HUNGRY GERALD

If you are in Manhattan and desiring a cocktail, the two best places are the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel and the Bemelmans Room at the Carlyle Hotel. Be aware. The prices are up in the stratosphere. Cocktails are $20-24 at both places.  King Cole has very comfortable seating and is illuminated by a magnificent Maxfield Parrish mural of King Cole–“that merry old soul.”  Want a snack at King Cole? A bagel and Nova salmon is $34. Nice drink with it would be a Bloody Mary ($24).  It was invented there and is still called a “Red Snapper.” The Bemelmans Room is enhanced by a charming mural of Central Park vignettes by the inimitable Ludwig Bemelmans (he did the famed “Madeline” books and much art— plus novels, travel books,memoirs, etc.). Want a nosh? Oysters are $32 for six. Cheese plate is $36 and charcuterie plate is $42. Getting minimally tipsy at these places would bend your credit card.