The other day my sister turned the big 3-0! Happy Birthday to Beth! 30 is obviously a big year, but considering my sister and I both look a good 8 years younger than we actually are, it seems that the big day wasn’t as traumatic for her as it might be for others. I mean, it’s not like she looks 30 and that’s what really counts, right?
On Friday night, we had a birthday dinner for her and after much deliberation about where to go, we decided on Market by Jean-Georges in the W Hotel. My dad is a HUGE Jean-Georges Vongerichten fan and many of my first culinary memories revolve around family vacations in New York City eating at Jean-Georges restaurants (considering I was a kid going to eat at Jean-Georges restaurants, it’s no wonder I am so into good food as an adult!). It was also Beth and Adam’s first week back in Boston after living in Hawaii for almost 4 months and our friend Rey was visiting from Chicago. Sadly, I had to miss Dustin and Steven’s Asian dinner party, but I guess you know your life is good when you have to choose between two amazing food events!
Market by Jean-Georges (Photo Courtesy of Zagat.com)
The best part about going out to dinner with several people is the opportunity to sample lots of the dishes. There was so much on the menu that I wanted to try, and I got to sample most of it. First, the appetizers.
Seared Shrimp with Silky Pumpkin, Ginger, and Basil. Of course I had to order it; it involves pumpkin and ginger. I’d love to make someone try this who doesn’t like shrimp. I have a feeling this would change their mind!
Rice Cracker Crusted Tuna with Citrus-Chili Emulsion. Everyone was recommending this before we went. Legitimately the perfect tuna. I could eat this for every meal and be happy.
Black Pepper Crab Fritters with Pear and Endive. See why you have to go to Market with a bunch of people? How else would you ever decide what to get for an appetizer? I cannot turn down crab cakes/fritters. These ones had the perfect kick!
I can’t remember what these were called, but our waiter described them as Jean-George’s version of jalapeno poppers and that was certainly enough to get Chris to order them. They disappeared pretty quickly.
Lobster with Basil Butter and Lemon Spaetzle. Both my mom and my sister ordered this and it was incredibly fresh and delicious. Not to mention, all that lobster for only $28.
Soy-Glazed Short Ribs with Apple-Jalapeno Puree and Rosemary Crumbs. My dad, Chris, and Adam ordered the short ribs and all proclaimed they were some of the best they’d ever had.
Market Cheeseburger with Russian Dressing. Rey opted for the cheeseburger. And can’t you tell just be looking at it that it’s amazing? He said he normally doesn’t like pickles, but even the pickles tasted amazing on this burger.
Georges Bank Haddock with Parsnip Puree and Mint Fragrant Coconut Juice. This is what I ordered and I was so happy I did. I’ve never given parsnips much thought before (they’re good, but nothing to go crazy over, right?). But every bite of the haddock covered in a bit of the parsnip puree had me closing my eyes and mmmm’ing. The coconut was the perfect addition to this delicate fish as well.
We obviously had to order desserts too; it was a birthday celebration!
Creme Fraiche Cheesecake with Black Cherry Sorbet. Gahhh!! Again, I swear I didn’t think I could ever be in heaven from “plain” cheesecake, but this was melt-in-your-mouth, creamy deliciousness to die for. And the black cherry sorbet? I could have eaten a whole gallon of it.
Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Jean-Georges is known for his molten chocolate cake, so this was a sure thing. Even the vanilla ice cream tasted better than normal.
Green Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Ice Cream. SO SO good. I really want to try re-creating this one. But I think I need the adorable little cast-iron dishes!
The birthday girl and Adam; so happy to have them back in Boston! Despite the fact that Friday night was about -2 degrees outside, I hope they’re happy to be here too.
My mom and dad enjoying dinner!
Chris and I taking a break from our complete chowing down our chesecake for a photo!
Rey visiting from Chicago to celebrate Beth’s birthday!
So, in case you couldn’t tell, I highly recommend Jean-Georges Market. The service was amazing and I think our waiter knew absolutely everything about every item on the menu. He did a fabulous job recommending dishes and telling us why he was recommending them. I can’t wait to go to Market by Jean-Georges again… Has anyone had their brunch?
Market by Jean-Georges
In the W Hotel
100 Stuart St.
Boston, MA 02116
617.310.6790
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I am SO glad you had such a great experience! My favorites in the tasting menu were some of the items you had, including the rice cracker crusted ahi-tuna served with a citrus chili emulsion and the seared shrimp served with a silky pumpkin, ginger and basil emulsion and toasted pumpkin seeds. I had NO idea that they do brunch. I definitely will have to check it out!
Had a great time. Great food and wine!
Yum. Looks like a great menu. I have to say, I think I’m an odd bird because I cannot wait to turn 30.
Oh my heavens, that looks AMAZING! I can smell the food …
That looks amazing — I think I’ll daydream about that tuna all day today!
ooh, i totally have to try that place!!! i’m drooling over your halibut
Everything looks amazing! I want to go now! Hope your sister is excited to be home.