Thierry Marx Dinner Series At Mandarin Oriental's Asiate

Beginning on Jan. 28 and running through Feb. 1, acclaimed French chef Thierry Marx will bring his signature style to the kitchen at Mandarin Oriental New York's fine-dining spot, Asiate. Marx, who runs the kitchens in three establishments at the Mandarin Oriental's outpost in Paris, is giving diners the chance to taste his eclectic fare with two tasting menus, one with three courses ($125/person) where guests can select one of four starters, one of four mains, and one of three desserts, the other comprised of five set courses (all of which are options in the three-course dinner; $155/person).

Aside from being one of France's most recognized chefs, Marx has written several cookbooks, acted as a judge on the French version of Top Chef, and has earned Michelin stars at virtually every restaurant he's helmed. He is also known for putting modern twists on classical French cuisine, often using Asian inspiration to tweak his dishes into unexpected culinary marvels.  

Savory highlights from the menu include scallop carpaccio with cauliflower cream and French caviar; "Crossed Arms" ravioli with haddock, Granny Smith apple, and mozzarella foam; lamb with coriander, grilled eggplant, and vegetable semolina; and calamari risoni with squid ink, featuring cuttlefish tagliatelle and crunchy vegetables. For dessert, Marx will be serving confit apple with puff pastry "à la crème fraîche," frozen sake with crystallized fruits, and castanea with chestnut biscuit and mousse, cherry marmalade, and whipped cream with vanilla and meringue.  

Wine pairings can be added to any meal for an additional $110/person and will be expertly curated by the team of Annie Turso, the wine director for Mandarin Oriental New York, and David Biraud, head sommelier of Mandarin Oriental Paris. These tasting menus require full participation from the table and will be available until 9 p.m. during the five-day run.  

And, for all the big-time ballers out there, Mandarin Oriental New York is offering the Thierry Marx Culinary Journey (starting at a whopping $1,352), which includes his five-course dinner for two, accommodation in a guestroom or suite, and a special surprise gift amenity from Marx himself. With sprawling views of Central Park and a level of extravagance that few restaurants can provide, this could be the best pre-Valentine's Day gift (because those really do exist) you can bestow upon your food-lovin' significant other.