THE MARK
Ambiance
Located in the Upper East Side’s The Mark Hotel is Chef Jean-Georges’ The Mark Restaurant. My all-time favorite chef, I’m always excited to visit one of his restaurants. They are always upscale with an incredible amount of attention put into the ingredients and menu as a whole. While I’ve been to several on my own time, I’ve been to, now, two for work. The Mark and Public Kitchen. While Public Kitchen has a fresh newer feel (cause it is) The Mark has a 90’s modern aesthetic—very classic expensive Upper East Side feel.
It can’t go unsaid, the service is absolutely exquisite. Each server that came to my table was so personable, knowledgeable, and had great recommendations on the menu.
Food
As a seafood lover, I am always happy to get my hands on a menu with diversity in pescatarian options. Don’t get me wrong, there is surely meat but there is also a Lobster Burger with Gruyere Cheese, Yuzu Pickles, and Green Chili Mayonnaise on their lunch menu (you know I’m going to have to go back and try that one).
Almost a dedication to the Upper East Side, there is a great deal of attention placed on curating beautiful salads. As UES girl myself, I couldn’t resist trying the recommended Steamed Shrimp Salad—OBSESSED! Oh, and don’t even for a second consider skipping the Crispy Sushi, it’s a hands-down MUST!
Favorite Dishes
STEAMED SHRIMP SALAD with avocado, enoki mushrooms, champagne dressing
CRISPY SUSHI with chipotle mayonnaise, salmon, tuna, hamachi, scallop, avocado
LEMON MERINGUE TART with Almond Sable, Meyer Lemon Sherbet
What To Wear
You don’t have to dress up per se BUT you should look put together. The crowd skews a bit to the older side, though to be fair, there was a table of six ladies my age next to me. Let’s just say, you wouldn’t be out of sorts if you opted for the blazer but you would be frowned upon in ripped jeans.
As for me, I went in jeans, boots, and a fitted sweater and felt perfect.
Baby Friendly
I did bring my 15-month-old son along napping in his stroller without issue but I would mention it in the reservation to make sure. There weren’t any children in the space at all during the lunch time I was there and I imagine if Sutton (my son) was awake and loud for any reason we would have stuck out like a sore thumb. If doable, I’d skip bringing the tiny ones along and save this spot for a gorgeous adult meal.
