I had dinner at Momofuku Ko last night. I loved the vibe and the open kitchen. I felt even closer to the action than at Atera or Blanca, which are also 2 Michelin star counter-style restaurants in NYC. At Atera the kitchen is set back a bit from the U-shaped counter, and what the counter actually surrounds is an open area and then the wine service table. At Blanca the counter is just one row that all face the kitchen. But at Momofuku the kitchen is entirely surrounded by the U-shaped counter, which I liked.

I also LOVED the beverage pairing. At $175 it was relatively pricey for what is the standard pairing option, but I have to say it was the most interesting and diverse pairing I've ever experienced. In addition to several wines of styles I'm familiar with (100% Pinot Meunier rose Champagne, Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage), there were 3 cocktails (one of which was made from aromatized Nebbiolo wine; another was a house-made Bloody Mary), a dry amontillado sherry, a dry Malvasia, a Jacquere-Chardonnay blend from the Savoie, a still wine from Champagne that had been fortified with brandy, and even a dessert sake that had been barrel-aged! The pairings worked very well with the food. I was told that they are in the R&D phase of a non-alcoholic pairing option, as well.

As for the food, there were some things I loved (the lobster roll with Thai basil amuse-bouche; the buttermilk-marinated skate served with a vin jaune and potato puree; the basil and chocolate dessert; the wild rice ice cream with kombu; and my favorite course, the sea urchin and fermented chickpea paste). I wasn't wowed by the classic egg/caviar dish, as I wasn't a fan of the sour sauce they paired it with. I much prefer the opening egg/caviar/brioche dish on The Modern's tasting menu. I also was unimpressed by the two meat courses, dry-aged beef au poivre and charred duck. The beef was unexciting to me, and the duck was actually cold by the time it was served to me! The cold duck was very unfortunate since the meat had a beautiful char and I appreciated the flavors. I also personally wasn't a fan of the scallop, pineapple, basil, and dashi bowl; it was too sweet for me.

All in all, I enjoyed more my meals at Jean-Georges (adding this to the list since it's now a 2-star), The Modern, Atera, and Blanca. I think two stars makes sense for Ko.