From Foie Gras to Popcorn Crme Brulee: NY Times Food Critic Adds La Silhouette To Short List of Good French

Restaurants
May, 2012

Credit: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

La Silhouette, a French-American restaurant in Manhattan's newest foodie haven, Hell's Kitchen, has made the New York Times' Pete Wells', short list of good French restaurants in the Broadway area. Started by Le Bernardin alums Sally Chironis and Tito Rahman, and their hallmark warm, welcome and attentive service, the restaurant features the cuisine of Executive Chef Matthew Tropeano, (a three star-ranked chef while at La Grenouille) and Pastry Chef Jeff Sytsma. Recently celebrating their first anniversary, the establishment has quickly secured its place as a must dine at with theater goers, neighborhood food aficionados and visitors with a discerning palate.
According to Wells' review, Anybody on their way to watch Death of a Salesman at the Ethel Barrymore, for instance, certainly deserves a taste of La Silhouette's foie gras la Botero beforehand.

Credit: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

Adding to his acknowledgement of Chef Tropeano's commitment to offering a menu of fresh, in-season and local ingredients, Wells said, [Chef Tropeano's] technique and orientation are still recognizably French. He does well by the old school, like the coral-colored and lobster-rich sauce Americaine that comes with butter-poached bass and lobster. For admirers of the saucier's art, tasting it is like hearing a forgotten favorite record on the radio. Wells also highlighted the inventiveness of La Silhouette desserts saying, Jeffrey Sytsma, the pastry chef, seems to have a deep affection for all-American sweets, and he shows it by transforming them into smart, wellbuilt desserts, including his popular Popcorn Crme Brulee.

Whether a visitor to New York or a born and bred resident who appreciates fine dining and the service that accompanies such an experience, Wells said, [The service is] excellent, with a sincerity and graciousness often lacking among the city's more highly regarded restaurants.
On a final note, Wells appreciated the warm and inviting Hells Kitchen restaurant, stating that If this is your destination, you feel a genuine sense of arrival.