New York City will always remain a gastronomic capital in the United States because of the plethora of choices available at our disposal. This month we explored haute French cuisine, fine Japanese, and contemporary fusion Chinese to provide you with a flavor or popular trends in NYC's dynamic dining scene.
L'APPART
lappartnyc.com
Hidden inside downtown's Francocentric Le District may be the Michelin starred gem, L'Appart. Designed just like a chic Parisian atelier, this elegant restaurant serves sublime haute French cuisine using the personal experience of the intimate 28 seat social gathering at a star chef's apartment.
Sumptuous banquettes and upholstered walls create a stylish ambiance accented warmly lit by the statement chandelier with views of the open kitchen. The best way to experience this 12 course gastronomic tasting menu is by using the wine pairing which is personally selected in the owner's cellars with rare imported ” old world ” wines. Beginning with the amuse bouche, every course is beautifully presented like a thing of beauty. Bite sized delicacies such as ora king salmon with sweet potato and fervour fruit, oysters with caviar and king crab with vodka and tomato whet the palette. Like every journey, the tasting moves to some crescendo using the truffle with maple and onion accompanied by the wagyu with hakurei turnips and nori or even the pasta with truffle and sunchoke and sea bass with carrot and grapefruit. To savor a decadent experience, pick the optional caviar service and end having a trio of cheese pairings. Because the menu changes monthly, dining at L'Appart is starting an unforgettable experience.
MIFUNE
mifune-restaurant.com
Named following the famous Japanese movie actor, Toshiro Mifune, MIFUNE Ny is really a new Midtown East restaurant fueled by a Michelin starred cast of top young chefs.
The elegant bi-level space sports a sleek sand-and-stone palette for any clean sophisticated atmosphere by which to enjoy their curated tasting menus of intricate sushi, seafood, Wagyu beef along with other Japanese delicacies. Dine within the minimalistic dining area or in the sushi bar to watch the masters at the office.
Depending in your appetite choose from the five or the 8 course tasting menu. The 8-course chef's tasting menu will show you on the journey to discover new tastes, new textures and new presentations guaranteed to delight all of your senses. With offerings such as sea urchin cold egg custard ponzu jelly, smoked butter fish with garlic green leaf yuzu sauce, broiled shrimp with caviar and foie gras egg rice, the tasting course is the ideal option for a distinctive experience.
As for the presentation, MIFUNE New York creates contemporary gems utilizing the elements like a wooden boxes to encase delicate pieces of sashimi surrounded by petite accents of color from flowers along with other garnishes.
The a la carte menu also has appetizer and entree options for a more simple dining experience to satisfy your tastebuds. The broiled shrimp with caviar and smoked butter fish is always the ideal choice or even the smoked straw lamb chop is ideal for warming the center.
RICE & GOLD
Riceandgoldnyc.com
Rice & Gold is Three Kings Restaurant Group's latest venture within the completely new 50 Bowery Hotel in the middle of Chinatown featuring a contemporary Asian menu developed by Chef Dale Talde. Although the influences are primarily Chinese Talde weaves in global flavors from around the globe which reflect the melting pot of NYC. Evident are influences from China and the Philippines, in addition to Mexico, Bangladesh, Iran, Jamaica, India and more. “It's vital that you me to celebrate the various immigrant cultures define our country, especially within NYC,” says Dale. “In our various kitchens alone, I'm reminded every day of how multicultural we're as a nation. You need to me to recognize this – especially right now.” The dining room celebrates the neighborhood's distinct spirit with vibrant graffiti art created by local artist, Mr. Ewok One which merges the commercial space with a grand panorama of culture and color bringing the evolution of Chinatown alive. The deliciously extensive menu includes a number of items ranging from dim sum to noodle dishes and entrees that are best shared family style. Highlights include: Lobster and Scallop Har Gow; Whole Jerk Roast Duck with Jerk-hoisin sauce, Pickled Cucumber, Scallion and Steamed Buns, Rabbit Vindaloo with Fall Squash, Grilled Lobster with tamarind brown butter, and Golden Chicken with stuffed shisitos, feta stuffed dates, and Persian rice. Those looking for a sweet finish for their meal can also enjoy a Hong Kong-style waffle with Oddfellow's ice cream, whipped cream, cherries and sprinkles. – By Hillary Latos
