" on Executive Chef Mark Mata. /bwwfood-wine/article/Chef-Spotlight-Mark-Mata-of-AUGUST-on-the-UES-20170407.

Eduardo Fernandez was featured in our "Master Mixologist." /bwwfood-wine/article/Master-Mixologist-Eduardo-Fernandez-of-AUGUST-on-the-Upper-East-Side-20170320.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of August Restaurant

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