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Tables at Adour Alain Ducasse are comfortable and are not too close to each other, despite the small size of the New York restaurant�after all, at full capacity, the restaurant still only seats 25. You’ll also feel relaxed in the burgundy chairs with their cushy arm rests, which blend into the maroon carpet. With no centerpieces or candles on the tables�which are set with the typical folded napkin on plate, basic utensils, bread plate and wine glass�you also don’t have to worry about knocking anything over or having your server rearrange the table while you dine, creating an unfussy and romantic dining experience.

With so many tasty menu items to tempt you, it can be hard to decide what to order at Adour Alain Ducasse. Here are five dishes you should try at the Four-Star restaurant: 1. The crab. The crispy soft-shell crab is served on a bed of perfectly marinated seasonal vegetables, providing a fresh contrast to the heavier crunch of the crab. 2. Lobster. Seafood lovers will enjoy the tender pink and white meat pulled from the lobster shell, before arranged artfully in a delectable platter. Though the lobster dish changes seasonally, it is always a standout. 3. Uni. Chef Didier Elena is known for his fresh uni (sea urchin) pasta, so give it a shot if you enjoy uni. 4. Soufflé. Though all the desserts are commendable, the soufflé is always popular, whether it’s a unique flavor like chestnut or almond with a raspberry center�just know that it takes 20 minutes to bake. 5. Vegetable cookpot. A signature of Alain Ducasse, the vegetable cookpot features the freshest vegetables of the season. It’s a great choice for those who want a meat-free meal.

Dishes at Adour Alain Ducasse range from $20 for the appetizer of shaved seasonal vegetables to a $140 cote de boeuf for two. Or you can try the seven-course tasting menu for $115, or opt for the five-course vegetarian tasting for $85�which includes the signature Ducasse vegetable cookpot. Since the menu was designed with wine in mind, you’ll want to order the tasting menu with wine pairings for the full experience. Individual dishes are also pricier, so you’ll find that the tasting menu offers the best value. If you’re not up for being stuffed, share an appetizer, entrée and dessert�they’ll split each plate for you for no extra charge.

Bearing the name of the famed French chef and a part of his many restaurants, Adour Alain Ducasse in the St. Regis New York serves up contemporary French fare in an intimate setting. Five other things you should know about the New York restaurant are: 1. The bar is very small, with only four seats, and a small table right behind the bar with two chairs. The busyness of the bar just depends on the day and whether or not there are any events going on, but arriving earlier on a weekend, (about 6 p.m.), may up your chances of getting a seat at the bar. Since the area is so slight though, you’ll want to avoid any large group gatherings here. 2. The intimate restaurant was designed by architect David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, who was responsible for such projects as the newly revamped, sleek Jet Blue Airways terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport, as well as other restaurants like Nobu, the Japanese fusion restaurant helmed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa. 3. If you sit at the bar, try using the interactive wine list, which projects the menu onto the bar counter from a device on the ceiling. You can then scroll through to find wines and pull up tasting notes by hovering your hand over arrows that appear on the counter. Ask the bartender or server for tips on using the device, which has been usable since the restaurant first opened. 4. Since the New York restaurant is part of the St. Regis, it may be confusing getting to Adour when you first walk in the hotel. Look for a large rectangular panel with the letters "Adour" in large script. It is located next to the open Astor Court area, where the hotel serves its afternoon tea. 5. Known for their macaroons and desserts, don’t leave without a taste of at least the petit fours, if you’re too full to enjoy a full-sized order. You can also ask to box your petit fours to take home to indulge later.

Adour Alain Ducasse welcomes walk-ins, but since the intimate restaurant is quite small, we would recommend making reservations prior to your visit. If you don’t have reservations and arrive to find a long wait, try your luck at the bar area�there are only six seats, but it is sometimes empty, and you can order off the regular menu and receive the same attentive service. For reservations, book via Open Table, or call the Four-Star restaurant directly.

Designed by well-known architect David Rockwell and his team at the Rockwell Group, Adour Alain Ducasse was designed to be low-key yet still provide an elegant dining experience. You’ll feel relaxed sitting in the wood-paneled room with high ceilings, enjoying conversation among the dim lighting and leaf designs on the wall�elegant touches that are simple enough to feel unstuffy. The décor creates an intimate feel that matches the wine bar atmosphere it was designed to mimic; after all, dishes on the menu are all created with wine in mind. Though the restaurant is dark and intimate like a wine cellar�wine bottles line parts of two walls in class cases�the romantic maroon carpet and burgundy velvet chairs contribute to the elegant atmosphere.

Adour Alain Ducasse seats 25 at full capacity, when the semi-enclosed dining area is not in use by a private party. If the enclosed space is in use, then the restaurant seats 18. This makes the New York restaurant great for group dining if you’re looking to book one of the private areas, but otherwise, Adour Alain Ducasse is best for intimate gatherings. While the low-key atmosphere means you won’t feel like you have to whisper, you may feel uncomfortable if you have to shout to your dining companions across the table. This also means that you’ll want to make reservations to ensure you can get a table�the bar area is small and whether or not you get a seat there can depend entirely on the day. Book via Open Table or call the restaurant directly to reserve the perfect spot.

Outside the entrance to the St. Regis New York, you will find valet parking, should you arrive by car. Valet service at Adour Alain Ducasse costs $40. Diving can be a hassle, so you’re better off hailing cab or taking public transportation. The Four-Star restaurant is located just a couple blocks from the Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street stop on the blue E and orange M line at 55th and Fifth Avenue. You can also take the orange F train to the 5th Ave. and 56th St. stop and walk to the restaurant.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays, Adour Alain Ducasse is open the rest of the week from 6 to 10 p.m. daily, with last reservation times typically at 9:30 or 9:45 p.m. For reservations, call the New York restaurant at directly, or book via OpenTable. You can also try your luck and swing by the Four-Star restaurant, though no tables are reserved for walk-ins. So your only option may be to sit at the small, six-seater bar area.

Adour Alain Ducasse is located in the St. Regis New York on 2 E. 55th St. on Manhattan’s East Side, close to all the famed shopping of Fifth Avenue. You can enter the hotel right on the corner of Fifth Avenue, but an entrance further east on 55th Street � with an awning marked with the New York restaurant’s name � will take you directly to Adour Alain Ducasse. Just walk straight up the stairs upon entering � you’ll pass the Astor Room on your left, where afternoon tea is enjoyed � to arrive at the French restaurant.