Per Se

My birthday present also included dinner with Susan & Daniel at Per Se, the New York venue of The French Laundry's Thomas Keller.

The dining room, looking out past Columbus Circle and the park to the downtown lights, is lovely. The service was, unsurprisingly, impeccable, although slow enough that you should not go without entertaining companions. Fortunately, we were well supplied with those!

( Menu and Comments )

Overall, while definitely excellent and a worthwhile experience, I can't say that Thomas Keller is my new favorite chef. Joël Robuchon really rocked my world and I'm still very loyal to Guy Savoy, my first meal at this level. It's hard to put a finger on the distinction--everything was very, very good and I would happily let Keller cook for me any day of the week if he felt charitable--but it just didn't grab me as intensely as others have. But I am extremely grateful to Jason for giving me an opportunity to have an opinion, to Susan & Daniel for joining us on the adventure and to muffyjo, my sisters and my parents who teamed up to let us have a weekend away.

Per Se

My birthday present also included dinner with Susan & Daniel at Per Se, the New York venue of The French Laundry's Thomas Keller.

The dining room, looking out past Columbus Circle and the park to the downtown lights, is lovely. The service was, unsurprisingly, impeccable, although slow enough that you should not go without entertaining companions. Fortunately, we were well supplied with those!

( Menu and Comments )

Overall, while definitely excellent and a worthwhile experience, I can't say that Thomas Keller is my new favorite chef. Joël Robuchon really rocked my world and I'm still very loyal to Guy Savoy, my first meal at this level. It's hard to put a finger on the distinction--everything was very, very good and I would happily let Keller cook for me any day of the week if he felt charitable--but it just didn't grab me as intensely as others have. But I am extremely grateful to Jason for giving me an opportunity to have an opinion, to Susan & Daniel for joining us on the adventure and to muffyjo, my sisters and my parents who teamed up to let us have a weekend away.