L Ecole - New York, NY

rifraf2013 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

Sad, Disappointing Experience – After an enjoyable lunch we booked our son's 21st birthday 1 month in advance (per their reservation guidelines) in the separate private dining room. Being polite we called to say that we were running 20 minutes for the second and last seating. We were assured that our room would not be given away. Upon arrival with a 96 year old great grandmother and 2 grandmothers in their 80s we were greeted with "oh there were some really nice visitors from the UK who really wanted that table and we figure... read more

TardyKat 

on Citysearch

12 years ago

Service was top notch – We were very impressed with the Restaurant Week menu. There was so much to choose from. I had the warm asparagus salad with soft boiled egg and pancetta crumbs (I wish I had more bread to soak up the yoke!), grilled hanger steak with vidalia onion rings and creamed corn (more like soup, we needed spoons to eat it), and fresh strawberry tart and creme fraiche ice cream (which nearly melted away by the time I got it). My friend had the seasonal salad with watermelon radishes, shimeji mushrooms, pickled ... read more

nina nina 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

Many times was nice, once not – Well prepared, not expensive, good taste. Went back 3rd time in december 2010 and nothig were right. Every dish had own problem. Probably new group of students. Way to much salt, too much dripping in oil-fat, way to much sharp dressing, pinenuts were tasting old. Even wine not good. Could not eat anything. Room manager was considering. 

silverblue 

on Citysearch

14 years ago

A brunch that did not live up to expectations – My highly anticipated brunch experience at L’ecole was underwhelming, to my disappointment. I had high hopes for the establishment, although it must be noted that the $19.50 2-course prix fixe brunch menu is not part of The French Culinary Institute’s curriculum. Students volunteer their time and work under the supervision of professional chefs. The course started off with the bread basket; an assortment of delicious and freshly baked muffins, gourmet pastries and crackers. I c... read more

Scoop NYC 

on Citysearch

14 years ago

Great food at a great price – Darn. I thought I'd found a secret but there are already more than 50 reviews. Without repeating all the nice -- and true -- things that have been written about the food, let me praise this place for something else. I had an 8:30 reservation on a Saturday night and walked in to find no table ready for 20 minutes. This happens at a lot of restaurants, and most of them act like my time is no big deal. L'Ecole, on the other hand, comped my party to a round of drinks after just 10 minutes. By the ti... read more

leeumphrey 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

Precision dining – It was cold and snowy when L'Ecole became our oasis for friendliness and warmth. The hostess seated us swiftly without circumstance followed by the waitress for our drink orders and to describe the specials. Our organization, Math for America, was particularly keen to hold our holiday luncheon at the French Culinary Institute because of the stellar reputation for quality food and to observe students who are being trained by the best. We believe that to teach math you must know math so we wanted to see a pa... read more

juliekal 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

perfect french cuisine – this place knows what's important - the focus is on the food. simple but perfect french food. food was delicious.i had the tomato goat cheese and the crusted lamb chops with ratatouille. this is a great place to bring the parents to but it's cheap enough that it can also be a more regular part of your diet. 

sweetemmy 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

FANTASTIC.. – FANTASTIC. Why? It's cute. It's tucked away and not screaming for attention (but still busy as can be, so you know they must be doing something right). It's casual and unpretentious, but very still very classy and oh-so-French. It's delicious. The food was so well-prepared, with flavors that were not too heavy or overdone. The portions were just about the right size. Our servers was perfect and did their job flawlessly with great timing. I sometimes hesitate to give 5 stars based on just one-time experiences, b... read more

Jenna1070899 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

Useless. Spend the extra money and go anywhere else! – We went here with a group of 5 after a special event here, and had heard the price for a 5-course dinner was really good. I must say, the menu was nice enough, and the manager was really friendly when we arrived, and had wonderful ideas for complimentary wines. However, after the experience I have two words: BUMBLING MESS! One of the meat courses was SUPPOSED to be medium-rare, and came out completely cooked through: well done. Even a child can cook a steak - it's not di... read more