Pearl Oyster Bar - New York, NY

Pearl wanted an open kitchen so that curious New Yorkers could watch their food being prepared. New Yorkers have become savvy about food and on most nights, there ends up a pretty lively discussion up and down the bar ‘what's good where,' recipes, that kind of thing.

Because Pearl's menu relies largely on what is available each day, all eyes are on the blackboards during lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves beer, wine and soft drinks. We will not be putting in an espresso machine despite the numerous requests. This is after all quintessentially American food—fried oysters and espresso? We don't think so.