I like a restaurant that encourages gents to look their best when they sit down for a lunch or dinner. Sure, “jacket required” can be an annoying rule, but some places need no rules to encourage you to present the best version of yourself. Aretsky’s Patroon is one such place, on East 46th Street in New York City.

Patroon is a thoughtful modern version of an old-school American bistro.
The room is warmly decorated with red leather banquettes, and the walls have one of the best collections of 20th-century photography I’ve ever seen. I like it for the care of the service and the charm of ever-present owner Ken Aretsky. His Patroon has an old-world elegance and I always try to dress and accessorize accordingly. On my last visit, to compliment a tweed suit, I wore a Saxonia Outsize Date by A. Lange & Söhne. It has a hand-stitched alligator strap and black solid sliver dial, with a 38.5 mm pink gold case. The watch reminds me of Patroon—understated, timeless, elegant, and handsome.

There was a time when thoughtful, well-dressed gentleman would retire to the smoking lounge
of their favorite restaurant after an indulgent meal of steaks and martinis. The reality today is those places are few and far between. Let’s face it: There are fewer of us sartorial-minded gentleman around, and even fewer restaurants that cater to our vices. I’m very thankful that the terrace at Aretsky’s still encourages an after-dinner smoke, so we retired to the roof terrance for a cigar. Here’s to old-world elegance and indulgence.

By MATT HRANEK
February 14, 2018

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