Restaurant Review: Jean-Georges / Perry Street

 Lovely. Tasteful. Understated.

If you were looking for me yesterday, I was playing hooky. For those who know me ~yes ~ I actually had a date + a sit-down lunch!

Consider it a "research" afternoon. The cool vibe of the decor almost made me forget I was sitting next to the West Side Highway. Located on the ground floor of the Richard Meier Towers, the modern architecture is urban tailored. Leather, walnut, raw concrete + natural steel were perfectly the materials of choice. Sheer window coverings added a sexy look that warmed an otherwise cold space.

The kitchen is run by the famed chef's son Cedric, which might have explained the quiet calmness of the space, seeming evidence that there was an owner present. They offer a super affordable menu with a choice of 2 small "tastings" + desert = $28 lunch or $38 dinner.

My date + I split everything.  Since he knew someone behind-the-scenes, we were showered with an ever evolving presentation of extra tidbits I didn't even see on the menu. Some of our dishes were:

Appetizers ~Roasted Butternut Squash Soup w Mimolette Cheese + Croutons ~Sweet Chili Crab Dumplings w Cilantro + Celeriac ~Arctic Char Sashimi Lemon Olive Oil + Crispy Skin

Main ~Spinach + Coach Farm Goat Cheese Omelet w Cherry Tomato Salad ~Grilled Yellowfin Tuna Burger w Bonito Mayonnaise, Shiso + Yuzu Pickels

Deserts ~Warm Blueberry Cornbread Crumble ~Apple something outrageous w Ice Cream + Caramel ~Molten Chocolate Cake w Cream + Cookie Crisp

I forgot how utterly magnificently flavorful little bites of food can be. Presented simply superbly, this food was transcending.

Taking time off nurtures the soul...especially enjoyable during banker's hours. Way over my calorie allotment for the week, but seriously worth every bite.

Gym closes soon, gotta run.

Perry Street 176 Perry Street 212 352 1900

Have you dined there? What do you think of the "look"? Let us know, love to post your comment below.