Practice Birthday Dinner at Jean Georges

This was supposed to be my early birthday dinner, but my godmother couldn't make it to the city this weekend, so my official birthday dinner has gotten pushed back to April, despite the fact that my birthday is actually in early March (unfortunately I am in a Chica-from-Troop Beverly Hills situation, and my parents are going to be in the Caribbean on my birthday).  However, as we had already made a reservation at Jean Georges, we thought we might as well go ahead and use it.

I knew the evening was off to a good start when the hostess remarked on my height (thank you 5" black Stuarts!) and asked if I am a model, all in a very genuine manner.  In fact the staff and service was impeccable - high level yet laid back, with no hovering or condescension.  The dining room was lovely and the psuedo banquettes were a nice touch that made each table seem more intimate.  The meal and dining experience were of the highest caliber. I would rank it higher than last year's birthday dinner at Le Bernardin, but not quite as high as the incomparable meal we had at Gordon Ramsay at The London in 2008.

This is what everyone had to eat tonight:

Amuse Bouche Trio
Tempura Shrimp (or edamame with parmesan for my mother)
Candied beet with grapefruit and mint
Mushroom soup with chili crumble and sherry viniagrette

My Meal
First Course: Sesame crab toast, miso mustard, asian pear, shiso
Second Course: Caramelized sweetbreads, glazed chestnuts, black truffle viniagrette
Third Course:  Crunchy rabbit, citrus chili paste, soy bean puree, rabbit jus
Dessert Tasting: Meyer lemon tart, hazelnut strusel, meyer lemon sorbet; matcha semi freddo, almond praline, seville orange, candied kumquat; warm citrus polenta, dehydrated grapefruit, arugula, crispy fennel; lime gelee, frozen coconut, kaffir lime sorbet

Mom's Meal
First Course: Yellowfin tuna ribbons, avocado (reported to be "elusive"), spicy radish, ginger marinade
Second Course:  Sauteed foie gras, yuzu scented broth, apple puree & cracklins
Third Course: Parmesan crusted organic chicken, artichoke, basil & lemon butter
Dessert Tasting: Citrus (see above)

Dad's Meal
First Course: Sesame crab toast, miso mustard, asian pear, shiso
Second Course:  Slowly cooked cod, aromatic black beans, sake, cilantro & ginger
Third Course: Grilled beef tenderloin (rare), crunchy potatoes, pear-horseradish puree
Dessert Tasting:  Jean-George chocolate cake (aka the original molten chocolate cake - and yes it's transcendent), vanilla bean ice cream; chocolate tofu; chocolate ganache, spun sugar; some other chocolate thing that nobody can remember, but had a piece of chocolate that was sort of shaped like Martha's Vineyard

Bon-bon Selection
Strawberry macaroons
Assorted chocolates
Homemade, fresh-cut marshmallows
Sugared jellies
(Plus adorable tiny bags of chocolate to take home)