THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED wd-50

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED wd-50 Restaurant Review:

WD-50, THE LOWER EAST SIDE RESTAURANT OFFERING THE PROGRESSIVE CUISINE OF CHEF WYLIE DUFRESNE, HAS CLOSED. As the wordplay in its name suggests, wd-50 is certainly a piquant restaurant. Wylie Dufresne has always been way ahead of the New York City experiential curve. After the glimpses of playfulness he showed at 71 Clinton Fresh Food, he made a name for himself as a researcher and provocateur here at wd-50. There's eccentricity in his discoveries, like fried mayonnaise or knotted foie gras, and he challenges diners to look beyond the obvious. However, Dufresne also holds classic flavors and techniques in high regard. Even while playing with new forms and textures, he still respects the original product. The tasting menu ($155, with wine pairings an additional $95) represents the intimate world of Dufresne's imagination. There’s also a five-course menu ($90, with wine pairings an additional $65) featuring classics "from the vault." (Diners also have the option of sitting at the bar and ordering two items from either menu for $25, with additional courses priced at $15 each.) Offerings might include foie gras with anchovy, tarragon and cocoa nibs; monkfish with red pepper oatmeal, black olive mocha and turnip; and pork belly with ancho, pineapple and caper. The glowing brick den sports a minimalist but warm interior with a cut-out view of the kitchen, modern fireplace, futuristic lighting and blonde Swedish-style furniture. Downstairs is a wine cellar that doubles as a private dining room. The creative wine list is a joint effort from Dewey Dufresne (Wylie's father) and maître d' Chris Clark. In addition to wines from various regions around the world, there are also craft beers, interesting sakés and a substantial roster of spirits.