One of the great meals I had this year so far has been of all places, the Upper East Side. A land I rarely venture to. But after being invited to August, a restaurant that for years was on Bleecker Street in the West Village, and has recently relocated not to far from Bloomingdale's on the UES, I can tell you that the Upper East Side ain't that bad. Every dish I had was well executed perfection. If you are shopping at Bloomies, or just looking for a solid great meal on the Upper East Side, August surely hits the spot.

Start with a Caesar Salad where the Romaine has a beautiful char, or maybe the tuna which is also charred and topped with pear, lemon, and sweet chili. That pear adding a nice sweet crunch. Potato Gnocchi is a must. With raclette, bacon, and braised mustard greens? #yesplease.

Braised Short Ribs come with roasted brussels sprouts, and honey sriracha. It's so tender, it's like butter. Order it. #godbless Scallops come with celery root, Honeycrisp apple and jalapeño. Just lovely. Risotto at August is caramelized cauliflower, white chocolate, and American caviar. #Amazing.

Also not to be missed is a side of August's chilled green bean salad. It's addictive, simple, refreshing, and wonderful.

Cool things to exist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. And sometimes they taste great too.

August

791 Lexington Avenue (bet. 61st and 62nd)

New York, NY 10065

212-935-1433

www.augustny.com