Le Jardinier

A MICHELIN-RATED ADVENTURE IN MIDTOWN

BY RYANN REYNOLDS

When traveling through France, you may often hear the locals say, “Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup,” which translates to “eat well, laugh often, love abundantly.” This simple understanding of living life to the fullest—and deliciously—is the perfect reason to embark on a culinary journey at the Michelin-ranked Le Jardinier New York. This modern greenhouse-inspired space located in Midtown Manhattan transports guests to a timeless, light-filled atmosphere designed by awardwinning architect Joseph Dirand. The journey of notable classic French techniques paired with the highest quality of seasonal ingredients, vegetables, sustainable food, and fresh herbs has earned this restaurant a Michelin star rating.

Le Jardinier is easily one of the best dining experiences in New York City, thanks to the Michelin chef team that is led by award-winning Culinary Director Chef Alain Verzeroli.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Paris, Verzeroli never intended to open his own restaurant. He spent 21 years working under the direction of Joël Robuchon, the most decorated Michelin chef in history, and when Robuchon passed away in August of 2018, Verzeroli was called upon to start from scratch.

Verzeroli approached mega developer Aby Rosen with a proposal for a new two-restaurant concept for Rosen’s new luxury condo building, now known as Selene. Rosen had previously signed a lease with Joël Robuchon back in 2016, prior to the 2019 completion of the building, and to no one’s surprise, he immediately green-lighted Verzeroli’s proposal. In May of 2019, Le Jardinier opened its doors to the public.

Chef Verzeroli has carefully curated a menu rooted in classic French tradition, where seasonal ingredients, fresh herbs, and wild seafood play an important part. Look for picturesque seasonal plates with vibrant vegetable compositions and items like the tasty poached Maine lobster with coralline bisque and creamy polenta. Each meal begins with an “amuse-juice” that can be a taste of kale, pineapple, and ginger, and meals are accompanied with house-baked breads that are gluten-free.

This sophisticated menu is brought to life by celebrated Chef Andrew Ayala. Born and raised in San Francisco, Ayala moved to New York City in 2013 to further develop his career and landed the role of opening Chef de Cuisine at Le Jardinier New York.

La Jardinier is a euphoric experience for those seeking a food expedition that is designed to please the most artistic eye and wow the highest food critic. It’s also designed to be approachable, allowing the space to be enjoyed by all. P

Art stars, fashion luminaries, and celebrities, like Lady Gaga, Catherine Deneuve, Spike Lee, Tilda Swinton, Karl Lagerfeld, and many more, are captured in candid moments during glittering galas, film premieres, and major events, like the Venice Film Festival, in the glamourous Forbes writer and photographer Nadja Sayej’s new book, Paparazzi Bitch. The book offers a backstage pass into the lives of this era’s pop culture icons and is a celebration of celebrities shot from the female gaze.

She is not, in fact, a paparazzo. As a culture and fashion journalist, stylish Sayej has access to celebrities, assigned to conduct interviews and invited to cover the exclusive events they attend worldwide. “I don’t have to hang out in front of a celebrity’s home and wait for them to come out, in order to get a photo, in order for me to sell it, in order for me to eat,” she laughed. However, she uses paparazzi techniques, which involve high-flash photography, spontaneous moments, and capturing somebody in action. “It has a sense of energy to it compared to a posed photo where everybody’s trying to control perfection, which doesn’t actually exist in real life.”

Yoko Ono, Dita Von Teese, Susan Sarandon & Bill Nye

Sayej has published six other books, including The Celebrity Interview Book, a compendium of some of her interviews with famous folks like Yoko Ono, Dita Von Teese, Susan Sarandon, and Bill Nye. Paparazzi Bitch is her first photo book. Why now? “Because people don’t like to read anymore; they’re just