After parking way over by Riverside Drive, I hoofed it to Central Park to meet my wife so we could watch the Marathon (a fun, very New Yawk thing to do). As I hurried past Bistro Citron, I paused... More

After parking way over by Riverside Drive, I hoofed it to Central Park to meet my wife so we could watch the Marathon (a fun, very New Yawk thing to do). As I hurried past Bistro Citron, I paused and read the menu. Lots of brunch stuff on there and some appealing lunch fare (with a French accent) as well. After a couple of hours watching people run the 26.2 mile route, we worked up a strong appetite and decided that Bistro Citron was for us. I am glad we did. The decor is exactly what you would expect given the success of ersatz French bistros like Pastis and Balthazar - distressed mirrors, soft lighting, ornate light fixtures and polished wood floors. But enough of that, let's talk food. My wife had their crab salad - a fat hockey puck of fresh lump crab meat. A good, light Sunday snack. I had their Steak Frites - a perfectly cooked and seasoned hanger steak with perfectly-done fries. The steak arrived as ordered - medium rare. It also came with a serious steak knife and given the chewiness of the meat, a good tool to have at hand. We had desert and coffee plus a bottle of wine and a glass of kir. Total was $70 including tip. A lot less than some places of similar quality in the neighborhood. Is this my new favorite NYC place? Possibly yes but it will take a few more visits. And I suspect I will find out because I will be back.
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