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P R O F I L E | L E J A R D I N I E R
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n Midtown Manhattan, two new hot spots are a feast for both the eyes
and the palate. Inaugurated in May, the 62-seat Le Jardinier (French for
"gardener") focuses on high-quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients and
fresh herbs. Or, "…the way sophisticated diners are eating globally," says chef
Alain Verzeroli, who is also at the helm of Shun, a contemporary French
restaurant with Japanese influences that opened in June and was named for
the Japanese culinary tradition that celebrates seasonal food at its peak flavor.
"Shun combines my experiences working in both France and Japan," explains
Verzeroli, a 21-year protégé of renowned French chef Joël Robuchon. "Our aim
was to create a luxurious yet minimalist space focusing on the Japanese philosophy
of seasonality." Nestled in a new luxury condominium tower developed by Aby
Rosen and designed by architect Norman Foster, the two dining concepts—
which are connected via a monumental marble staircase—feature interiors by
French interior designer Joseph Dirand, who has worked on projects such as
Loulou, Monsieur Bleu and Le Flandrin in Paris, and the Four Seasons Hotel at
e Surf Club and Le Sirenuse restaurant in Miami.
Timeless and filled with natural light
through floor to ceiling windows, Le
Jardinier gives one the feeling of being
in a modern greenhouse in the heart of
New York City: e space is adorned
with lush vegetation, green marble
walls and floors, and vertical louvers.
French artisans based in the Big
Apple created much of the craftsman
work throughout. On the second
level, Shun's elegant art deco-inspired
spaces comprise a 58-seat dining
room and open kitchen; Bar Shun, a
cocktail lounge for up to 38 people;
and two private dining rooms for a
contingent less than half that size. "In
the intimate space upstairs, everything
will serve to calm the senses, from the
exquisite design by Joseph Dirand and
the chosen color palette to the menu
Newly opened restaurants in NYC reflect the talent
of Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli and acclaimed
interior architect Joseph Dirand.
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
N EW YOR K
with a
F R ENCH T W IST
