La Grenouille Restaurant   

3 E 52nd St
New York, NY 10022
212-752-1495
www.la-grenouille.com

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The hallmark of La Grenouille -- its abundant and grand floral arrangements -- had pragmatic origins in 1962, as a way to filter direct sunlight on the tables up front without curtains (too dark), or tinting (too gauche). The custom grew to become the most distinctive feature of this classic French restaurant, eliciting customer Salvador Dali to remark to the owner, "You throw money out the windows, but it comes back to you through the doors." In keeping with the name (taken from the original owner Mr. Masson's nickname for the co-owner, his wife, "ma petite grenouille," or, "my little frog"), frog is available, as are other typical French dishes such as chateaubriand and braised oxtail in Burgundy wine sauce, while the lobster and tarragon ravioli is a perennial favorite. Both decor and service are old-school upscale, with tuxedo-bedecked waiters serving a distinguished clientele who dress the part in gowns and suits (jacket and tie required). It's hard to imagine this pricey piece of real estate used to be a run-down artist's studio in a less-than-desirable neighborhood -- that was back in 1962. Tidbit: The upstairs room was once the home of Antoine de St. Exupery, author of 'Le Petit Prince.' -- Dan Glass