Lunch at Bouley
I always say my favorite thing about living in New York City is the ability to escape without ever really leaving at all. Case in point...Bouley. One step inside and it's like you've been transported to a gorgeous countryside restaurant in the south of France. A wall of fresh apples greet you at the door and the arched ceilings provide a cozy, sophisticated feel to the room just perfect for a long romantic meal.
Bouley offers a 5 course tasting menu at lunch for just $55...still one the the best deals in the city. To begin an amuse bouche of Strawberry Soup with tomato gelee and cucumber...
...and a decadent crisp topped with whipped potato and black truffle.
I chose the Big Eye Tuna as my appetizer nestled inside a green apple and bergamot foam with Osetra Caviar...
...and Mr. T ordered a thick Sweet Corn soup with organic farm egg.
Second course was an easy decision for us both. The Porcini Flan with Golden Princess crab and black truffle dashi is a must order. Unleashing the deep, earthy aroma of truffle when lifting the pot's lid is something I look forward to on each visit.
It's always a hard decision when the Chariot of Bread arrives...
I opted for Sourdough studded with black olives and nibbled on Mr. T's fluffy brioche and slice of garlic.
Organic Colorado Lamb with sheep's milk gnocchi and summer truffles...
...and Long Island Duck with wild rice, summer wheat berries and fig.
The fourth course is a palate cleanser...Chilled Coconut Soup with pineapple granite, 10 exotic fruit sorbet, passion fruit and coconut ice cream.
And finally dessert...Hot Valrhona Chocolate Souffle with white coffee cloud, coffee ice cream and chocolate mousse.
Just when I thought I couldn't possibly eat any more a tier of petit fours arrived...who am I to say no to extra dessert :)
A loaf of fresh Lemon Pound Cake was given upon our departure to serve as a reminder of the wonderful meal today. This was the perfect birthday lunch...being a year older isn't that bad after all.
163 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013
Comments