THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED graham elliot

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED graham elliot Restaurant Review:

What originally started out as a snub to convention --- and departure from his Avenues days --- Graham Elliot’s eponymous restaurant took whimsy to the extreme. Years into the game, and the restaurant has taken a sophisticated turn. The plates are nearly too pretty to eat. But upon tucking into tropical-looking, flower-frocked grouper with grilled ramps and capers, you’ll quickly realize some things --- however lovely-looking --- are meant to be enjoyed. So it goes with a dish of rolled jamón, pea shoots, pickled red onions and tableside-poured pea purée. Next up, a take on carbonara is quite unlike the real thing, being it’s plated with mock-cracked shells, a yolk that isn’t entirely what it seems and pleasantly chewy ribbons of pappardelle. And that’s not the only place Elliot’s pop culture playfulness remains apparent. One espresso-like finale, for example, gets poured with Krispy Kreme purée. Both à la carte and multi-course tastings are offered, along with balanced, interesting cocktails and an offbeat wine and beer list. And although it takes a backseat to plates, the loft-like dining room got a revamp, too, one with terrariums on tables and earthy-cool details throughout. Just don't expect a lot of hand-holding through the process.