Payard
New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 717-5252
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- E 74th Street
- Directions:
- 6 at 77th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5:45pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Payard – by Charlotte Kaiser
The Scene
It may lack the eclat of his patisserie, but Francois Payard's adjoining bistro is just as much of a destination. Designer David Rockwell's decor exhibits belle epoque flair, with fanciful blown-glass lighting fixtures and colorful striped banquettes. Tables set with Bernardaud china and Masa linens enhance the elegance.
The Food
Chef Philippe Bertineau takes classic bistro cuisine to the next level. His celery root, chestnut and mushroom soup is velvety smooth, with duck confit adding both texture and a welcome touch of salt; twice-baked cheese souffle is as pretty as a dessert, enrobed in a silken cloak of Parmesan cream sauce and truffle oil. Entrees are equally impressive, each dish carefully accompanied by seasonal sides. The duo of pheasant arrives with Hokkaido squash, baby brussels sprouts, black trumpet mushrooms and Fuji apples; the venison has just as many co-stars, to equally impressive effect. Finish with the justly famous hot chocolate souffle.
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Insider Tips
When to GoPre-theater prix-fixe menus are offered from 5:45pm to 6:45pm.
The ExtrasInquire about the cheese course, which is well stocked with selections from midtown's Artisanal Cheese Center.
Know Before You GoAmbrosial cakes and inspired tarts are sold in the pastry shop up front, from the "Louvre," a dark dome of chocolate mousse and hazelnut dacquoise, to the intensely creamy hot chocolate and exquisite truffles.
User Reviews for Payard
06/11/2008 Posted by laxingnewyorkcity
This "restaurant" is kind of a combination french patisserie/bistro and navigating the two is bizarre, especially when the host stand is behind the patisserie section and there is no one there to greet you. But once you get seated, the menu is quite nice. Kind of an upscale bistro with some cool seasonal touches and whatnot. Nothing overwhelming or unfamiliar, just kind of out of place. I had the prix fixe lunch, by accident. The server took my order, which happened to consist of two items on the prix fixe menu for that day and I was served what I thought would be a more expensive lunch. I mean seriously, I didn't realize this until the bill came and it was 31.00 for food, including a desert I ordered, sans wine. I seriously thought I had spent much more, much much more. The server was gracious when I told him of this and offered to pay full price. But he declined. The most AMAZING thing was, the portions were huge! The chilled tomato soup was so good and filling and the pasta, while bland and bizarre (penne with fava beans, eggplant - which was so overcooked - and other veggies, tossed in tomato sauce and ricotta) was more than a dinner portion. The dessert I had was also very good, a kind of half lemon meringue (sp?) half strawberry short-cakey thing. I know this sounds stupid, but, there was no pepper in the meal. There was a salt shaker on the table, but no pepper. Also, no server offered pepper, and when i asked for it, it never came. Small issue, but weird. And the service was excellent, although anonymous. I felt like we had no connection with the waiter, which made it ackward (sp) asking the wrong server for the bill, twice. Anyways. Try it. The crowd, from a tourists POV, was half chic, half strollers and spilled cheerios. The service was excellent, the food very good, and the ambiance leisurely. Try the tomato soup with guacamole - it is unreal.
Pros: Great Lunch - Attentive Staff - Seasonal
Cons: Seasonal doesn't always work - weird crowd mix -
03/10/2008 Posted by kayla09
I've been to Payard a few times per a friend's recommendation. The first time was to pick up some pastries. Extremely busy, but a very cozy and inviting atmosphere. The smell as you walk in is incredible! They have a chocolate bar, pastry/dessert bar, coffee bar and a rest in the back. In the front is a little coffee area to sit in. The desserts and simply amazing. My husband and I fell in love with their pear napoleons. Flaky, buttery, filled with fresh pears, just delicious! The second time, we sat in and ordered capps and more pear naps..very cozy spot to chill relax and unwind. Can't wait to go back!
Pros: Gotta try the pear napoleons!!! Huge vareity of pastries,chocolates and sinful desserts!
Cons: Pricey but worth it!! Mostly a dark chocolate selection, where as I prefer milk!
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