It's always fun to find out we are flying into a city that is being hit with an unexpected snow storm. Luckily our flight was only affected with a 30 minute delay. Also, it's not worth flying Delta's "Business First" class. It's hardly a step above coach, so please save your money.
Where did we go and how was it?
Nougatine at Jean Georges - Monday after we landed - 10:45pm seating
This gem we "discovered" on our last NYC outing did not disappoint. We were seated by the window were we could see the snow covered streets and the wind whipping the flakes across while it howled.
(Check out the cuteness from the staff with the snow outside. Sorry for the sucky camera phone shot but the mound of snow on the table is decorated with maraschino cherries!)We couldn't resist and ordered from the Tasting Menu. Some highlights:
* Tuna Tartare with Avocado, Spicy Radish and Ginger Marinade
- the tuna was buttery and the avocado's creaminess only enhanced the fatty delight which the radish and the ginger cut through to give it the acidic balance without overpowering
* Salt and Pepper Calamari with Citrus Chili Dip
- it's amazing how much better calamari tastes when people know how to cook it properly (i.e. not rubbery)
Le Bernardin - Tuesday for a late lunch - 1:45pm seating
With all hopes dashed for a coffee and croissant from Les Halles due to the cold weather and the warmth of the down comforter, we woke up in time to look presentable at Le Bernardin for lunch.
We were seated 5 minutes after our reservation time and were treated with the same level of professionalism and efficiency you can expect from a 3 Michelin star restaurant.
Meal highlights were:
* An Amuse of popcorn calamari w/sriracha dipping sauce
* Sautéed Calamari Filled with Sweet Prawns and Wood Ear Mushroom; Calamari Consommé
* Slowly Braised Porcini Mushroom and Oyster with Asparagus and Baby Leek
And as yummy as the desserts were, nothing beats the mini-madeleines and pistachio financiers (to which I asked for a second helping).
The best part was telling the Maitre d' how much we loved seeing him on this season's Top Chef which broke his ever-professional cool with a nice smile and a joke, "That was my twin brother."
Classy all the way.
Apiary - Chef Scott Bryan - Monday 8:30pm dinner
Holy crap it was cold out. But we were able to secure a cab quickly and made our way down to finally taste the brillance I'd heard so much about regarding Scott Bryan. He made Veritas and has been praised repeatedly by Bourdain amongst the same class as Eric Ripert, so I was intrigued. Finding Chef Bryan was a process in itself which only heightened my desire to taste his cuisine. When I read he had landed at Apiary to replace a Flay "protegee" who didn't cut the mustard, I thought it was a good sign.
The decor was simple but modern in dark woods with light colored walls. The most interesting pieces were the light fixtures of clear plastic "chandeliers" which cast larger shadow images against the walls. I wasn't into the look, but I find the idea behind it... interesting.
Meal highlights:
Hamachi with Avocado
Leg of Duck Confit
Panna Cotta
The overall impression was pleasant and friendly. The staff seems a bit young and maybe a tad below NYC level of quality, but in no way am I trying to badmouth them at all. I think if they keep it up, they will only gain more experience and will work out any kinks, and they have all the makings of being a solid establishment befitting a home in Manhattan as a go-to restaurant.
And finally, when I inquired if Chef Bryan was in the kitchen that night, our server said she would see if he could say hello. And he did and was pleasant and just seemed to be a solid, down-to-earth guy. He's a great chef.
Wednesday - Afternoon tea and Dinner
D'oh! Another lazy day. We not only missed breakfast (at Nougatine or Les Halles) but also lunch (Les Halles).* sigh
Well, since we didn't want to fill up on anything to leave enough room to enjoy whatever may come to us at Jean Georges, I ordered The London NYC Hotel's Afternoon tea service for one to split with my new husband (which still is weird to type or say). It was disappointing but somehow I wasn't surprised. So far, everything related to Gordon Ramsay has sucked the big one. Don't get me wrong: I loved the BBC Kitchen Nightmares (FOX' version blows) and I think he's incredibly charming even with his volcanic temper since his ideals make sense. BUT I do question his managerial skills when it comes to expansion of his name/brand.
The tea is served with a tea bag. Granted, it is Harney & Sons but when I order afternoon tea service, I expect loose tea leaves and a filter. The finger sandwiches were bland and the bread was dry and stale. The scones were served warm which was lovely but instead of clotted cream, they served a (tiny!) side of whipped cream. British tea, eh? Riii....ght.
Jean Georges saves all - 8:30pm seating
Citing this is our honeymoon trip to NYC, I requested one of their two alcove/private tables in the main dining room and was pleasantly surprised to find they were able to accommodate our request!
Yet again, we succumbed to the allure of the Tasting Menu and we were pleased to find we could each order a different style, which meant double the tasting goodness. Woo hoo!
Meal highlights:
* Egg Caviar
- served in its own egg shell, their version of scrambled egg is a softly cooked egg topped with creme fraiche and caviar. With spoon, mix it up, and eat. Were it not so rich, I'd ask for half a dozen.
* Peekytoe Crab Dumplings in Celeriac Meyer Lemon Tea (broth)
- two words: Holy @#$%! This was so amazing, I could picture myself sitting with 2 dozen dumplings in a bowl with broth, a spoon, and napkin at my neck. This was nirvana. It has been a long time since I walked away from a meal where I am in bliss even weeks later.
* Duck Breast crusted with Cracked Jordan Almonds and Amaretto Jus
- since discovering magret de canard served rare in Paris, I had been craving it ever since. Having it served from the JG kitchens only makes it ridiculously good
All I can say is that we wished we had more days in NYC so we could visit more of our faves and to try a few places we've yet to try...
Till our next trip then! xoxo -jla
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