I had wanted to go here for our Anniversary in Dec, but it was impossible to get the table, so we went Sat night.
So, we were got the 6.30 pm seating ( there a 7.45 and a 10 pm). While the restaurant can seat 18, they sat only 10 diners for the 6.30 (then 8 more came for the 7.45 ) and then we were asked to leave at 9.50 as they had diners coming in for the 10 pm.
We arrived promptly and were seated at 6.30. Its an open industrial kitchen, with a birds eye view of the kitchen. Its a minimalist setting, fantastic china and like watching a live cooking show! Mind you this is NOT a restaurant, this is a KITCHEN TABLE. Full of shining stainless steel, gleaming copper and the highly coveted Molteni Stove.
The dinner was very modern, clean, and inspired by japanese cuisine. I ate fish that I had never heard of, but it was delicious! there were around 7-8 cold sashimi courses.
Some of the hot small bites ( don’t want to list it all, as it spoils the fun)
Burgundy snails in garlic sabayon
Brioche with Hokkaido uni, and topped with a piece of black truffle (to be eaten at least once in your lifetime.)
San Diego sea urchin with sliced truffle
A Japanese rice with bonito butter was generously covered with white truffles was another highlight.
The plating is meticulous and the precious and communication with the staff of 3 kitchen chefs can put synchronized swimmers to shame.
Chef Cesar Ramirez isn’t the most vivacious chef you will meet- he surely is passionate and serious. Greets guests with a back pat. We did talk to him on our way out, and he was nice, but too serious.
Overall, a super meal, but I enjoyed my meal at Atera more. It’s not a place I would rush back to any time soon- at the price that they charge, I am ok to wait a bit!
It would be a great place to go with 18 of your closest friends, as the intimate setting, requires you to be friendly to your diners. I would rather enjoy the meal with some great friends rather than strangers- though we did meet a lovely couple. 🙂
To those who don’t know – it IS a very strict no photography policy. Feel sorry for the guy who insisted he needed to take pictures and wasted 45 min of an enjoyable night, arguing with the server. Get over it. No pictures allowed.
Where else would you go to a 3 michelin star restaurant, in a subway. Got to love NYC! 🙂
2 things that annoyed me :
I would have preferred sparking water but it wasn’t offered.
I like to end my meal with a coffee. It wasn’t offered either.
Anyway.
pearltravels 