Ai Fiori is located on the second floor of the Langham Place Hotel. It is one of my most favorite restaurants in NYC, celebrating the Italian and French Riviera. Modern interpretations of tradition regional dishes. It's equally beautiful as mind-blowing delicious. Michael White, the chef and owner, is an all-time favorite of mine.
Ai Fiori is definitely a must-go to for a nice dinner or to celebrate a special occasion. We had the 7 course tasting menu, because, why not when you want to try so many items on the menu and you're going there to celebrate. The portions were nice sizes too, and the wine pairing to match was exceptional.
The menu was well-balanced. Canapes to start, then the fluke crudo with caviar and meyer lemon. All light and flavorful. Refreshing and a great starter course. Then we had the octopus a la plancha with potatoes and salsa verde that was fresh and interesting.
We moved on to the Trofie Nero pasta, followed by butter poached nova scotia lobster with a perfect Pinot Noir from Chacra, Patagonia to drink. Then, the prime dry aged strip loin, which was cooked to perfection and was melt in the mouth.
A really nice touch was to follow with a cheese course and a brut champagne to drink. To finish, we had the chocolate tart that was a decadent, but a not too rich ending. The meal took a couple hours, but it was so delicious and such a fun event, that we really didn't want to leave when the meal was over.
Good news is that there is a nice bar and lounge to come in to as well. Also of note, there is a $29 2-course express lunch that sounds like a brilliant move. I am excited to celebrate something there again very soon, for lunch or dinner.
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Ai Fiori
400 Fifth Avenue. Second Level
Langham Place, Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Telephone: 212.613.8660