THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Elm Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Elm Restaurant Review:

Chef Paul Liebrandt, formerly of Corton, has ventured off Manhattan Island to set up shop within McCarren Hotel & Pool. His significant talent for creating beautiful contemporary interpretations of classical French fare is often literally on display through the restaurant's open kitchen layout. Reserve one of the eight counter seats referred to as Little Elm for an eight-course tasting menu and a true front row view (only available Thursday-Sunday). The expansive atrium main seating area melds the industrial aesthetic of exposed beams and modern lighting with the natural touch of a 30-foot wood framed living vine installation. A simply designed dinner menu presents twelve dishes broken out into three options in each of four categories: RAW, SEA, LAND, SHARE. Classic selections may include steak tartare prepared with cornichons, capers and black olives; foie gras with black trumpet mushrooms, saké creme and green apple; and duck with endive, turnip and pomegranate jus. More whimsical choices could be "Fish and Chips" using hake, Indian pickled lime and vegetable chips; and "Lobster Cassoulet." For dessert consider the “Gold Bar” of chocolate ganache, huckleberry and red fruit sorbet. Explore the wine list for something appropriate to pair with your meal (it includes by-the-glass and half-bottle possibilities). Cocktails beckon as well; the “Mezcalculation” blends mezcal, agave and black fig bitters. Service tends to be friendly and casual.