If you’re in search of artistic creations, you can forget museums and head straight for Aureole, where dining is elevated into an art form! Known for his “progressive American” cuisine, superstar chef and restaurateur Charlie Palmer places equal emphasis on visual appeal and eclectic flavors in his five-star food. Palmer honed his talents at the Culinary Institute of America and took Manhattan by storm in the mid-80s as top chef at The River Café, until he opened his showcase eatery in 1988—an Upper East Side brownstone that’s wowed A-listers ever since. No wonder, given its sensual lighting, dazzling flowers, soothing earth-tone décor, and comfy banquettes. Executive chef Dante Boccuzzi—formerly of Nobu in Milan—teased and seduced our palates shamelessly one recent evening, starting off with the perfect apple martini.
As a first course we feasted on Canadian bay scallops, shrimp, and crabmeat dusted with lemon and crème fraiche. We savored the ocean harvest sampling of Malpeque oysters, octopus terrine, truffled scallop, and “sevruga egg.” For an entrée we salivated over shallot-basted salmon with tenderly toasted chestnuts.
Another must-taste: caramelized poussin with porcini and savory strudel, plus a side of pomegranate- glazed salsify. (Aureole’s diverse offerings include a delightful vegetarian tasting menu.)
To top the Aureole experience, pastry chef John Miele finished us off with his own artworks—cheesecake with a sauterne geleé and a bittersweet chocolate and caramel torte topped by heavenly malted vanilla ice cream. To be perfectly blunt, there’s only one word that comes to mind when dining at Aureole—orgasmic!
Aureole is at 34 East 61st Street. Call 212-319-1660 for reservations.
