Michael’s restaurant in midtown Manhattan is a magnet for media major-leaguers and publishing masters of the universe. Recent diners included actor Robin Williams, former President Bill Clinton, and White Stripes. Nice mix. They are mostly seated at one of the numbered booths in the front dining room. The windowed dining room at the rear is a lovely space that overlooks a charming garden – this room is popular for private events. It’s a bright, warm restaurant with impressive modern art. Michael’s restaurant is the New York outpost of an equally starry Santa Monica media mecca. The cuisine is, therefore, modern Californian with hints of French, Italian, Hispanic and Asian, with a menu that changes seasonally. Dishes include; grilled fresh jumbo quail with lemon potato gnocchi, parmesan tuile, blood orange and shallot marmalade; seared hamachi with braised baby bok choy, seasonal mushrooms, mushroom beurre blanc and toasted pumpkin seed oil; vacherin of banana and peanut butter with chocolate chantilly and peanut carmel sauce. Tasting menu available.