Cuisine:

• American
• Contemporary
• New American
• Lounge, club, bar

21 Club Description:
This former speakeasy from the '20s is still going strong, thanks to its professional service, compelling customers, and choice wine list; yes it's true, even after all this time it's still a premier see-and-be-seen spot. Chef John Greeley's menu mixes '21' classics with creative contemporary offerings. Choose to experience his à la carte or chef's table tasting menu under memorabilia, like the miniature Spruce Goose, a gift from Howard Hughes, or upstairs in the elegant formal dining room. A candlelit dinner or party can also be had in the historic wine cellar with its solid concrete and brick facade that once eluded government raiders during Prohibition. Private estate bottles from Jimmy Stewart and Richard Nixon still hug the shelves. Regardless of where you are, start your evening with a Southside, a classic '21' cocktail, similar to a mojito but mixed with vodka rather than rum. The à la carte menu embraces vintage favorites restored to their original recipes, from hand-picked jumbo lump crab meat with lime and virgin olive oil to creamy chicken hash and the '21' burger. Along with heating up such retro practices as the flambé, Greeley snares clientele with his contemporary menu. Soft-shell crab arrives crispy with a celeriac slaw. A generous grilled swordfish medallion with olive purée and medley of poblano peppers, corn and zucchini show the chef is unafraid of introducing spice. Kimberly Bugler follows up and woos with desserts like a killer after-eight torte. '21' should seriously think about packaging the accompanying peppermint crunch ice cream loaded with icy chocolate BB's---delivering a perfect shot. There's a reasonably priced $24 prix-fixe lunch menu, a real steal.


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