Wanderlust Chef

Blue Hill, what could I possibly say about you that hasn’t already been said. You were more than just a meal to me but a once in a lifetime culinary affair that had me dreaming about you for days.

We had two options, Blue Hill NYC or Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and we opted for the later based on the no menu, you get what the farm wants to provide you, kind of concept. After driving approximately 45 minutes north through the rolling hills of Hudson Valley we ended up on a picturesque farm where the valet was ready and waiting to take our keys. He asked for our names and pointed toward a quaint candle lit path that headed towards the barn.

Once inside we were promptly seated for our 8pm reservation and given a booklet that outlined the seasonal items that may or may not make an appearance. We were asked about dietary restrictions and wine selection. Sous Chef ordered a glass and I ordered the full pairing since hey it wasn’t my night to drive. Anyway, moments later the food started to appear and continued to appear for the next 3.5 hours.

We must have consumed at least 25 courses that were all special in their own unique way. Vegetables that were picked from the garden that morning, beets that were transformed to taste like meat, scallops that were both raw and seared, pâté from a naturally engorged duck, Phytoplankton crêpes that made me realize that God did not create all crêpes equal, and a platter overflowing with Juniper branches in which we were told to forage. Every dish brought a new interaction and simplicity that somehow held a complex flavor profile that just never quit.

We dined on everything from uncooked radishes to pig heart pastrami. At one point in the meal the waitress even poured the liquid from our candle on to the plate to give a sauce more liquid, claiming that too was from the farm. Every dish thought provoking, engaging, and strangely educational. The finale showcased chocolate and fruit on fresh honeycomb and of course was paired with the most brilliant dessert wine, which they refilled for me… twice.

If I had to summarize Blue Hill into one sentence – An expensive indulgence worth every, single, penny.