"Reservations are now live for Thomas Keller’s big Hudson Yards debut TAK Room — but alas, the first three weeks available have already booked up for tables for 2 or more at the mid-century American restaurant. A solo diner has several selections, though. The restaurant, which seats about 180, also accepts walk-ins. Perhaps most unexpected, TAK Room’s Resy page claims that people will spend just about $50 per person on a meal at the fifth- and sixth-floor restaurant at the Shops at Hudson Yards. That would be a downright steal for any fine dining restaurant, let alone a Keller one that’s being marketed as glamorous and elegant. Keller has insisted that he wants this restaurant to be “fun.” Champagne carts and live music are planned in the dining room, which has views of the $25 billion development, deep green chairs, velvet banquettes, white tablecloths, and a spiral staircase. The Tuesday night Instagram circuit also revealed that the chef himself carved prime rib in front of diners — which makes TAK Room sound even more like the Grill, the acclaimed Major Food Group restaurant where tableside prime rib carving has become a signature and critic favorite." - Serena Dai
