Restaurant Week at Aureole
Winter Restaurant Week kicked off on Monday and I went straight to lunch at one of my old favorites,Charlie Palmer's flagship Aureole. It's hard to believe this place has been open for 27 years. I love everything about it; the gorgeous zinc topped bar, the enormous glass windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of 42nd Street and the warm comfortable service that always makes me feel right at home.
I began with the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare topped with jicama, cucumber and bonito cream in a citrus broth. The acid from the fruit gave the dish a gentle delicious "pop" without overtaking the fresh flavor of the fish.
Braised Short Rib with pearl barley, horseradish and watercress was an absolute monster of an entree. There was easily enough food here for three people and while the meat was falling off the bone tender I was hoping for a little more flavor from the pearl barley. It tasted more like an afterthought than a true component to the dish.
Ahhhhh...dessert! The Peanut Butter Crunch with dark chocolate mousse, crispy peanut butter and rich cream gelato. This was outstanding. I was so happy I contained my meat eating on the entree so I could demolish every last bite.
I closed out the meal with a signature Aureole Cocktail of vodka, creme de cassis and passion fruit. It was a fabulous meal; one that reminded me of what restaurant week should be. Cheers to Aureole!
One Bryant Park
135 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
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