Perfectly Done
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Having tried to get reservations here for several months now since Alfred Portale's recent "Most Outstanding Chef" award from the JBF, I finally lucked out and snagged a Sunday 9pm table for four. The space is simple, but striking at the same time. Hostess, servers, bussers--all staff were very attentive and pleasant. Other guests seemed fairly stuffy and we did wait several minutes longer than usual to be given menus, but no negatives other than that. A perfectly lemony Lobster & Black Truffel Risotto was phenomenal, gezpacho was made very tasty by the inclusion of roasted peppers and avocado, Barbecue Spiced Muscovy Duck done exactly medium-rare and was as spicy and savory as I had hoped for. Miso Cod was much more brightly flavored than, yes, even Nobu's. Plum Souflee was nice, though paled in comparison to a well-contructed version of a S'more served as a graham cracker crust based tart. Presentation on all platings were extremely impressive as well. This was a truly fine dining experience all around.
Pros: Food, presentation, service, staff, etc...
Cons: maybe some snooty diners, but not Gotham's fault.