Restaurant Week in New York City was amazing this summer! $26 lunches and $42 dinners at over 300 participating restaurants was a deal no-one should skip. And I sure didn’t. After visiting 3 of Tom Colicchio’s eateries, I set my sights on three of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants. Born in Elsace (like my grandfather many moons ago) Jean-Georges now resides in New York City, spoiling us, restaurant by restaurant, with his flavor and taste. In New York alone he owns over ten restaurants, plus more all over the US, so his many Chefs de Cuisine carry out his vision while adding their own special touch. Luckily several of his upscale restaurants participated in Restaurant Week, and I didn’t hesitate to make the reservations. Even though Restaurant Week is over, I hope you take notes for the next one in the winter.
Public Kitchen
Public Kitchen is located downtown in the Public Hotel, and is one of Jean-Georges’ newer restaurants. It serves New American cuisine, and has a beautiful seating area on a garden style terrace, which in and of itself is worth a visit. Walk past the neon-lit escalators upon entry (a stunner!), and be seated at the beautiful and spacious restaurant.
My appetizer were Black Pepper Shrimp with Market Peach, which were amazing. For the main course I chose Roasted Organic Chicken with Summer Vegetables and Salsa Verde, super juicy chicken…. The dessert was a Berry Pavlova with Berry Sorbet, love at first bite. Of course everything was awesome….
For more info click here
Mercer Kitchen
In the West Village, under Jean-Georges’ culinary direction, Chef Chris Beischer wows as a long time chef and team member of his restaurants. The restaurant itself is a subterranean eatery with such subtle beauty, you could miss it if you don’t pay attention. But of course I always pay attention, and I love this place!
My lunch here was every bit as delightful as the place itself. I started with a Pizza with Fromage Blanc with caramelized bacon and onions. Totally scrumptious. The main event was a Niman Ranch Patty Melt with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions and roasted Poblano Chilies. (Niman Ranch supplies beef coming from humanely and sustainably raised live stock) This was probably my favorite dish this Restaurant Week, it was simply delicious, stocked with flavor. I can’t wait to go back.
For more info click here
Nougatine at Jean-Georges
This was definitely the most upscale of the three locations I dined at, while still remaining somewhat casual. Located right on the edge of Central Park, adjacent to Jean-Georges, Mr. Vongerichten’s flagship restaurant here in NYC, it is classy and pretty with a shiny bar and impeccable service.
Here I started out with a Watermelon Salad with goat cheese and olive oil, that had me looking for a bread basket to dip bread into the leftover olive oil, it was just so good. The flounder was next, accompanied by the most amazing red curry sauce. I still think about it! It was exceptional. My favorite ice-cream flavor is pistachio, and lucky for me, that’s just what they served for dessert, together with a cold berry sauce. I don’t have to tell you that this, as well, was outstanding.
For more info click here
