Happy Noms

Authors: Victor, Monty, and Tad
Restaurant: Le Bernardin
Exec Chef: Eric Ripert

Date: November 2, 2012
Dinner (Le Bernardin Tasting Menu)

Victor’s Notes:
-Some of the courses on the menu were repeats from last month’s “Chef’s Tasting Menu” (which is a little more expensive). I’m guessing that some of the favorites from the Chef’s Tasting end up as part of the next month’s Le Bernardin Tasting.

Tad’s Notes:
– Restaurants are like people: the chef’s pedigree informs the quality of the cuisine. In this case, Eric Ripert’s experience as chef poissonnier under Robuchon is undeniable in the renowned seafood preparations at Le Bern. Add to this his tour (heh) at La Tour D’Argent, and you have the culinary equivalent of an Oxbridge man.
– Ripert unabashedly characterizes his flagship restaurant as a “seafood restaurant.” So, although you may request duck or lamb options from the menu, I recommend you don’t. It’s like going to the Musée d’Orsay and not looking at the Impressionists.

Monte: I think it’s funny how much Bourdain just ruthlessly makes fun of Ripert. I do think Le Bernardin has delicious seafood – the fish courses here, as a whole, are epic. The sommelier was quite friendly but knowledgeable, and painted a picture of the wines that made me feel like I was traveling throughout Europe, trying French and Italian wines.

Click to see the food!