Michelin Star – Page 7 – Rays Picks NYC

Tulsi

*This restaurant is now closed

Indian cuisine has always done very well in NYC and has been generally well received by dinners and food critics alike. But there are very few well known Indian fine dining establishments in the city other than Devi and Tamarind. Early this year Tulsi opened in Midtown East and became an instant success. The restaurant was awarded a coveted one Michelin Star in the guide’s 2012 edition. It’s Executive Chef/Owner, Hermant Mathur is no stranger to such accolades having earned a star in 2009 for Devi, his other Indian restaurant. The star he earned for Devi was the first of its kind for an Indian Restaurant. So when it came time to partake in some Indian food I chose Tulsi and it meet my expectations and beyond.

Dining at Tulsi is like dining at the Maharaja‘s Palace but instead of princes and princesses, you dine alongside Midtown’s corporate crowd. The restaurant’s Sanskrit inscribed glass façade allows for a sneak peek into the glorious palace. Once inside, you are greeted with the restaurant’s soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The dining experience starts at the bar/lounge where you can have pre-dinner drinks at the lighted dark wood bar which displays a mirrored wall design of the world map; or while waiting for your a table you can sit and relax on cream colored sofas at the lounge area. The overall décor is a showcase of Indian aesthetics. As you make your way to the dining room which seats about 50 guest, the main colors are cream and brown with a touch of basil green. The tiled floors are made out ceramic and steel and the chandeliers provide soft lighting while music from the region plays lightly in the background. The tables are covered with white table cloths paired with beige upholstered chairs creating an elegant look. Along the sides of the dining room are four tent-like spaces with hanging cream curtains. Ornately designed steel jaalis and turquoise colored seats accompany the tent-like spaces which are great spots for a nice intimate dinner.

Tulsi serves regional Indian food. They offer a dinner tasting menu option – 7 courses for $65 (the vegetarian version is the same price) with an additional $35 for wine pairings. Their lunch offering includes a $20 two course menu, and the a la carte is available for both times. Indian cuisine is an acquired taste, it’s full of spices and herbs that give each dish a unique flavor. I will mention a few of the appetizers that I had. The Mixed Sprouts – green moong, bean sprouts, black-eyed peas, potatoes, tomatoes, red onion and mint yogurt dressing, has an initial not so pleasing taste, however the flavors gradually rise and your taste bud come around. I then tried the Chaats – avocado and jhal muri. This was one dish that surprised me; I thought I would not like it. The avocado was combined with unfamiliar ingredients, but the taste was surprisingly delicious. The Black Pepper and Coconut Shrimp papri was spicy and had a tomato and cream taste that I enjoyed. Next are the entrées; I had the Roasted Pesto Portobello Mushroom – paneer-stuffed, tomato-fenugreek sauce and semolina cakes. I loved it, it become my favorite dish. The taste of the fusion of tomato sauce and the mushroom was incredible. Next up was the Stuffed Achari Chicken – paneer and mushrooms, tomato and rice. The chicken was neither juicy nor dry but just about right. The stuffing complimented the chicken with the rice that came with the dish. The most interesting dish was the Lamb Nargisi Kofta – cashew nut sauce with cumin-green pea and quinoa. The cream sauce with the hardboiled egg on top of the lamb tasted very good. And for dessert I had the Raspberry Kulfi – valrhona chocolate cake, berry compote and chocolate sauce; and the Jalebi – Indian funnel cakes, saffron syrup and spiced almond milk. The Rasberry Kulfi was ok but the Jalebi was amazing.

Tulsi has a descent wine list, but I was more impressed with their exotic cocktails. I had the Tulsi Martini, an in house concoction with mystery ingredients. The drink was sweet but not overbearing and a touch Absolute made the drink perfect.

Would I recommend Tulsi? YES!!!! The service was a bit spotty at times but nevertheless it wasn’t that bad. I’ve dined here both before and after it earned a Michelin star; the food was consistent if not even better on my second visit. If you’re crave Indian food and don’t mind shelling out a couple of dollars this is it the place to dine.

Tulsi
211 E 46th St
New York, NY 10017
212 888 0820
Official Site

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2012 New York City Michelin Guide Starred Restaurants

The 2012 guide to NYC Michelin Starred restaurants was unveiled yesterday and hits the stores today. Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare and Eleven Madison Park joined the 3 star pantheon. SHO Shaun Hergatt and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon were upgraded to 2 stars. Ai Fiori, Brushstroke, Danji, Heartbreak, Rosanjin, Junoon, Tamarind Tribeca, Tori Shin and Tulsi all earned a star while Picholine was downgraded from 2 stars to one and Shalazeh was booted off the list.

THREE STARS
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare*
Daniel
Eleven Madison Park*
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se

TWO STARS
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at The London
Kajitsu
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon*
Marea
Momofuku Ko
SHO Shaun Hergatt*
Soto

ONE STAR
Adour
Ai Fiori
Aldea
annisa
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison
Blue Hill
Bouley
Breslin (The)
Brushstroke
Cafe Boulud
Casa Mono
Danji
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
Del Posto
Dovetail
Dressler
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Heartbreak
Jewel Bako
Junoon
Kyo Ya
Laut
Marc Forgione
Minetta Tavern
Modern (The)
Oceana
Peter Luger
Picholine*
Public
River Cafe
Rosanjin
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seasonal
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Tamarind Tribeca
Tori Shin
Tulsi
Veritas
Wallse
wd~50

Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Aldea

Aldea
31 W 17th St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 675-7223
Official Site

The recipient of a 2 star rating from The New York Times, a one Michelin Star in 2011 and great reviews from the online community, Flatiron District’s Aldea and its owner/Executive Chef George Mendes (Top Chef Master contestant and one of NYC’s hottest chefs) have been the cause of much buzz in the food scene. This highly rated restaurant serves Portuguese cuisine with Iberian influence, Chef Mendes’ cultural heritage. Besides bacalao and the similarity to Spanish cuisine, my experience with Portuguese food is very limited so I was excited to experience first-hand the cause for the buzz.

Having had both lunch and dinner at Aldea, I was impressed with the consistency of the high caliber food and service. Among the appetizers, I tried the Soft Shell Crab; the Kroll Krest Farm Egg – bacalao, black olives, potatoes; and the Sea Urchin Toast – cauliflower purée, mustard seed and lime. The Soft Shell Crab was delicious, being that it was my first Soft Shell Crab ever, it was a great start. The sea urchin and the Kroll Krest Farm Egg were exquisite. The presentation of the Kroll Krest was impressive with the appearance of the bacalao having been scooped out of an eggshell covered in foam. The Sea Urchin had a distinctive taste and texture that was very appealing.

Among the entrées I’ve tasted the Free Range Chicken Breast – baby potatoes, thai basil, tomato, curry broth; the Skate A La Plancha – escabeche jus, zucchini ribbons; the Creekstone Farm’s Hanger Steak – sweet baby onions, fushimi peppers; and Wild Striped Bass – Iberian butter beans, Sea Island red peas. All of the entrées were cooked to perfection highlighting the incredible flavors, textures and qualities of each dish. Finally for deserts I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in the Sonhos “Little Dreams -” chocolate hazelnut, rhubarb compote, salted caramel; the Strawberry Yogurt Parfait – strawberry – lemon verbena sorbet, warm strawberries, sable Breton; the Blueberry Peach Bread Pudding – crème fraiche sorbet; and the Pavlova – fresh berries, passion fruit, coconut sorbet. All were solid desserts especially the Pavlova, it might be my favorite dessert among them. I also enjoyed wine with my meals.The Vina Mein, a Spanish white wine with a fruity and acidic taste was my favorite, a great compliment to the meal.

A three course lunch is available for $24.07 a five course dinner for $90, and the a la carte menu is available for both times with varying prices. For a highly regarded restaurant like Aldea the prices are reasonable.

I like the restaurant’s modern sophisticated, quiet and clean interior. Its long narrowed bi level space is walled off with blurry glass that obscures the view of outside onlookers creating a more tranquil atmosphere separated from the outside world. A long narrow light colored wooden bar with high chairs covered in sleek white leather welcomes guest as soon as they enter. The walls on the opposite side are colored in blue stretches throughout. The colors of the restaurant’s interior are blue, light blue and white – signifying the sky, the sea and the air – a reflection of the Iberian peninsula’s coast. As you make your way through the dining room with uncovered tables, booths and banquet seats, the open kitchen is seen at the end. Diners can request to be seated by the counter in front of kitchen and watch Chef Mendes at work preparing their meal.

As I mentioned earlier, my dining experiences with Aldea have been amazing – from the food to the service. It’s a sophisticated setting where an unpretentious crowd can enjoy a great meal but not break the bank. Definitely buzz worthy. If you want to try Portuguese cuisine stop by Aldea and make sure to request a seat by the counter to witness all the action upfront.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may switch on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar

Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar
132 W 58th St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 957-5550
Official site

*This venue is now closed

Hidden among the many Michelin Starred restaurants along the 50’s in Midtown West is Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar. Theater goers and cultivated diners can enjoy the awesome modern Austrian cuisine of this one starred Michelin restaurant located on West 58th Street.

The restaurant’s interior has a contemporary and simplistic décor. When diners enter they are immediately greeted by the hostess podium, from there the hostess seats diners at their table or at the bar. The space is long and narrow and its white walls are adorned with paintings by German and Austrian artists. The art work is rotated every season (just like the menu.) A curved bar situated in the middle of the restaurant is complemented by white leather high chairs. Meanwhile, across from the bar the uncovered tables and dark brown leather clad banquets create a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. The busy kitchen can be seen in the rear when diners visit the lavatory.

The Executive Chef duo of Wolfgang Ban and Eduard Frauneder combine for a brilliant interpretation of modern Austrian cuisine, some of the tastiest food I’ve eaten. As a new comer to food from this region the taste was a pleasant surprise to my palate. Austrian food mainly consists of meat and poultry since Austria is land locked and access to sea food is limited. For appetizers I tried the Pochiertes Ei (recommended by our server) – soft poached egg, lobster, hen of the woods and pumpernickel; and the Kalbsbries – veal sweetbread, shallots, sherry vinegar and sorrel. They were both very delicious but the Pochiertes Ei really stood out. The poached egg, lobster and the hen blended perfectly! The entrees I’ve tasted were the Enterbrust – an Austrian duck dish and the Tafelspitz – flat iron, oxtail consommé, apple – horseradish, spinach and rösti. The duck dish was very delicious and flavorful and its texture was amazing. Although I did not share the same excitement as I had with the duck dish, nevertheless the Tafelspitz was also very good. The veal was cooked to a new level of perfection. Of the deserts, I’ve had the Kaiserschmarrn – crumbled caramelized pancakes and apple compote; and the Bavarian Cream, both desserts were delicious. The restaurant has a vast array of Austrian wines that pair well with the food. The Lagler, Burgberg white wine was especially impressive with its nice fruity and citrusy taste.

My experience at Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar has always been great. From my first visit for dinner, the service and the staff have always been very good and accommodating. On one occasion I even met Excutive Chef Wolfgang Ban, he came into the dining room and greeted each guest. I thanked him for the wonderful meal.

Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar is a great restaurant that serves very tasty and exquisite food along with Austrian wines that complement the flavor of the foods. The restaurant is ideal for pre and post theater dinner or just to enjoy a phenomenal meal and a great atmosphere. Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar definitely holds its own among the great Michelin starred restaurants in the area. I can’t wait to go back!!!!

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

SHO Shaun Hergatt

*This venue is now closed.

The 2nd floor of the ultra luxurious The Setai Condominium located in the middle of the Financial District is home to Michelin star restaurant, SHO Shaun Hergatt, named after the Executive Chef/Owner Shaun Hergatt. In 2009 it was one of the most ambitious restaurants daring to open during the height of the recession. This fine dining establishment caters to the Wall Street elite “Gordon Gekko” types which justifies the “greed is good” description of the restaurant’s atmosphere by Sam Sifton of the NY Times.

SHO Shaun Hergatt’s luxurious lobby sets the tone and anticipation for what’s to come. The elevator door opens on the 2nd floor to a space with dimly lit red lights. Immediately guests are greeted by the hostess’ table with the restaurant’s “O” shaped logo hanging above. Guests are first ushered into “The Pearl Room” lounge/waiting area of this multi room restaurant. The Asian aesthetics of the space is fused with a sleek modern design. A long glassy black colored bar with dark wooden walls display top of the line liquors. Cozy sofas are available throughout the room for lounging while sipping pre-dinner drinks. The Pearl Room is also ideal for a casual dining since the main dining rooms enforce a dress code.

In order to get to the main dining room guests must pass through a hallway with a glass enclosed wine rack that also serves as a wall. There are 2 main dining rooms where a wall of vertical slatted wood serves as a separator between the rooms. There is another lounge in the main dining room that is equipped with its own bar and can be closed off. The ambiance in the dining rooms is modern elegant and luxurious with red velvet walls and wooden floors, while Asian accent are seen throughout. A serene dining atmosphere is provided with the white linen covered tables, dark brown leather seats and soft lighting – lights hang over the table perfectly allowing guests to admire the Zen-like precision of the chef’s the dishes. An open kitchen enclosed in floor to ceiling glass walls is showcased in the dining room where guests can witness Chef Hergatt directing his crew like a maestro conducting his orchestra.

Chef Hergatt’s technique, attention to detail and use of Asian ingredients blended with luxurious food elements is gastronomic beauty. I’ve been to SHO Shaun Hergatt several times, for drinks and dinner. At dinnertime the restaurant only serves a $75 three course prix-fix menu (it also offers a six course tasting menu for $125), but it’s more like a six course meal once amouse-bouche and a pre-dessert dish are added. I’ve tasted several dishes here, among the appetizers: the 64 Knoll Krest Egg with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin and the Gold Leaf and White Asparagus Panna Cotta with Kaviari Caviar and Chilled Green Asparagus Emulsion. Both were very delicious, the caviar tastes very good with white asparagus. For entrée I’ve had the Crispy Scaled Amadai with Edamame, Scallion Oil and Cilantro flower and Sous Vide Veal Tenderloin made with Grilled Burdock, Hon Semiji. Both dishes were great but the sous vide veal, which was cooked to perfection, stood out. The veal was tender and juicy, every bite was amazing. I’m not a huge red meat eater, but this dish was so delicious. The desserts were as good as the rest of the meal. The restaurant has a great wine list that goes well with every dish. In house concoctions are also great, especially the Blooodhound.

I’ve always had a great experience at SHO Shaun Hergatt, whether I was there for dinner or just drinks, the service is consistent. The bartenders are always engaging and the servers and hostess are very pleasant and accommodating. One of my colleagues stated that this restaurant can be intimidating with all the power players from Wall St., but the staff and the service creates a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

Overall, SHO Shaun Hergatt is a magnificent restaurant and I highly recommend it. The restaurant is well deserving of a Michelin Star and it’s other accolades received (Esquire Magazine 2009 best New Restaurant and a 2 star rating from the NY Times to name a few.) Make a reservation and you won’t be disappointed by the way request the table next to open kitchen for a great dining experience.

SHO Shaun Hergatt
40 Broad St
New York, NY 10004
(212) 809-3993
Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.