Le Bernardin, NYC – Lunch
Because we have covered Le Bernardin in several other posts, I won’t repeat myself, except to say that lunches here are just as exceptional in food and even more exceptional in value. You can get a $45 or a $70 menu, compared to the dinner choices that are over $100. My group went for the baller menu even at lunch with the lunch pairing to celebrate a friend’s upcoming Sabbatical from work, but the cheaper lunch options look amazing.
AMUSE BOUCHE
Salmon Rillete
Nice way to start the meal with a little salty rillette on some bread
CAVIAR – TARTARE
Leaping Waters Beef, Langoustine and Osetra Caviar Tartare Black Pepper-Vodka, Crème Fraîche, Pomme Gaufrette
Dom Pérignon – Moët & Chandon 2000
I felt like Rockefeller eating this little bite; it was rich and so delicious and the bubbly caviar went to well with…bubbly
LOBSTER
Warm Lobster “Carpaccio”; Ruby Red Grapefruit and Heart of Palm,Verjus Sabayon
Vouvray Sec, Domaine Huet ‘Le Haut Lieu’, Loire, France 2010
Le Bernardin knows how to do lobste; the best one I’ve had to this day was on the Chef’s Tasting Menu
OCTOPUS
Charred Octopus “a la plancha”; Green Olive and Black Garlic Emulsion, Sundried Tomato Sauce Vierge
Albarino, Trico, Rias Baixas, Spain 2009
SEA MEDLEY
Shellfish Medley; Yuzu Scented Custard, Smoked Bonito Broth
Yuki no Bosha, Yamahai Jumai, Akita
This dish was another standout – a rich broth full of the best the sea can offer
ARCTIC CHAR
“Ultra-Rare” Arctic Char; Truffled Peas and Favas, Butter Lettuce-Tarragon Emulsion
Sauvignon Blanc, Floreado, Cantina Andrian, Alto Adige 2010
MONKFISH
Roasted Monkfish; Wilted Mustard Greens-Daikon “Sandwich”, Adobo Sauce
Pinot Noir, Duijn, Baden, Germany 2008
RASPBERRY-ROSE
Lychee Gelée, Rose Emulsion, Raspberry Sorbet
Côteaux de Layon, Chaume, Château, Soucherie, Loire 2007
I typically like getting roses, not eating them, but this is a very acceptable alternative
CHOCOLATE PEANUT
Madagascan Chocolate Ganache, Peanut Mousse, Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Château La Rame-Reserve, Saint Croix du Mont 2001
Mignardises
food comas 
You went there without me…
This is my all time favorite. I love Eric and have followed him for years. I think that I have spent almost every birthday there….I am drouling….