THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Grayz

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Grayz Restaurant Review:

Look up before entering Grayz, the Midtown lounge-restaurant. The landmark townhouse, just behind MoMA where Aquavit once resided, belonged to the Rockefeller family and its classic beauty is an omen of things to come. Perhaps you’re a guest at one of the lavish parties in the private dining space downstairs, but if not, you have two choices: you can either sit across from the tiny kitchen at elegant tall tables, close to the action, or settle in the bar area at the more stately tables and chairs within a warm hued wood and mirrored décor reminiscent of a private club. Get started with one of the creative cocktails: note the Singapore Sling. Each menu item was carefully rehearsed and refined by the very intense Gray Kunz, who has now departed the stoves. Start with an assortment of sophisticated small plates such as one meltingly thin raviolo in a lemon-thyme broth or plump grilled prawns on a piece of sizzling salt stone, or maybe a mini weisswurst served with its soft pretzel. The presentation is modern and creative with applewood salmon slices held by a succession of forks hanging on a clever presentoir. Thai bouillabaisse elevates Asian flavors to new heights; green papaya, prawns and scallops bathe in a broth that bewilders. Desserts qualify as small bites once more, a smoke screen of dry ice reveals a small army of frozen chocolate lollipops.