It was still raining on Tuesday morning, but we now had Uber to get us to our lunch destination — Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin. While this visit was unlikely to match our last, when Eric gave us a tour of his kitchen, dining at one of the finest restaurants in the world is always special.
Our sommelier suggested a delicious white Burgundy, we ordered our first two courses from the three course prix fixe menu, and then settled in with Le Bernardin's signature amuse-bouche salmon spread.
Sadly, Eric's signature first course, the thinly pounded yellowfin tuna with foie gras, was no longer on the menu. However, we were told it would be available for us if requested on our next reservation. This time around we "settled" for the salmon and the crab.
Wild Salmon Tartare; Harissa Aoili, Saffron Pickled Shallots, Charred Lemon Vinaigrette
Warm Peekytoe Maryland Lump Crab; Shaved Heirloom Cauliflower, Mustard Emulsion The raw salmon was light and addictive, with the harissa aoili giving it a kick. The crab was warm and buttery, with even more of a kick. Both were excellent dishes. For our main courses, we ordered the black bass and the cod, both recommended by our waiter.
Crispy Black Bass; Wood Ears and Water Chestnuts, Black Truffle Hot and Sour Pot au Feu
Baked Cod; Baby Beets, Grapes and Young Leeks, Red-Wine Verjus Sauce The crispy bass was perfectly compliment by the hearty mushrooms, chestnuts and black truffle sauce. It was delicious. Unfortunately, the baked cod did not measure up; it was too light and too flavorless. Our waiter had recommended it because of the sauce, which was indeed good and made for a pretty plate. But the sauce needed a more substantial substrate. And then came the the dessert course. Thomas Raquel's creations always speak for themselves.
Milk Chocolate Mousse, Dark Caramel, Candied Peanuts, Warm Malted Caramel
Roasted Pineapple, Guava Jam, Yuzu-Coconut Sorbet Our lunch at Le Bernardin is always special, even with one weak dish, although next time around we won't order the cod. Tuesday evening we had tickets to our second play, "Fun Home" at the Circle in the Square Theatre. While it was still raining, after accumulating calories at lunch, we walked to the theatre.
"Fun Home" is billed as a musical, although as Marlene aptly described it, it's more of a drama with music. No matter what genera it falls into, the story about family relationships, sexual orientation and grief is powerful from start to finish. The staging, in the round, is incredible; we were onstage in our first row seats. Ben Branley's New York Times review adds more detail, but the best way to get detail is to see the play. After the theatre, we walked in the rain to our Upper East Side dinner reservation at The East Pole. Our menu was planned in advance — a bottle of red wine and two bacon cheeseburgers with duck fat fries. Delicious!
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