Chef Kerry Heffernan: South Gate

While watching Top Chef All-Stars: We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat, a very familiar name popped up as guest judge du jour, Chef Kerry Heffernan, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, now at South Gate... and even more importantly, the person I hold responsible for the creation of perhaps the best burger in the country, the Shake Shack Burger!

I'd had the distinct pleasure of working with Chef Heffernan back in the early Shake Shack days where he'd never ceased to amaze me with delicious flavor combinations, and mind-blowing sauces.  (I could eat the Shake Shack Sauce on pretty much anything and be happy.)  He'd even taken a trip across the US to taste test and glean the best out of the country's varied burger selections in order to ensure that the Shack's was the best. 

And what perfect timing to see him on TV, since I was already headed to NYC for the weekend.  It couldn't hurt to check out his new (been around for a while, but new to me!) restaurant up on Central Park South.  Totally lived up to my memory of his days cooking at EMP! 

While we were there, I got a chance to catch up with Kerry, heard about his experience with Top Chef, and he even hinted at the possibility of a Top Chef Masters in his future.  Here's to hoping!!

 SALAD OF ARUGULA

poached quince, pomegranate, hazelnut vinaigrette

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

creme fraiche, caramelized squash

BABY BEETS AND BURRATA

heirloom beets, blood orange

BRAISED PORK BUNS

asian slaw, chili glaze

LAMB PORTERHOUSE

garam masala spiced squash, brussels sprouts, greek yogurt “raita”

ROASTED CHICKEN

root vegetable hash, bacon, chicken jus

FROZEN PEAR PARFAIT

mascarpone ice cream, pine nuts, crispy meringue

CHOCOLATE POT DE CREME

chantilly, chocolate feuilletine

CREME FRAICHE CHEESECAKE

dried apricot compote, toasted pistachio cake, black tea ice cream

our table, filled with desserts made charzar a very happy dinosaur.

South Gate
154 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 484-5120
www.154southgate.com