Bobster

I've been to PerSe numerous times and have sadly never met Chef Keller. Still, each time was a memorable and wonderful experience. If you go in wanting to have a great time and are enthused with the staff, that's all you'll need. (I know, these are quite obvious)

PerSe also has a lunch Chef's Tasting Menu for $175.

Call them now to discuss. The PerSe staff has probably had to respond to this issue before. Particularly with the all Veggie menu, you should have no problem having a wonderful time. But perhaps I'm biased, ha ha.

I also agree, since the menu is primarily built on what is in season and/or at the market, it only matters if there are specific foods you are seeking. I usually go in the Spring and Winter and they are both equally divine. Although...Winters in the past have been a time when there have been additional menus, a few years ago there was a completely different Holiday Tasting and last year was an Offal.

How great, it's neat that you got a slice of cake as the take home. While it's wonderful when I go by myself, I am envious that you got to go with people, part of the experience is in sharing. I need more adventursome friends!

True but Keller eventually (not in the beginning) designed PerSe to be this kind of restaurant. I think it would be difficult for another restaurant to create a melange without knowing ahead of time that returning customers/friends were coming and wanted different things, in their defense. You go into PerSe (or rather should) expecting that what you have today won't be completely the same as you had last month or even yesterday. PS When I went to EMP I did get my menu in a caviar tin along with the pates de fruits. And I admit I did go this time anticipating Bruni's review coming up. I have nothing else to add since you all have said what I would say with more eloquence. It is interesting to consider that EMP is 4 star when ordering the Gourmand menu and not when not. This is a great discussion to read where there's no name calling.

Darn, I'd love to go. Is going from Inwood to Brooklyn for wonderful hot dogs a good enough reason?

Wow, reading some responses I feel like I've stabbed Thomas Keller! I really didn't mean to sound like that. I found EMP this time to be great at what it set out to do. It is not on the level of PerSe nor do I think it means to be. PerSe itself was designed to be its own animal--I don't believe, in my limited knowledge, that there's been any other place in NYC that composes an entire meal/tasting for you daily, painstakingly mixing dishes based on what is in season and what is found to be the freshest. Perhaps I should have said that EMP was the best I've had comparible to similar places like Le Bernardin and Jean-Georges (the latter was at lunch but there were some minor "glitches"). Perhaps it was because I had said I was having the Gourmand menu from the start but I was treated with a level of respect from the start that is rare for me to experience as a "newer" diner to a place. Even when I've gone back to Le B and J-G I've still at times felt I was an "intruder". Yes, I understand that it is NOT everything about a place but when a guy like me is made welcome, it helps. Chris, I'm sorry there were flaws in your dinner. My food was very delicious with the original flavors of whatever the leading item is coming thru well. When I go back to EMP I fill probably try other things unless the Gourmand has changed a lot. Several people had the duck which I really am interested in trying. I can see myself possibly going back to EMP annually. PerSe? Yeah, yeah, now it's up to 3 times a year. My Extended meal, 21 courses, WAS heaven. I still can't believe how lighter than air I felt when I walked out. It was similar to what other people have had but I'll write it up if you'd like.

I made it a point when I made my reservation on OpenTable that I was having the Gourmand menu. I went, I was conquered. While it doesn't replace PerSe in my heart, it's a damn great rival.

Curious as to why you asked whether I was dining alone. I am glad that you'll give EMP another try; I don't think you would be disappointed. ← Because I generally dine alone and was interested in how you were treated. The last time I was there it was by myself and I felt a bit rushed.

Thanks. All right, I'll give the place another try.

Out of curiousity, where you there by yourself or with others?

Like WK2 said, Le Bernardin is more a sea place (not that that's wrong by any means). Question: are you going by yourself or with others? That can play on the wine decisions as well. I've gone to both usually by myself; I've blabbed on here before how when I was last at PerSe I had an expert wine pairing where it was a glass/portion that lasted several courses. Also both places have their menus readily available for you to peruse (PerSe's are from last night's). PerSe's menu of course is more seasonally adapted as well. PS I'm going back to PerSe this Tuesday yay! And I was told that Chef Benno will be around thru the winter.

I officially really hate you right now. And I hate all my friends since none of them are adventurous enough to go with me so that we could even have something like this. And myself for knowing I will never have this kind of service and for all the other hate.

I did as well right before the reviews came out and I felt sadly the same. This was very painful to read. I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience.

Hmm, I suppose I shouldn't "complain", I did get 14 courses when I was last there--because I requested not making an either/or of the 3 courses but having both. I'll have to see about that extended option next time. I give extra kudos the Sommelier James. He offered instead of doing a glass with each course to do a glass with several course while giving refills. I was able to enjoy them all without getting buzzed.

WHAT extended menu?? I was never offered that, simply the option of having both courses when there usually is an either/or.

I'd love to go but I'm not in the trade...

When you call, make sure they know it's for an anniversary as well. I'm going again myself tonight for my (delayed) birthday!

I eagerly await! I'm trying to stay away until I go in May.

It's times like this I'm almost glad that I live "so far away" in Inwood.

I hope that's true. Since I'm going in May I guess I have no real reason to go to the lounge before then... Well, I keep telling myself that.

They are apparently starting for the public tonight.

Is the "rule" something along the lines of "the more often you go, the more courses you get"? That sounds dangerous. ← WONDERFULLY dangerous. I've had the same experience. I think it also has to do with them knowing your tastes once you've been there--they will add courses for your pleasure. I'm still reeling from December when I got so many courses from both the regular and offal menus. Ginger Chef, please do write to them, I am surprised that such things would occur.

Very true. When I was first there (July '04, by myself as nearly always), the service was at first cordial and respectful if a little distant. After they saw I was there to be there for the food, their attitude changed and little extras appeared. It's been the same ever since. Ooo...well, I have to say when I was there in December when they had the optional offal menu, I asked if I could get some of each (meaning the regular and the offal). It ended up being 19 courses, whee!