Picholine

Back when news broke of the paycheck snafu at Terrance Brennan's upscale restaurant Picholine, we said it was probably too late to Deathwatch the place, given its obvious financial duress. Incorrect! Picholine has lived on—and, goodness, they found out yesterday that they've kept their two Michelin stars. All of which has served as a reminder to the Deathwatch Committee to re-open the case file. Its findings demand the once-remanded Deathwatch stamp be lowered.

Why the hospice for Picholine? Certainly the rumblings of trouble in the Terrance Brennan empire, which already led to the shuttering of Bar Artisanal, and his Seattle ventures. And then came this press release:

New York, NY - (September 14, 2010) – Upper West Side diners now have several new exciting dining options to choose from when they visit Chef Terrance Brennan’s Michelin starred restaurant, Picholine. The French Mediterranean fine dining establishment has introduced a new a la carte menu, pre-theatre prix fixe, post theatre menu, and in late September it will start serving Lunch and Sunday Suppers.

“We really wanted to focus on flexibility within fine dining. By providing more options, we give our guests the ability to select the experience of their choice, whether it’s pre-theatre or post-theatre, lunch or dinner, special occasion or a quick bite in the bar,” says Chef Brennan.

Beginning Wednesday, September 29th, guests will be able enjoy Michelin-starred dining in the afternoon when Picholine opens for lunch. The menu features a $28 2-course prix fixe with each additional course for $12, and a $38 4-course Market Menu. New dish highlights include Diver Scallops, Corn, Chanterelle Escabeche, Chorizo Chips and Squid Ink Fideos, Shrimp, Piquillo Pepper, Pimenton-Aioli. Rounding out the lunch menu are two Chef’s Tastings: a 6 course for $58 and 10 courses for $78.

For the first time ever, in addition to the new a la carte menu, Picholine will now offer a $58 3-course pre-theatre prix fixe available Monday - Friday from 5:00pm to 6:30pm in the dining room, as well as a post-theatre menu available from 10pm to close. Menu highlights include Daube of Beef Crepinette,” Pommes Aligot, Radish Fondant, Salsa Verde; Foie Gras “Shabu Shabu,” Root Vegetable Pearls, Sweet and Sour Bouillon; and Tagliatelle, Lamb-Neck Bolognese, Tomato Sec, Olives which is featured on the new Pasta section. Also available on the dinner menu are an $88 4-course prix fixe and 12- and 16-course Chef’s Tasting menus, priced at $165 and $195 respectively.

Also being introduced in late September are Picholine’s new Sunday hours. Sunday Supper will be served from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and is perfect for diner’s looking to stop by for a bowl of pasta or a light and casual Sunday dinner.

Restaurateurs, do take note: any restaurant serving foie gras shabu-shabu is eligible for instant Deathwatching. Brennan should save his money to fight that wage fight at Artisanal.
· All Picholine Coverage [~ENY~]
· All Deathwatch Coverage [~ENY~]

Picholine

35 West 64th St., New York, NY