Urbanity - Summer 2008 - (Page 16)

The Palate The truly committed epicurean is defined by his allegiance to the quest. An endless search for fusion, while reverently pondering a helix of competing sensations—tart here, a fleeting sweetness there, and just now a battle for dominance between chipotle and garlic tinted saffron. It’s a rout. Garlic wins. This is just industry, folks. The restaurateurs are ever vigilant and wholly engaged in the pursuit of the industries holy grail; your palate, and okay, maybe a bit of fame in the shape of a half-hour on the Food Network, signature pans on QVC, and then…well, talent notwithstanding, if one is good lets cookie-cut a dozen. And that’s fine, talent and ambition is completely compatible, but the dining patron should (isn’t always) be apart from the fray. Not a casualty of the spread thin, overreaching culinary personality of the moment. There are the foodies, and then there are those who aren’t much interested in Arab shredded wheat and cous cous with plantains in guava vinaigrette. These folks are not looking for cosmic palatine rapture. They will forgo the palate shock of chef Pirmani’s sashimi in apricot pernod and cream. They don’t care to dazzle friends and colleagues, or be seen. They’ll happily leave it to the foodies to discover where the epicurean titans are practicing their art—then go there. For them consistency with an occasional surprise that may, or may not become a staple on the menu, is sovereign; they just want to eat great food. If it’s just about the food, the ambience, and impeccable service? Call in advance, and prepare to dine well indeed. Urbanity’s restaurant recommendation for July is Vongerichten’s five star Jean-Georges in New York City’s Central Park West. Though Vongerichten has created a number of frames for his talent, the alchemy of this master chef endures at Jean-Georges. Plate to fork to mouth it’s a close-your-eyes-savor-every-bite-pure pleasure, so choose from an impressively continental menu, cleanse the palate and—eat really great food. Urbanity’s food editor particularly enjoyed the foie gras brulé, the butternut squash soup, and the rack of lamb served with a red curry emulsion. Bon appétit. Contact your Lifestyle Concierge at 800.940.3612 for reservations. urbanity Summer 2008 16

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Urbanity - Summer 2008

Urbanity - Summer 2008 Contents Editorial Destinations / Travel Zany Mad Wacky Nuts The Palate Eye of the Beholder Plaza Sweet Where’d You Get That? Hale Fellows Well Met Ah The Good Old Days Ruminating On Architecture The Wearing Care & Feeding of the Body Beautiful

Urbanity - Summer 2008

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