I went to Carmen's for Valentine's Day. Crowded, but the staff did well. I had shrimp and scallops and my girlfriend had duck. Both of our meals were very good, the shrimp and scallops were outstanding. The restaurant is located in the lobby of the hotel, which is odd, but the fact that it was a 'practice' design for Grand Central Station really shows. Staring at the architecture should keep you from noticing that everyone in the restaurant and lobby can see each other. The staff is courteous, the food is good, and the portions match the prices. I would definately return to this restaurant.

The first thing you'll notice about Carmen's is the atomosphere. It's located in the lobby of the Rasson Hotel, which is a renovated 19th century train station. In fact, the station was designed by the same architect who designed Grand Central Station in New York as a "practice" design for GSS.

The marble floors are original, as is the fountain in the middle of the restaurant. Carmen's is located on the ground floor of a six story atrium, giving an impressive view. Overhead, about half way up, is the largest single Tiffany stained glass piece in the worls. Along the walls there are tile mosaics depicting scenes along the Lackawanna Railroad routes. LRR was noted for it's famous Phoebe Snow run. (Phoebe Snow was a character developed for marketing the cleanliness of the LRR. She was an elegant gal, dressed in white, and because the local anthracite coal the LRR used burned much cleaner than the bituminous coal used by other railroads, Phoebe was able to wear her white dresses on board without worrying about getting them covered with soot from the stacks of the steam engines).

Oh yes, food. The menu at Carmen's is quite diverse, with something for everyone. I've never had a menu selection that I wouldn't recommend. My favorite, however, is the lunchtime buffet. For less than 15 bucks you can treat yourself to a wide variety of entrees and sides, including chef-carved steamship roast beef, ham and turkey. The best value in town.

If you happen to be there over a weekend, the Sunday champagne brunch buffet is a must. All the standard breakfast items are there (including omelets made to order) as well as a great selection of lunch entrees including meats, seafood, soups, salads, almost anything you can imagime. And wash it all down with a glass of champagne. All for one price. The best part is, they make no attempt to rush you. I've actually sat there on a Sunday morning with a group of friends for THREE hours, going from breakfast to lunch, with champagne all along the way. Makes you feel like a king.