Hi friends! This story was originally published in our former Broken Palate universe. All our newest stories — with a refreshed look/team/point of view — are published here On the House.
We’re big fans of Katie Couric, the award-winning journalist, #1 New York Times bestselling author we’d love to be friends with. Founder of her very own Katie Couric Media, we’ve recently become avid readers of her free daily newsletter, Wake-Up Call (which you will love as much as we do).
In addition to everything you need to know in the morning —“This Republican Could Play a Pivotal Role in the Supreme Court Showdown” and “The 10 U.S. Cities Where Rent Increased the Most in 2021” — you'll hear from her well-known friends, like Ina Garten, Stanley Tucci, and Bowen Yang. (Be sure to also subscribe to her podcast, "Next Question," on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorites.)
A longtime New York resident, Katie points to her favorite spots to drink and dine around Manhattan, cited in her recent memoir, Going There.
Three Guys
“Three Guys (960 Madison Avenue, Manhattan) is a diner that became a staple for the girls and me when we moved into the Surrey Hotel for a year, waiting for our apartment to be renovated. As I write in the book, it has All-American hamburgers at Madison Avenue prices. I love going there for their soups, and it’s a fun place to meet friends for breakfast. I always run into Donny Deutsch there, eating by himself and reading on his phone.”
Rainbow Room
“The Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Center, Manhattan) is glamorous NYC at its finest. First of all, I love 30 Rock. From the mural that greets you when you walk in the door, to the ice skating rink, to the flags flapping in the wind. When you walk into the Rainbow Room, the soundtrack in your head should be, “You’re the Top” by Cole Porter. In fact, I can’t believe the Rainbow Room isn’t in the lyrics. I celebrated Tony Bennett’s birthday there, attended some pretty swanky NBC parties, and brought my high school friends for a special night on the town when they visited me. As for the food, I don’t even remember it, because the setting and the scenery (inside and out) are so magical.”
Cipriani
“I think the first time I went to Cipriani (781 5th Ave., Manhattan) was when I got a bellini at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1989. Nothing comes close to that experience, but Cipriani is pretty bellissimo. I love ordering the Dover sole (although it’s enough for two). And the place is always bustling with big shots (Charlie Rose was a regular back in the day). The Cipriani downtown hosts a ton of charity events and the space is cavernous. There’s nothing quite like watching all the power-lunchers wheeling and dealing around the tables.”
Cognac
“Cognac (963 Lexington Ave., Manhattan) is such a cute restaurant, and I’m not sure why I don’t go there more often. It's cozy–with a clubby atmosphere and pretty leather booths–and not far from our apartment. I’ve only been once, twenty years after Jay died, to have a drink with his doctors. I ordered a cup of tea, but I’ve since googled the menu and it looks delicious.”
Raoul’s
“I think Raoul’s (180 Prince St., Manhattan) qualifies as a true New York institution. Founded by two brothers who had moved to the United States from France, it’s the perfect SoHo bistro with the best steak frites in town. Inside is always buzzing and bustling, outside is a cute outdoor patio, if you’re looking for a quieter and COVID-friendly option. As you’ll read, I went on a date with an–ahem–much younger man there.”
Barbuto
“I adore Chef Jonathan Waxman and his restaurant, Barbuto (113 Horatio St., Manhattan) is an NYC must-visit. John and I went here for our second date (and many times thereafter). I always order the roast chicken with these delicious potatoes that are fried in duck fat–and I’m sure are really good for you. We just ate there for John’s son Henry’s birthday. It recently moved locations and I’m so happy to report it is doing well in this weird pandemic world.”
Polo Bar
“Polo Bar (1 E. 55th St., Manhattan) is so much fun, especially in the winter. It’s super cozy, horsey, Ralph Lauren-y. We always start with their melt-in-your-mouth mini Reuben sandwiches. They have fantastic steaks, great salads. It just has a buzzing atmosphere and lots of notable people go there–Michael Strahan and media types, well-known lawyers, and former presidents (see: page 420).”
Elio’s
“You may have heard of Elio’s (1621 2nd Ave., Manhattan) — they recently allowed Sarah Palin to dine indoors without asking for her proof of vaccination (which she doesn’t have, as she isn’t vaccinated). But pre that scandal, it was simply known as an Upper East Side favorite. I used to see Angelica Houston, Tom Selleck, and the aforementioned Donny Deutsch there. Apparently, Tom Hanks and Joan Didion frequented Elio’s too. I love their pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe and their fried calamari (and I’m not normally a calamari gal). This is where I had an intense and, in hindsight, illuminating conversation with Matt Lauer.”
La Bonne Soup
“La Bonne Soupe (48 W. 55th St., Manhattan) was the backdrop of yet another very awkward meeting with Marissa Mayer, who was the CEO of Yahoo at the time. That was the only time I’ve been. Marissa suggested I order the Tomato Basil and I have to say, it was very good.”
Michael’s
“Last, but certainly not least, Michael’s: Every Wednesday, pre-COVID, Michael’s (24 W. 55th St., Manhattan) was crawling with media types of all types and stripes. (Why Wednesday? No clue.) It’s the place to see and be seen. In this corner, Steven Brill. In that corner, the late Ann Richards and Liz Smith kibitzing. In another corner, a network president, a table away Ken Auletta. There was always lots of table-hopping happening. I used to love the chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese (they took it off the menu) and the Niçoise salad. Michael himself always greets me like a long-lost relative. It’s really become a New York media institution.”