Text size:

Sustenance for a shopper

By Daisy Carrington | dcarrington@am-ny.com

3:39 PM EST, November 28, 2007

In the department stores: Alison NelsonÂ¹s Chocolate Bar at Henri BendelÂ¹s (left and right); David Burke at Bloomingdales (center, top and bottom).

Come December, the city¹s department stores become second homes for many New Yorkers. Welcome to the holiday season. In order to cope with the overwhelming shopping experience, it¹s best to take some snack breaks. Here, we list the most luxurious department store restaurants to take a little time out.

Fred¹s at Barney¹s New York Like the merchandise on the floors below it, the food at this swank restaurant is exorbitantly priced. While shoppers come in for the well-prepared food (Estelle¹s chicken soup, billed to "cure colds and stay thin," is especially popular), the main draw is the people-watching. Should you choose to lunch here, dress appropriately and make a reservation. (660 Madison Ave., 9th Fl; 212-582-8283; $22-$34)

Alison Nelson¹s Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel¹s Though set in midtown, this friendly chocolate bar has a lively, downtown feel. It¹s also a great reason to get your shopping done early in the day, as it's only open for brunch and lunch. The non-dessert items -- mainly sandwiches and salads -- are appropriately light, and you won¹t feel too guilty if you binge on chocolate truffles afterward. (www.chocolatebar.com; $12-$20 for lunch; 712 Fifth Ave.; 212-247-1100)

David Burke at Bloomingdale¹s Have it your way. The celebrity chef has set up the Burke Bar Café, which is a sit-down affair, and Burke in the Box, a less-expensive, self-serve/takeout joint. Regardless of where or how you choose to eat, both restaurants offer typically adventurous fare. Though a little steep at $15, the all-natural "cheeseburker" sliders are a delicious diversion from rifling through the bargain bin. (1000 Third Ave.; 212-705-3800; www.burkeinthebox.com $14.95-$15.95 for lunch entrees, $13.95-$22.95 for dinner entrees)

BG at Bergdorf Goodman The decor at BG is made up of ethereal blues and greens. The restaurant also has a breathtaking view of Central Park and is a solid spot for catching New York¹s socialites snacking on salad. In addition to solid, though pricey, nouveau cuisine. There's also a tea menu from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (754 Fifth Ave., 7th Fl; 212-872-8977; $27-$37)

An American Place at Lord & Taylor The Lord & Taylor branch of Larry Forgione¹s signature restaurant offers tasty fare at a surprisingly reasonable price (for department store food, anyway). Entrees, like the "triple white" meatloaf (made of turkey, pork and veal), cost around $15. For snacky fare, head to the Signature Café. (424 Fifth Ave.; 212-827-5068; $10.95-$14.95)

Macy's Cellar Bar & Grill While the restaurant at this Herald Square shopping staple doesn¹t have the same pedigree of some of its haughtier counterparts, the food is a bargain. Stop at the bar for some cheap grub (chicken wings, $6.96), or sit down and enjoy a burger and old-fashioned milk shake. It¹s nothing fancy, but you can spend the money saved on a fancier game console for junior. (151 W. 34th St.; 212-868-3001 $10-$27)