kiki's B.F.F: Jean Georges [Lunch ~ NYC]

When we are away on vacation, we try not to splurge too much on fancy restaurant since frankly with airfares, hotels and some shopping, it gets quite costly. But as a foodie, I am always tempted to try some tasting menu here and there but this time we travel with 2 friends, so we hold back. So what came closest, is a $38 two-course lunch at Jean Georges (@Jean_GeorgesNYC), a three Michelin Star restaurant. I have been here once for their lunch a few years ago and was totally impress, so we just had to come back.

While the dinner menu features a three-course meal at $118 and a tasting menu at $198, this was definitely a deal. Great way to get a taste of their yummy fares and amazing service.

The atmosphere was elegant with white tablecloths, high ceiling and large windows overlooking Central Park.

Amuse Bouche

Parsnip w/ Coconut Milk & Lime Foam + Fluke on Black Truffle Toast + Duck Dumpling

This amuse bouche trio was amazing especially the soup/foam which was very refreshing and open up our palate plus it was complimentary.

Yellowfin Tuna Ribbons, Avocado and Spicy Raddish, Ginger Marinade

The fish was very fresh and tender served over a creamy avocado but I thought the soy ginger marinade drizzle table side was a tad salty but love the kick from the drops of chili oil that float on top. Amazing presentation, almost like a pasta dish.

Sea Trout Draped in Trout Eggs, Lemon and Olive Oil

The lemon mouse here was rather tart which we love, perfect with the salty trout eggs

Hamachi Sashimi, Avocado, Yuzu Radish

This was probably my least favorite dish, although love the presentation and the Hamachi was very fresh but it was nothing to write home about.

Nishiki Risotto with Peekytoe Crab, Nori and Key Lime

Rather bland looking but this was really tasty with the big chucks of crab meat. Although the previous 3 appetizers was cold and rather refreshing, this was very hearty and had a heavier taste.

Crispy Confit of Suckling Pig, Rutabaga "Pudding" and Smoked Bacon Marmalade

($10 Supplement)

Pulled pork shaped into a rectangle, love how a hearty dish look so dainty and pretty. Almost look like dessert. The skin on top was super crispy and the meat was moist and flavorful. I also make sure to get a bit of the pudding and the marmalade with each bite, the flavors just complimented each other so well.

Licorice Braised Sweetbreads, Baby Carrot, Ginger and Shiitake Mushrooms

I was totally tempted to order this but was afraid that the licorice taste would be very strong but it actually was very subtle. Although it was plated table side, the presentation still manage to look pretty good.

The sweetbread was served table side and love how every one of our dish came at the same time.

Sauteed Veal Scallopine, Flying Pig Ham, Mushrooms and Lavender

Not a huge fan of veal but I did love the mushroom toppings.

Caramel $12

Caramelized Pineapple Sorbet, Passion Fruit, Brioche

Creme Caramel, Maple, Bacon and Pecan Powder

Peanut Torte, Caramel Mousse,Brown Butter Caramel

Only one of us decided to order dessert but of course each of us end up getting a bite. I am surprise that it was a rather good portion and a deal at $12 at a place like this.

Even if you skip dessert, there was still something sweet for you to end your meal. There was complimentary fluffy vanilla bean marshmallow. nougat, truffles, fruit jelly and macarons