Chef Guo – The Finest Chinese in America
By RyAnn Reynolds
Come experience culinary excellence at Chef Guo, where diners may enjoy a tasting menu of high-end Chinese food. This first-of-its-kind restaurant spotlights the talents of Guo Wenjun, a culinary virtuoso from China and the creative force behind officially endorsed health-conscious dishes.
With a legacy spanning four decades, Master Chef Guo extends a gracious invitation for food enthusiasts to deep dive into the joy of an opulent, imperial Chinese dining experience. In the culinary tapestry created by Chef Guo, flavors are intricately woven into the teachings of ancient Chinese imperial chefs and physicians. Guided by the sagacious wisdom passed down from his mentor, Imperial Chef Ding Guangzhou, this culinary spectacle seamlessly blends the age-old principles of balance, moderation and complementation with the latest insights from nutritional science.
Chef Guo has garnered widespread acclaim, having crafted culinary experiences for distinguished guests such as APEC delegates, representatives of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and influential Chinese political figures. In the realm of gastronomy, he stands as a maestro, offering a dining experience that captivates the palate with unparalleled distinction.
Throughout the meal you will taste Chef Guo’s passion and experience with every bite. The presence of the celebrity chef working diligently in the kitchen onsite adds an extra layer of warmth and exclusivity while the transporting atmosphere may have guests wondering if they have arrived in China. The meticulous attention to both presentation and flavor is flawless and the blend of ingredients and inventive culinary methods are truly exceptional. The service is personalized, with each dish explained as it is served. And, like a royal dining experience, the staff goes out of its way to make guests feel like kings and queens.
Prior to the 19-course meal, a dedicated server leads guests past stone pillars carved into horses and invites them to a table adorned with hand-painted chargers complemented by royal yellow and gold-plated China. The ambiance is enhanced by a soothing playlist of Chinese classical music in the background.
Once seated, you will encounter a welcoming spread of four chilled hors d’oeuvres, symbolizing life’s diverse flavors: Tartness (black beans and vinegar), Sweetness (sliced yam), Bitterness (bitter gourd), and Heat (fried anchovies). Prior to indulging in the main course, a refreshing white pekoe silver needle tea will cleanse your palate.
Explore poetic main courses like “The Butterfly Falls in Love With the Flower,” served on a 24-karat gold-accented dish resembling a butterfly-filled garden. The menu continues with artistic touches like yin-yang symbol soup and fried foie gras in an iron birdcage.
Farther along, a Thai jewelry box holds a bean curd pouch with eight foods, including Wagyu beef, smoked duck and unique pork chops by Guo. Accompanied by tomato sauce and a melting chocolate Pocky stick, the menu also offers slow-cooked tofu with a surprise: caviar. Following the traditional Chinese custom, Guo serves fresh fruit for dessert. Enhance Guo’s dining experience with a seven-wine pairing expertly curated by Max Tierno, formerly associated with Eleven Madison Park.
Located in Eastern Midtown, access to the windowless dining room is obtained via the soft chime of a doorbell. The space is meticulously designed to replicate the feel of an elegant Chinese banquet, overseen by devoted chef and passionate Chinese culinary connoisseur, Guo Wenjun. Describing him merely as an enthusiast falls short; for Guo Wenjun, Chinese cuisine is not just a passion, but an integral part of his life. Chef Guo insists on reservations, offering two seatings each evening from Tuesday through Sunday.
