A Magical Private Chef Experience with Gradito
On Sunday, April 30th, 2023, I had the pleasure of experiencing my first private chef event with Gradito, and it was nothing short of magical. Alongside seven other diners, I indulged in a five-course tasting menu prepared by Chef Sean, Chef Angela, and Chef Quan, with wine pairings curated by sommelier Mauro Enfield. The day’s gloomy weather in New York City was soon forgotten as the exceptional flavors and warm hospitality lifted our spirits.
An Elegant Arrival at Cloud Club 77
The day began with a journey to the luxurious boutique condominium Jolie @ 77 Greenwich Street, located near Battery Park. Upon entering the sleek and modern lobby, I felt an immediate sense of elegance, setting the tone for the gastronomic adventure ahead. The elevator whisked me up to the 41st floor, where I entered Cloud Club 77—a space that truly felt like Mount Olympus with its sophisticated design and breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the city skyline.
Culinary Delights: A Journey Through Flavor and Craftsmanship
Our culinary experience began with a series of exquisite canapés that showcased the skill and creativity of our Michelin-trained chefs. Chef Sean's Beau Soleil oysters with sushi vinegar mignonette ‘air’ were a divine start, followed by Chef Quan's artful marinated tomatoes stuffed with Japanese Amberjack. Chef Angela rounded off the canapé selection with her 30-month cave-aged gruyere gougères, each bite a perfect blend of flavor and texture.
A Symphony of Courses: From Spot Prawn to Grilled Turbot
As we transitioned to the dining room, the anticipation was palpable. The first course, a refreshing tartare of Spot Prawn Goi with Fish Patty Herb, set the stage for what would be a series of beautifully crafted dishes. The second course, Fields Edge Asparagus with Karasumi and Koshihikari Rice, brought the flavors of spring to our plates. The third course, Northern Vietnamese Squid Sausage with Young Sticky Rice Flakes, was a highlight, with its innovative simplicity and superb taste.
For the fourth course, the chefs surprised us by using Cloud Club’s outdoor kitchen to prepare Charcoal Grilled Turbot with Blue Lipper Mussels, complemented by a rich caviar sauce. Mauro's choice of a chilled red wine from Sicily paired perfectly with this sophisticated dish.
A Sweet Conclusion: Dessert and Lasting Memories
Our culinary journey concluded with a Buckwheat Sable Tart with Mountain Sweet Strawberries, paired with a heavenly Vendemiaire dessert wine. Just when we thought the experience had ended, Chef Angela surprised us with delicate rhubarb macaroons, leaving us with a lasting impression of Gradito’s dedication to creating unforgettable moments.
The True Luxury of Gradito’s Private Chef Experience
As the event came to a close, it was clear that Gradito offers more than just a meal—it provides a luxurious and heartfelt experience that brings people together through the healing power of food and wine. Chef Sean, Chef Quan, Chef Angela, and Mauro created an atmosphere where strangers became friends, and for a few hours, we were transported to a culinary haven on Jolie’s Mount Olympus. It was a rainy Sunday that left us all feeling grateful and reenergized, with memories that will surely linger long after the final course.
