Beginning a new chapter, Chef Jordan Kahn's singular operation emerges from a lengthy hiatus with a renewed creative vision. Situated inside a strikingly futuristic edifice of red steel ("the Waffle"), diners enjoy a tasting menu that is likewise out of the ordinary, moving between floors as the meal progresses. Each dish is visually stunning, with cuisine that is not only daringly inventive (at times downright whimsical), but also marshals finely honed technique and impeccably balanced flavors. as in an artful dish of scallop with passionfruit, ají amarillo, and petals of horseradish tuile, or an "obsidian mirror" of smoked mussel cream with salted plum. The meal ends as strong as it begins, with a mesmerizing dessert that features kaleidoscopic flavors.
Together with their sister restaurants, Vespertine works to ensure all ingredients are used in their entirety.