It was September 2007 and I was in New York.
This blog did not exist then, but my obsession with good food already did.
Ever since it opened, I had been dreaming to experience the magic of Thomas Keller’s restaurant Per Se, which at that time was voted the very best in New York, and the 9th best in the world.
Number 9.
IN THE WORLD.
So imagine my ecstasy when we finally arrived. I was giggling with excitement as the host led us to our table at the center of the room. We had perfect view of Columbus Circle and the most celebrated Central Park. Wow.
Too bad though, the wow ended there.
Per Se’s 9-course chef’s tasting menu left much to be desired.
Salmon Tartare Cones
Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Island Creek Oyster Glaze and Sevruga Caviar
Salad of Fennel and Turnip?
Foie Gras, Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly with Toasted Brioche
Crispy Skin Barramundi Fillet?
Blurry Scottish Langoustines
Veal Sweetbreads, Beets and Black Summer Truffles
Braised Berkshire Pork Belly with Lentils and Maple Pork Jus
Snake River Farms Beef and Crispy Bone Marrow
Elysian Fields Farm Rib Eye of Lamb
First cheese course
Second cheese course
Apricot Sorbet?
Chocolate Sauce with Sweetened Salty Hazelnuts, Hazelnut Streusel with
Condensed Milk Sorbet
Granny Smith Apple Consommé with Ginger Ice Cream
We expected to be blown away plate after plate, only to be mildly impressed with just 3 courses - the caviar, foie gras PB&J, and the pork belly. Most other dishes were standard hotel fare. The sweetbreads and the desserts disappointed sorely.
I guess we went with our expectations too high, but then that IS what you do when you’re at New York’s best, and the world’s 9th best.
So was the meal at Per Se worth all that money?
Thank goodness I really loved the freebie macarons!
This 2010, Per Se is voted the 10th best restaurant in the world.
Per Se: 4/F, Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, New York 10019, USA. Tel: +1-212-823-9335
