La Silhouette
362 W 53rd St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 581-2400
Official Site
*This venue is now closed
A few months ago Zagat.com ran an article about the 8 most underrated restaurants in NYC. I’ve been to a few of them (SHO Shaun Hergatt and Seasonal Restaurant and Weinbar) and was surprised to see La Silhouette on the list.In a city full of great restaurants it’s easy to overlook a few gems. La Silhouette debuted without a splash and besides a review by Adam Platt of New York Magazine who gave it two stars; it was never reviewed by the NY Times or any other major publications. Located in Hells Kitchen, this French American restaurant is owned by 2 former Le Barnardin general managers, Tito Rahman and Sally Chinoris, and the executive chef Matthew Tropeano is an alum of Le Grenouille a NYC institution.
Situated in a modern apartment building along 53rd street, the restaurant can be easily passed if one is not paying attention. My first impression when I walked in was it’s not as big as I thought it would be. The front area has soft lighting and a small gold wooden bar with six red leather bar stools. The bar scene here is non existent, but you come here to eat. The host/hostess counter is manned by the owners Tito and Sally who take turns greeting guest as they arrive. When I was ushered into the main dining room I passed through a series of dimly light rooms (where guest can also choose to be seated) that were ideal for casual dining. The modern and luxurious interior of La Silhouette provides an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Just before entering the sunken dining room there is a second bar for busy nights. The dining room is squared off with clean white walls, one of which is painted in red striped like the American flag. Laminated uncovered tables are paired with banquet seats against wall to wall carpeted floor.There’s also a space above the main dining room which is perfect for a private dining.
La Silhouette’s French menu with a Modern American flare is some of the most delectable dishes I’ve had; the ingredients are of the highest quality. The average price of an entrée is north of $30. It’s expensive, but that’s the norm for NYC fine dining. If you are in the mood to splurge, try their $95 five course tasting menu ($55 with wine pairing) like I did the first time I dined here. I let Chef Tropeano showcase his skills and enjoyed the evening of gastronomic festivities.
I’ve tried numerous dishes here and enjoyed most of them. Starter dishes like the Poached Farm Egg with “Truffles” and, oyster mushroom was very tasty; the egg was poached perfectly while the truffles added a depth of flavor. Another great starter was the Long Island Fluke Tartare with American caviar, citrus vinaigrette, poppy seed flatbread. I love this dish, the fresh fish combined with citrus vinaigrette and the saltiness of the caviar bursts with flavors that complement each other.
Among the entrée dishes, the Poulet Roti “Avellino” braised cannellini beans and kale, tomato confit, lardons, chicken jus was incredible. The chicken was cooked perfectly; it was juicy, tender and packed with flavor. The Butter Poached Lobster and Bass with celery root-apple “slaw” and leek fondue sauce américaine was another amazing dish. It was a great combination of seafood with the perfect touch of buttery flavor. The Filet & Beef Short Rib yukon potato purée, roasted shallots, burgundy beef jus, was tasty and with a mouthwatering beef texture. And finally, the Wild Mushroom Risotto truffle oil, parmigiano had a creamy flavor that worked well with the truffle oil’s earthy flavor.
La Silhouette’s desserts were equally satisfying. I indulged in the Popcorn “Crème Brûlée” candied honey crisp apples, caramel popcorn, salty caramel ice cream; and theMilk Chocolate Terrine coffee cremeaux, passion fruit sauce, ice milk sorbet. Pre-desert flavored ices were served as a creative way to transition to desert.
Service and hospitality here are exceptional. The well-trained staff are very pleasant, welcoming and accommodating. This is a reflection of the owners and their years of service working at high end restaurants were the focus is not just on the food but the entire dining experience. Tito and Sally greet old and new guests like they’ve known them for years. It’s a welcoming atmosphere that makes each and every guest feels right at home.
If La Silhouette was located more toward the east it would have probably been noticed by a lot more people. But having eaten here multiple times, it’s a truly an “underrated” restaurant. It’s great food, luxurious setting and impeccable hospitality makes this restaurant one of the best I’ve visited so far in NYC. I just hoped that Pete Well of the NY Times would visit and review it and give it the proper credit that it deserves.
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