212 Restaurant & Bar (CLOSED)

Geographically, 212 sits on a quiet stretch of East 65th Street. Spiritually, it belongs in one of Donald Trump’s nearby buildings: The Euro-leaning eatery shares many traits with the mogul turned reality star. The food is far better than it needs to be, given the see-and-be-seen ambience. Veal chop milanese, still on the bone, is pounded flat and emerges from the sauté pan light and crisp. Grilled baby artichokes are tossed with chopped arugula and slivered Parmesan. Still, some dishes seem phoned in, such as the bland goat-cheese ravioli in tomato sauce. Female bartenders pull and pour in backless, logoed Lycra dresses, and the menu gives shout-outs to the coolest and sexiest customers, who have names like Pascal, Federico and Tatiana. What, no Melania?