Per Se

• Cuisine(s): American, European, French, New American, Traditional
  Hours: Sun, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm
  Price: $$$$ $$$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Jacket Suggested
  Features: Private Party, Prix Fixe, Wheelchair Accessible
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Accepted, Required
  Parking: No Parking

Description

With the opening of The French Laundry in the Napa Valley, Thomas Keller became one of the most respected chefs in America. Per Se has a slicker interior and a view of Central Park instead of sun-drenched vineyards, but the focus on artisanal, seasonal ingredients remains the same. Make a reservation two months in advance, save up some serious cash, and get ready for a parade of small dishes you won't soon forget. Choose from the chef's tasting or vegetable menu (both $275). Keller loves vegetables and treats them as carefully as he does the Hudson Valley foie gras on his menu. The style is French, with a reverence to the quality of the mostly American-sourced ingredients. The dining room is clean and bright, with well-spaced tables and colorful flower arrangements, suited waiters providing attentive but not overbearing service. If you don't feel like dropping almost $300, you can always drop into the salon, the small lounge where you can order many of the items on the tasting menu a la carte.—Keith Wagstaff