Thoughts on Per Se Restaurant- NYC

[gdl203]

I think it's up there. Probably the best dining experience overall (food, decor, view, service, etc...). In terms of food purely, it is as good as Le Bernardin and Jean-Georges IMO, but the decor and service are better

 

[SoCal2NYC]

If Alain Ducasse was still open I would put it on par with Per Se (but, the 2 month wait thing adds the extra "cool" factor of having dined here); but, slightly above LB and JG.

 

[WSW]

Thanks for the responses!

 

[sygyzy]

Originally Posted by carlhuber

A foodie is someone who appreciates and understands fine FOOD.

Fine dining as very little at all to do with fine food.

Oh cmon. With an argument like that, what's the point of even continuing this discussion.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

If Alain Ducasse was still open I would put it on par with Per Se (but, the 2 month wait thing adds the extra "cool" factor of having dined here); but, slightly above LB and JG.
I had a GREAT dining experience at Per Se two years ago. Excellent service and meal with an eye-popping bill that was worth every penny.

I was fortunate to dine last year at Alain Ducasse but unfortunately it was on its last night of operation. The service was typical of a restaurant going out of business. I had had a similar experience a year or so prior with Union Pacific on its last night of operation, unexpectedly of course.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

I had Thanksgiving dinner at AD and it was wonderful. I beleive the last night of operation was their New Years dinner, correct?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

I had Thanksgiving dinner at AD and it was wonderful. I beleive the last night of operation was their New Years dinner, correct?
I just checked my records from last year and it was December 22nd when we ate there.

 

[carlhuber]

Originally Posted by sygyzy

Oh cmon. With an argument like that, what's the point of even continuing this discussion.

I didn't say the two were mutually exclusive.

 

[Douglas]

Re: Wine - I don't think you're going to comfortably get away with drinking one bottle of wine with a Keller 9-course meal. Not that I've been to Per Se or French Laundry, but I know plenty who have. If I understand correctly, the chefs have a very firm idea of a wine pairing for each and every course. It's possible you might get away with 3 half bottles, but methinks the peer pressure sort of forces you into more than just one bottle of the house red...

It's why I sort of resent these superstar chef restaurants.

 

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

I'm going to guess a person who lives in NYC and has not heard of Per Se and/or considers himself a "picky" eater is NOT a foodie. Perhaps if the OP will close his eyes and try everything he's given he will be converted.

Keller's restaurants are a Mecca for food in America, along with such luminaries as Alinea, The Inn at Little Washington and Chez Panisse. To decline an invitation or to refuse to taste something there would be regrettable. I say go for it.

Agreed, if you are going to eat around the menu, you might as well get a new pair of shoes...

 

[saint]

One of the best meals I've ever had. If you can, tour the kitchen: its incredible. Its so clean you can eat off the floor, and the quality of the raw ingredients is amazing. Tom Keller, if he's there, is also very cordial.