THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Avenue

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Avenue Restaurant Review:

Chef-owner Christian Shaffer, who also brought us the late Chloe, offers a progressive American menu that reflects international flair through the creative use of spices. Dine at the full-service bar, on the patio or ensconced in the sleek---but slightly congested---dining room dressed in soft earth tones, with linen-clad, candlelit tables. Starters on the menu, which changes monthly, might include a savory olive-and-artichoke bread pudding with Gruyère; smoked ahi tuna with celery root rémoulade; or seared foie gras with star anise-scented pineapple. The juicy double-cut pork chop, served atop white cheddar grits with apple-smoked bacon, impresses us most among the entrées, but you’ll also find worthy items like lamb sirloin with pearl pasta “couscous,” roasted almonds and a pomegranate reduction; and swordfish with cauliflower mousse and caperberries. An apricot-almond tartlet makes for a respectable finish, but more impressive than the desserts is a cheese course chosen from a couple of dozen domestic and international varieties. There’s also an ambitious weekend brunch featuring caramelized pear-stuffed french toast with orange butter, and beef brisket hash.