Setting: With a clever address (in the landmark 9 West 57th Street building-right off Fifth Ave.) and a grand entrance (a wide sweeping spiral of a staircase- down) ... ... Brasserie 8 ½ 's first impression is that of a glamorous ocean liner- transporting guests to a Parisian 'modern slice of la belle époque' or civilized Mediterranean seaside enclave -but decidedly on land- in a spacious midtown eatery -with a dedicated luxe lounge (perfect for cocktails), multi-seat bars made for conversation ( sans TV screens) -and a plush leather banquet lined main dining room-elegantly adorned with framed Matisse prints and original artwork by Marco Del Re and dramatically partitioned from the kitchen by a striking stain glass artistic tour de force. From our welcoming greeting at the street level-to the last sip of after dinner espresso-our experience was intuitively well paced-with professional service as befits an upscale dining experience...and relaxed ...