Restaurant: Per Se
Location: New York, NY
Visit: August 2014
Accolades: Three Michelin Stars (2006 – present) – Restaurant Magazine “Top Restaurants of the World” (Top 10 for multiple years) – La Liste score of 93.00 (2019). Part of Tier 3 of our Global 300 list (top 100, but not top 50 anymore).
Opened in 2004 by global superstar chef-owner, Thomas Keller, Per Se is has been recognized as one of the best restaurants in New York. Despite fierce competion and scruitny from international diners and food critics, Per Se has maintained it’s position on the San Pelligrino Top 100 list and has attained, and kept three Michelin stars (***) since the launch of the Michelin Guide for New York in 2006. Unlike Keller’s other top restaurant, The French Laundry (which is nestled quietly in the town of Yountville, in the heart of the Napa Valley), Per Se is situated squarely in the midst of Manhattan’s hustle and bustle. Located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Building, Per Se has beautiful views of Central Park, taking advantage of high cielings and floor to cieling glass. Per Se is where we got engaged, so it obviously has a special place in our heart, but it’s also an amazing restaurant and a world-class dining experience.
“Food is such an important part of our lives, and sometimes we tend to diminish the importance of that, because we rely on conveniences or because our lives are so complicated. We forget about those moments that we can actually share around the table with our family, with our friends, with our loved ones.” – Thomas Keller, Chef/Owner
Based on the nature of our “special occasion”, we were a little light on picture for this meal, but a few are below, along with the full menu. Wines were by the glass: Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Menu:
- Tartare coronet – salmon and creme fraiche (not pictured)
- Oysters & Pearls – pearl tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Sterling White Sturgeon Caviar (not pictured)
- Salad of grilled peaches – with heirloom tomatoes, olives, celery and arugula (not pictured)
- Bacon-wrapped Atlantic Skate – with broccoli, mushrooms, peas and flower blossoms
- Butter-poached Nova Scotia lobster “mitts” – with “Chow Chow”, corn pudding, radishes, lettuce and parsley
- Cuisse de Poulard – gold potatoes, sweet carrots, broccoli and frisee lettuce
- Elysian Fields Farms “Cote d’Agneau” – with beets, caramelized onions, pistachios and huckleberries
- Summer Snow – grilled “Pain de Campagne”, figs, fennel, hazelnuts and Meyer lemon (not pictured)
- Assorted desserts
Overall, the meal was especially memorable for us due to the occasion, but truth be told – the food was a bit of blur (no fault of the restaurant, to be sure)! The price point is steep, as is the case with most three Michelin-starred restaurants, especially in the US and Europe, but between the setting, the food and the service, it’s worth the splurge for a special occasion. Additionally, the staff did a great job in making the event special, including a personalized menu.
Price Neutral Rating: 87 (Exceptional)
Four Star Rating: 64 (Overpriced)
Details:
- Flavor: 5 out of 5 (Exceptional)
- Signature Item: 4 out of 5 (Oyster & Pearl Tapioca)
- Consistency: 5 out of 5 (All items were excellent)
- Innovation: 3 out of 5 (Elevated versions of classic dishes)
- Locality/Seasonality: 2 out of 5 (Some items sourced from far away)
- Tradition: 2 out of 5 (Mix of regional and global cuising)
- Service: 5 out of 5 (Exceptional)
- Alcohol/Wine Pairing: 4 out of 5 (Excellent)
- Setting/Building: 4 out of 5 (Great views of Central Park)
- Plating: 3 out of 5 (Beautiful, classic plating)
- Price: 1 out of 5 (High Price/Overpriced)
The Champagne Life on a Sparkling Wine Budget
“Top 100 Travel Tips“ included in this post: #12 – Experience epic meals; #52 – Use the concierge; #65 – Eat well; #100 – Share your adventures
Pro-Tip: Getting a reservation can be difficult. We recommend planning well ahead of time, having a few days that work as options and having a premium credit-card concierge book for you.
