Bouley Test Kitchen

After a year of being on the Bouley email newsletter list, I finally got to check out one of his venues: Bouley Test Kitchen. Located on 21st Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, this venue is where Chef David Bouley likes to test out new recipes before its served in his restaurants. In the newsletters, I usually receive information about ticketed dining events he does (which are somewhat pricey yet seem to be worth the money for the experience), but on this occasion I was invited by a vendor to a luncheon at Bouley Test Kitchen. 

I was surprised to see the home-like decor, with a library, a fireplace and of course, that beautiful kitchen. The space appears to hold 50 guests for banquet dining and about 100 guests for a cocktail reception. I also liked that the venue has a very large screen for presentations. The venue is one very long, large studio, with restrooms downstairs. When I thought about how the luncheon event was paced, I realized that one goes through the library to drop off bags, to the fireplace where they had a bar set up to provide your cocktails, and then finally the demo kitchen to feast your eyes on some delicious plates!

You may be wondering what kind of dishes are done here. I thought every dish served was wonderful with delicate flavors. My luncheon was a 5 course meal with a palate cleanser sorbet served before dessert. My favorite was the Wild Alaskan Salmon, Coconut Kaffir Lime, Black Sesame, Wild Watercress. Here is my foodtography from the luncheon:

Overall, this venue is perfect for private events, photo/video shoots and of course cooking demonstrations - possibly menu and beverage pairings. Think about it.

For more information about planning an event at Bouley Test Kitchen, please visit: 

http://www.davidbouley.com/bouley-test-kitchen/ 

~T~