New Yorkers are spoiled by amazing food, whether it’s a simple bagel sandwich from the fantastic Tompkins Square Bagels or the endless restaurants nestled in Hell’s Kitchen. But a dining experience at Thomas Keller’s iconic three-Michelin establishment, Per Se, really sets the bar high for all my future meals. Located on the 4th floor of the Time Warner Center by Columbus Circle, Per Se has a gorgeous view of Central Park. Considered the East coast counterpart of Keller’s French Laundry, it is one of the few New York restaurants that boasts an impressive three Michelin Stars. Oh but the best part of it all — Oysters and Pearls, French Laundry’s signature dish, opens the prix fixe menu at Per Se as well. Sabayon of tapioca, oysters, and sterling white sturgeon caviar… Just writing about this dish feels luxurious!
As we visited for lunch, we opted for the five course menu which still left us feeling very satisfied (my vegetarian friends/vegetable lovers: apparently Per Se has an impressive vegetarian prix fixe menu that wows even more than the regular!). Dessert really takes the cake at Per Se, so expect to be pampered by truffles, coffee, donuts, and macarons at the end of your meal. In the wise words of my French gourmande, Lauren:
“Three Michelin Stars that shine as bright as your empty plate after you’ve licked it clean.“
Per Se on the fourth floor of the Times Warner Center has a wonderful view of Columbus Circle and the Christmas Markets right by Central Park
Beautifully-lit dining room with some nice holiday touches and a warm fireplace
Choose between the prix-fixe Chef’s Tasting Menu, seven course, or five course menu
Oysters and Pearls: Per Se’s signature dish that it shares with Thomas Keller’s West Coast icon, French Laundry
Foie Gras: the apples and candied pecans add a lovely texture
Salade de pommes de terre–Lauren opted for this beautiful salad instead of the foie gras
Butter poached lobster: PHENOMENAL. absolutely delicious with the trumpet mushroom and the yam velouté
Quail wrapped in a layer of bacon, possibly the most tender and delicious pairing I’ve had in a while
A box of truffles with every possible flavor in it–the toasted honey white chocolate was great, as well as the dark chocolate pistachio
A celebration with lovely company, thank you to the wonderful Lauren!
A slice of cake perfect for chocolate lovers
A classic tea interval before dessert
Beautifully brewed Japanese green tea
A tower of truffles, macarons, and nougats
And finally, ending on the classic dessert pairing of coffee and donuts
Happy Holidays All!
Per Se is a New York dining experience worth the trek and hype–the food is phenomenal, and most importantly, service is a crucial part of the wonderful meal. Servers are attentive, clearly passionate about the food they serve, and knowledgeable. I adored chatting with all of them while also never feeling bombarded. The pace of the meal was fantastic, and safe to say, Lauren and I had a wonderful time.
Last but not least, hope everybody is spending this holiday season with their family and a cozy cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or whathever choice of drink! I’ll be hopefully writing my 2015 Year in Review soon (just like last year’s round-up), so stay tuned.
Thank you to Lauren B. for the wonderful ‘early’ birthday celebration!
love,
eatprayjade x.
Per Se
Address // 10 Columbus Circle, New York, 10019
Website // http://www.thomaskeller.com/per-se
Tel // (212) 823-9335
*Reservations are recommended one month in advance
These photos are incredible. I’ve never been to a Michelin star restuarant, it looks like an amazing experience. New York is one of my dream cities.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
http://www.secondbreakfast.in
Thanks! Michelin star restaurants are definitely in a world of its own. New York is full of places for foodies! Thanks for reading! (And by the way, I really like your blog, you have some great recommendatons for Bangkok!)
Thank you so much for stopping by! My instagram is @ruchikashankar 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog jade 🙂 you have amazing pictures and this blog post is really nice. Now following xx
Of course, and thanks a bunch 🙂
Thanks for sharing this experience! It is on my list of places to try! A belated Happy Birthday!
Thank you! 🙂 While it is a little overpriced, I think it’s worth it for the experience.