Jean-George and ABC Kitchen

Jean-George Vongerichten is somewhat of an icon on the dining scene and well-respected for operating many fine eating establishments around the world.  His cuisine is always interesting from the way the food is plated, the fresh ingredients and the exceptional service of his wait staff.  Dining at a Jean-George restaurant is a memorable experience and certainly that was the case based on our recent visit to ABC Kitchen just north of Union Square.

We had tried previously to get a table at ABC Kitchen without a dinner reservations and decided to forgo the 90 minute wait.  This time, we arrived before noon for their luncheon menu to be followed by a near mandatory visit to the Union Square food market (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday).  We opted to sit in the bar, since the dining room seemed a bit noisy.  My only objection were the stools:  They seemed to have been designed for for people who are not afraid of heights.   Vertigo aside, we had a pleasant dining experience, but the noise level was several decibels too high.

When Thérèse and I visit a restaurant for the first time we will often order the prix fixe meal.  If I win the lotto, we will opt for a wine pairing (Note:  I have yet to win the lotto).   Found below is what we ordered for the lunch prix fixe ($32 a head) – we shared!

Starters

• roasted beets with housemade yogurt
• line caught tuna sashimi marinated with ginger and mint (quite delicious)

Entree

• crispy skate salad, romaine, potato chips and tartar sauce (perhaps, a bit overcooked)
• ricotta and farm egg raviolo, pork ragu, chilies, mint and parmesan (OK, but I expected the flavors to be a bit stronger)

Dessert

• salted caramel ice cream, candied peanuts & popcorn, whipped cream, chocolate sauce (simply delicious – the highlight of the meal!)
• lemon drop, chocolate chip cookie, chocolate cake pop almond tart with orange cream (I prefer a slightly stronger almond taste)

Clearly, the menu will change depending on the season, but we certainly recommend a visit to Jean-Georges’ ABC Kitchen.  The salted caramel ice cream is worth the price of admission.