When my brother wrote a piece for this blog Exploring the Tastes of Asia with the Vongerichten Family and visited Perry St. Restaurant in New York, I really wished I were there as well.

After all, award-winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the restaurateur behind 36 restaurants in world metropolitan cities, a dozen of them in New York. He is also a popular and prolific cookbook writer with Home Cooking with Jean-Georges: My Favorite Simple Recipes as the newest one.

Perry St. first opened in 2005, and Jean-Georges’ son Cedric Vongerichten, himself an accomplished chef, has been its chef de cuisine since August 2009.  He continuously innovate dishes that balance flavor and texture combining French, American, and Asian influences and ingredients. The menu promoted by Perry St. is inspired by what are in season and available at the local market in Union Square.

I just couldn’t believe my luck when I had the opportunity to be in New York for winter break and was invited by Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten, Cedric’s wife, for New Year’s Eve celebration at Perry St.

Arriving at 10.00 PM with cousin Alessandra, the temperature outside was below freezing, but inside we were warmly welcomed by the staff who handed out hats, necklaces, noisemakers and balloons.

The Perry St. that I visited maybe a tad different than when my brother was there because it had undergone big restoration after hurricane Sandy flooded the area. As reported by The Architectural Digest, however, despite the almost half-million-dollar overhaul, a diner will barely notice the difference.

With a view to Hudson River, the establishment can accommodate up to 70 guests for seated events and up to 120 for cocktail receptions.

It was festive with New Year’s decorations and guests, including a group of friends, who dressed to the nines. On New Year's Eve, from 5:30-7:00 PM Perry St. offered its full a la carte dinner menu while the following special four course New Year's Eve menu began at 8.00 PM.

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Amuse Bouche - Mini Burrata, Petrossian Caviar, Melted Butter and Lemon

Tuna Ribbons, Avocado and Radish, Ginger Dressing

or

Diver Scallops and Black Truffle Toast

Steamed Black Sea Bass, Fragrant Coconut Juice, Lime

or

Lobster, Vegetable and Tapioca, Gewurtraminer Froth

Short Ribs of Ribs, Parsnip Puree, Pickled Asian Pears and Herbs

or

Grilled Colorado Lamb Chop, Smoked Chili Glaze, Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Dessert

Champagne Toast

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As busy as he was, Chef Cedric Vongerichten welcomed guests by showing up at the celebration while still working in the kitchen. 

In between friends, families, music and countdown to 2014 it was kind of hard to fully concentrate on the food. Fortunately Perry St. staff let guests took time in enjoying their dishes. 

The Amuse Bouche had a generous portion of the luxurious Petrossian Caviar. Chef Cedric tweeted a picture and said “1 kg for this evening.”

I went back and forth to watch those on the dance floor, chatted with some friends, blew the noise makers, and savored my choice of juicy and tasty diver scallops, steamed black sea bass, and short ribs of ribs.

Of course with the limited light my smart phone pictures did not do justice to the spread. I even forgot to take a shot of the immaculate chocolate and ice cream dessert when it just arrived. But hey, you can always  browse Perry St. website to see professional photos of the beautiful restaurant interior and Chef Cedric Vongerichten’s signature dishes.

Indulging guests

We left Perry St. at 2.00 AM, mesmerized by everything. The DJ, the music, the chef, the staff, the décor, the ambience and the exceptional food, all blended for a perfect countdown to 2014.

With such attention to details to indulge guests daily and for special events, it is no wonder that Perry St. is often frequented by newsmakers. According to Gotham Magazine, Nicole Kidman, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, Martha Stewart and Robert de Niro had been spotted dining at Perry St. 

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Text: Maira Niode

Images: Ivelle/Shutterstock, Cedric Vongerichten, Perry St., Omar Niode Foundation