Esmé

Together with his co-owner and wife, Katrina Bravo, Chef Jenner Tomaska lays bare lofty ambitions at this airy atelier. The minimalist, well-lit space evokes an art gallery, complete with a high concept tasting that's aimed at blurring the boundaries between art and dining. The show begins with intriguing bites served at standing tables just inside. The multicourse meal that follows features a variety of dishes, each offered on custom pieces made by local artists. Flavorful compositions showcase unexpected combinations, as in "tomahawk" style Dover sole in a vin jaune sauce with spiced compressed pear and seaweed. Goat cheese ice cream with yuzu marmalade and a cynar-cured egg yolk expertly balances sweet and savory.

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