Last night, Darren and I met up with our friends Angela and Morty for dinner at the Garden at Ono (at the Gansevoort hotel) in the meatpacking district.  It has been awhile since I’ve been to the meatpacking district and boy do I miss it.  The area was alive with shoppers checking out the boutiques for the latest in fall fashion, tourists walking the streets and all the paparazzi following around the pack of movie stars on location for a shoot at Hogs & Heffers.  While I waited outside the restaurant for everyone to arrive, I took in the scene and was thrilled to back in the heart of it all. 

The restaurant has somewhat of a secluded entrance although the red velvet rope does give away the fact that something exclusive is going on behind the greenery.  We reserved a table outside and it was the perfect night for it.  We were one of a few tables when we sat down but slowly people began to arrive and before long the place was in full swing.  We had a great table where we could scope out the scene but also gave us some privacy so we could talk.  If you are going with a large group, definitely try to reserve a table in a cabana.  They are great for parties.  The menu is a typical Japanese/sushi menu and the fare is decent given it is a trendy “see and be seen” kind of place.  Darren took the honors of ordering a bunch of different rolls of tuna, eel, crab and we all shared.  The food was good but the drinks were better.  I had a couple of their fabulous melon martinis which were delicious.  Angela and Morty tried the lemongrass mojito and they said it was really good too.   The place is exactly what you would expect, a lot of really good looking people, drinks flowing and a menu with decent food but high prices.  Overall, I’d recommend the Garden at Ono for its atmosphere and the drinks. 

The best part of the night though was the company – thanks Morty and Angela for coming out with us.  We had a great time!!!!!