Hot New Restaurants in New York: Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The Mark Hotel

We recently spilled the beans about an exclusive special offer at The Mark Hotel, the luxury property on Madison Avenue at 77th Street that witnessed a stunning refurbishment before reopening in summer 2009. Here's another scoop for food-lovers out there: The Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges is opening in a little over a week. Come February 22, you'll be able to sample a world-class menu of innovative European classics infused with global seasonings. (All with fresh-from-the-market ingredients, of course.) The space itself, to quote chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, "is simply stunning, thanks to renowned designer Jacques Grange. It feels high-end and flush, with elegant touches like these columns of light." We love the skylight ceiling and copper and glass wine wall in the dining room, showcasing a collection of boutique and familiar food-friendly wines from around the world. (The focus is on value and diversity.)

On his personal blog, Vongerichten details some of the new items on the menu, including the Croque M., a cross between a croque monsieur and croque madame. "The secret to my decadent version? I make a Mornay sauce with gruyere and comte, then spread it on slices of fresh pain de mie. I do a triple-decker version with Flying Pig Farm ham, comte, and gruyere, then broil it with a quail egg on top. Delicious."