Jean_Valjean

Hi,

I've been very curious about this restaurant for a while, so my wife and I are going tomorrow for an anniversary dinner. Has someone here been there recently? I'd just like to have some perspective on the experience. Is the food good? Great? How about the wine list? Service? I read someplace that this is supposed to be one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, so my expectations are pretty high...

Thanks!

MFNYC

I haven't been, but from what I've read (zagats and menupages), it depends on the person. The LES is a very trendy neighborhood, and there have been some very highly regarded restaurants opening there the past few years. I don't think it's in the top 50 in the world, but I don't think that really matters.

stormygirl

The restaurant is very modern ecletic food- I ate there last fall and the menu hasn't changed too much. Think scientific experimental approach to food like El Buli or Alinea not French Laundry or Charlie Trotter.

If you like that type of cuisine then you should have a great time. It wasn't my preferred style of food but I know many who LOVE it.

It wasn't dressy or fancy, very modern wood and steel interior.

Will look forward to your experience!

bill_boy

Friends whose chow opinions I trust were not overly blown away by their experiences at WD-50.

In general, the ambiance is nice, but the adventurous American menu borders on highlighting the science of ingredients to executing pure experimentation with food. I remember a friend telling me that the wine pairing was nice and interesting; another told me that it was a waste of money. BTW, I have yet to hear or read about WD50 being one of the top 50 restaurant in the world.

In any case, it's comments like the ones that I mentioned that keeps me from going there - perhaps, I just feel that I'm not ready for their type of food.

Jean_Valjean

A "love-it-or-hate-it" kinda deal?

For some reason, my wife and I have managed to have really bad meals on all our anniversaries (our first anniversary dinner was at Jeckyl and Hyde... no comment necessary), so, if it is pretty bad, then we will be keeping our tradition!

By the way, you can find the "Top 50 restaurants in the World" list here:

http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/2090.cfm

It is actually a fun little list. The #1 restaurant in the world (according to this list,anyway) is The Fat Duck in Britain. The first US restaurant on the list is Per Se at #9. WD-50 is there at #34.

Thanks for your replies!

bill_boy

Thanks for the url to the list. I'm not a list guy, but these lists always makes for interesting readings and conversations.

MFNYC

Well Happy Anniversary in any case, and I hope your dinner changes your luck. I know what you mean though. We used to seek out high end restaurants for special occasions, and most of the time were disappointed. Now we avoid anything with a 25+ in Zagats and that requires a 30 day advance notice for reservations.

Gekko

I returned to WD-50 for the umpteenth time about 4 weeks ago, party of 5. INCREDIBLE! as always.

I've never known anyone to not enjoy Wylie's creative cuisine. He's almost always in the kitchen -- if something isn't what you expect, send it back.

Enjoy WD-50!

saps

Hey Jean,
Just curious when did California leave the United States? French Laundry in Yountville ranks in at #3 .

I sense a bit of that infamous east coast bias .

Jean_Valjean

:-S :-S :-s

Oops... I need to ask for my money back from that speed reading class...

Jean_Valjean

So we did go to wd-50 last wednesday, and I have to say that we had an amazing meal. Food was not only delicious, but also nice looking and pretty interesting (squid noodles? sesame ice-cream? manchego cheesecake?). Portions were good (not huge), drinks were great, and service was nice and unintrusive.

Overall, a great experience!

Gekko

Thanks for the follow-up. WD-50 is one of the best restaurants in NY and therefore the entire world.

What I appreciate is that the chef/owner, Wylie Dufresne, is there just about every night and has not become a multi-restaurant celebrity shill. He personally prepares or oversees most all meals.

Jean_Valjean

And he was there on Wednesday, in the kitchen, overseeing everything. I didn't see him come out at all. The guy's a chef, not a brand. You've got to respect that!

michelleNYC

Ditto everything Gekko has said -- and that is truly what makes WD-50 FANTASTIC!!

111op

I went last year and I found it overrated. I thought that Clinton Fresh Food was better (even with the change of chef when I tried a while ago).

YankeeDoodle

No, but I used some WD-40 on a squeeky door.