If there's anyone having a whole lot of fun with cooking, it's David Burke (and his exec chef Sylvain Delpique and pastry chef Jennifer Domanski!) Townhouse is that rare blend of high end foodie with quirky whimsy that so rarely works together (but it does here.) Let us first say, if you're a vegetarian or don't eat shellfish, this is not the spot for you. But if you want a chef to wow you, or are hoping to impress the family or that special date, you are going to love it here. We recommend doing the 4-course prix fixe ($55 and a daily changing menu) and coming hungry. On one occasion, this involved peanut brittle duck ravioli; poppy seed pan seared scallops; as well as a lobster broth that came in what can only be described as a lantern, with the broth steaming up into the wontons. Not prepared to eat that much? Burke classics we liked include the sea scallops Benedict with chorizo oil; the crisp 'angry' lobster (it's angry from the chili); and a filet of veal with sunchokes and fig ravioli. While entrees come in at $27-39, not only are they enormous (get one each so you can try it all, and take it home) but the creativity will knock your socks off. Well, you might want to keep them on as this lush, fun art- filled (love the glass balloons) townhouse gets mostly well- heeled society types. p.s. the front room is genius for dessert and drinks.

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