CHEF GUO is the eponymous Manhattan debut of Chinese Master Chef Guo Wenjun, who began his culinary training at the age of 14 under the mentorship of Chinese Master Chef Ding Guangzhou, a seventh-generation disciple in the line of royal chefs, in the discipline of Chinese Imperial Cuisine. In his forty-year career, Chef Guo has held posts as Executive Chef at the Platinum Seven-Star Beijing Palace International Hotel, the Diaoyutai Garden Villa International Club, been recognized by China as an Elite Master of the Chinese Culinary Arts and won the Gold Medal at the Asia Cuisine Competition.
Chef Guo’s New York debut will showcase his proprietary culinary system that has been recognized by the Chinese Government and his unique brand of cuisine, combining Chinese Imperial cooking and Classic Western cuisine to create his Healthy Royal Cuisine Culinary System. The dishes are made with healthy, organic, and green ingredients, emphasizing a nutritional value and a balanced meal.
The dining room features a faux gingko tree, Chinese like the Chinese Bian Zhong (Bronze Chime Bell), an ancient instrument from 2500 years ago, stone horse pillars standing the entrance to welcome guests, and white glove service to complete the experience. The dimly lit dining room softly plays Chinese classical music allowing diners to focus on the intricate dishes before them without distraction.
Diners arrive at their table to find an elegant hand painted charger plates covered by 24-karat gold accented porcelain serving cloches and four individually plated Cold Hors d’oeuvre, which represent life’s four flavors, Sour, black beans and vinegar; Sweet, sweet sliced yam drizzled with a sweet sauce; Bitter, cubed bitter gourd; and Spicy, spicy fried anchovies; designed to be eaten throughout the meal to stimulate the appetite.
White Pekoe Silver Needle Tea is served as a pre-meal beverage to cleanse the diner’s palate and prepare them for the meal then the cloches are raised to reveal the first course.
His cuisine is served in the form of a nineteen-course tasting menu, that includes 15 savory courses, three tea courses, and a dessert.
The restaurant will debut with a seven-wine pairing by Max Tierno (Corkbuzz, Eleven Madison Park, La Devozione) that includes such selections as Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, and R. Geoffroy Expression Champagne.
CHEF GUO is located at 135 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022.
