J/G's "Nougatine" is a good alternative.
You enter both Nougatine and the regular Jean Georges at the same entrance (located right inside Trump Tower), so don't be confused if you think you're accidentally walking into J/G's Michelin 3-star restaurant rather than the more casual Nougatine for lunch.
Both share the same drinks menu and the same kitchen, so this is a great option if you're looking to experience the world of Jean Georges without breaking the wallet.
Nougatine'sambiance is great. The thirty eight dollar prix fixe lunch offers shrimp and avocado appetizer, seared sea bass with tomato sauce, and the strawberry pavlova for dessert.
Jean Georges invented the warm chocolate lava cake, which is also a dessert option.
For a wholesome light lunch with a nice ambiance, Nougatine is definitely on the list.
On Thanksgiving I broke the bank at Le Cirque. Surely one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve ever been in. The food was OK - I went for steak and my family went for the turkey which they loved so I obviously misordered. Great martinis, though.
Did I see wine in a cooler behind Trump?!
This has been my favorite Jean Georges recipe for a long time:
Scallops and Cauliflower with Caper Raisin Sauce:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/scallops-and-cauliflower-with-caper-raisin-sauce-15422
I want that frog leg recipe!
When I was a kid Mrs. Paul sold frozen ones. I love em.