Per Se

This review needs to be buffered by a substantial fact that we visited Per Se in the first few weeks after it reopened following a lengthy closing for COVID. I can certainly imagine that the engine was not as fine-tuned as it typically is, though it was my first visit. I have nothing to compare it to.

Well, except for The French Laundry. How does one not make that comparison, with Thomas Keller at the helm of each? And with that backdrop, Per Se disappointed. It was simply not as refined as it should be for its 3 stars - either in food or service.

It was only a few years back that the New York Times released their own fairly scathing review of the place. So perhaps I am not alone.

It's difficult to wax negative on food of this caliber though. It definitely reminds me of how fortunate I am to have the experiences I have enjoyed. But while The French Laundry is a must visit, Per Se would not make my list for New York City. Most other New York City restaurants on this blog were substantially better experiences.