As any gourmet knows, the only format through which a chef / restaurant can really show their skills is a multi-course tasting menu. However, unless you are related to a duke, you most likely can’t afford to frequent Per Se, Gilt (this is where the bears dined the night they decided to be bears together forever – we’ll tell that story at some point) or Le Bernardin. The solution to this problem simply requires some initiative. Last week, in search of an affordable tasting menu, we inquired about the possibility of creating one even though not included on the standard menu. While we were shot down at a few spots, Duane Park in TriBeCa was happy to oblige us (5 courses for only $58.00 per person plus $27.50 for wine pairings). Although the restaurant was not packed when we arrived at eight (we are still getting used to the fact that New York keeps the same hours as Barcelona (dinner doesn’t begin till ten and lasts till one)) it quickly filled with patrons. After some slight confusion with regard to our previously arranged tasting menu, the service was great and the Southern influenced New American selections greatly pleased our palates. I highly recommend the quail appetizer served over black-eyed peas and the Cajun influenced bouillabaisse. While the food did not quite reach the level of Elizabeth’s on 37th Street (our favorite southern New American in the world located in Savannah, GA) the overall experience was wonderful and we look forward to returning to their weekly late-night jazz and burlesque show on Friday night.

Our review: A Bear

P.S. – This place had to be great as the chef and I share the same name.