The Mark
Restaurant by Jean-Georges
25 East 77th
Street
A couple of
times a year, we meet with Stephen when he is in NYC on business. He was staying at the Mark Hotel and had
dined at its restaurant several times.
The Mark Restaurant by Jean- Georges with its soft, flattering lighting
and comfortable seating appeals to the affluent local neighbors on the UES. Although Jean- Georges Vongerichten may have
wanted to create an exciting venue, he never seems to take a risk at this good,
but not great, restaurant. The menu
presents no surprises and this comfort level is appealing to its clientele. The portions are reasonable and the
preparations are well-executed. Yet, one
longs for the imagination of the master chef that created the flagship
restaurant in the Trump International Hotel.
The humachi
sushi appetizer of thinly-sliced raw fish that was delicately layered with
slivers of avocado and served in a soy-yuzi dressing was intriguing. This dish had a hint of caper that sharpened
the delightful mixture. Bread and butter is always worth a mention at
Restaurant Epiphany, and here, at the Mark, a large slice of tasty, albeit
cold, whole wheat bread was served. It
is not clear why the portion of butter was only enough for one, but more
importantly, the wait staff did not seem to notice this deficiency. Surprisingly, much of the service was not
professional. The entrees were not
presented simultaneously, and it made us reminisce for the original Jean
Georges delivery. Fortunately, the
seasoning of the entree of salmon bok choy and with ginger–chili vinaigrette subtly
and superbly blended the texture of the salmon with the crunchy mouth feel of
the bok choy.
The Mark is
a place to settle in, have a good meal and walk home. It is not a restaurant designed for a special
occasion unless you are celebrating a slight uptick in your stock
portfolio. The desserts bear this
out. Unfortunately, even the
descriptions are boring
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