Aureole: Starship Enterprise

Just back from meeting a friend for a glass of wine at the new location of Aureole. Where was this place when I worked at 3 Times Square and the best place to meet someone for a drink was Heartland Brewery? The new location looks lovely, if a little like the Starship Enterprise. Some decent wines by the glass at very reasonable prices for a fine dining establishment and as a bonus, friendly service at the bar where several guests were enjoying dinner.

I was there with an industry insider who was immediately made when we walked in. For some unfathomable reason, however, my friend turned down on-the-house offerings from the kitchen. Um, we're friends and all but I don't recall nominating you to speak for me. I wouldn't have ordered an entree but I certainly wouldn't have kicked the foie gras torchon with wild strawberries out of my proverbial dining bed. Or the crispy blue soft shell crab? Come on now, they're in season. Not even the fluke sashimi from the bar menu? So I guess tasting the food will have to wait for another day but I did have a Charlie Palmer sighting and was able to casually snap this shot below with my camera phone as I pretended to check for a text. Until next time, live long and prosper.

Above: Aureole wine cellar and ceiling light fixture