EatDrinkNYC—and having too much of a good thing!
Can there be such a thing as too many Michelin stars in one weekend? The answer for this blogger is yes!
My foodie tour of NYC was all about the heavy hitters this weekend, but it’s sometimes hard to appreciate all the sweetness without a little sour. In this case I might have needed a pizza downtown over a pricey prix-fixe.
Here are the most memorable moments and what might be worth saving for another trip and spending on some Broadway Show Tickets instead. Get the best deals on SeatGeek.
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Friday
Lunch at Le Bernadin
A 3 course lunch is just a fraction of the dinner price—and best of all you get the same food! I would rank the service an 11 out of 10, and the food at an 8. While it was all delicious, I never had the eyes rolling to the back of my head over an entrée moment.
As a first lunch though, it was a superb way to overcome the jetlag of an overnight flight 🙂
Dinner at Per Se
I blame myself here for trying to jam too much luxury into an already stuffed Chanel bag…especially on the first day of my culinary tour! Trying to avoid the sticker shock of a $300 pre-fixe (for one person without drinks), my husband and I decided to eat in the Salon a la carte and just try a few dishes.
Part of me wishes this was not even offered and the next time I walk through those blue doors I plan on being rich/lucky enough to spend the money and give Thomas Keller and a menu that changes daily the respect it deserves.
For now here are some of the highlights!
- The Oldest Salt in the World–or so I was told.
2. Duck Foie Gras- a supplement to the tasting menu, but made available in the Salon
3. Tower of Desserts-gratis of course:)
Saturday
Lunch at Bouley
This is my favorite restaurant in NYC 2 years running as it is the perfect combination of experience, food, and price. The pre-fixe tasting lunch is five courses for $55 dollars and is really seven courses with everything additional they give you. Count the pound cake for the next day, and you could live on Bouley all weekend!
Amuse-Bouche: Lobster in a Watermelon Puree
Blini of Scottish Smoked Salmon-Will melt in your mouth the second it touches your tongue
Forager’s Treasure of Wild Mushrooms
Organic Long Island Duck
Chocolate Soufflé-on a white coffee cloud…this will take you away
Dinner at Daniel
For our last dinner in The City, we pulled out all the stops with a 3-course dinner at Daniel Boulud’s world-renowned restaurant–and at a corner, table to look out at all the action.
I refrained from photos as it felt obscene, but the pictures in my mind are unforgettable, and I urge everyone to go experience it for themselves. Better yet, if you have a spare half hour Monday-Thursday, then go to Daniel from 5:30-6 PM for their 3-course dinner menu with wine pairings!!
Sunday
Lunch at Jean-Georges
Jean-Georges offers perhaps the best lunch deal for a restaurant with 4 stars from The New York Times and 3 Michelin Stars. The Taste of Summer menu is $38 dollars for 2 plates, and again that is not counting the amuse bouche to begin and the deserts at the end. Combine that with a glass of wine under $10 dollars and it’s affordable luxury at its finest.
Amuse-Bouche—if all you could have is 3 bites of something, this could be enough
Sea Trout Draped in Trout Eggs—a must have item, with a perfection I cannot pin-point
Charred Corn Ravioli—meet my new obsession, anything with corn!
Black Sea Bass—almost like comfort food
House-made Marshmallows
Lastly…a picture of bliss. If only every afternoon could be a Sunday in the park with Jean Georges
Brilliant and very cost effective (all thing relative) selection of restaurants and lunch versus dinner decisions 🙂
I’m intrigued by your mention of what amounts to a happy hour at Daniel. I’m thinking about going there for dinner, which would be a ridiculous, yet affordable (for us), splurge. Does the three-course early-bird with wine provide enough of the experience? If you had to pick one of these joints, which would it be?
Hello Jonathan! I’m so sorry I didn’t see this until now :(. I hope I didn’t miss your trip to NYC!! This post of mine is a few years old but my memories of Daniel are that 3 courses were more than enough because of all the additional elements that come with it! Lunch at Jean Georges is a not to be missed event though and 2 courses with 2 wines shouldn’t set you back too much. Hope this helps!!!