Situated downtown in Tribeca, NYC is a bastion of fine dining, in a sweet space that feels like a friendly, neighborhood enclave. We celebrated the renowned talents of Chef Eckart Witzigmann by filling our bellies with another Austrian’s chef menu to honor his mentor.

For seven nights, Bâtard honored Chef Witzigmann with a $75 prix fixe menu of his signature dishes. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to generations of young chefs, including Bâtard’s Chef Markus Glocker. Eckart Witzigmann was named “Chef of the Century” by Gault Millau in 1994, an honor he shares with just three other people: Paul Bocuse, Joël Robuchon and Frédy Girardet.

HOBNOBMAG dinner at Batard NYC

Tasting the Special Menu to Honor Chef Eckart Witzigmann on His 75th Birthday:

[#1] To start: Beetroot Gelée with caviar, sour cream, celery, a light way to kick off the meal. (seen in the photo at the top of this post)

HOBNOBMAG dinner at Batard NYC

[#2] Roasted Langoustine with asparagus in a passion fruit vinaigrette. The simplicity of this dish belies its magnificence—asparagus peeled and perfectly cooked was the highlight.

HOBNOBMAG dinner at Batard NYC

[#3] Getting more decadent with Heaven & Earth of Foie Gras with calvados, apple, and black truffle.

[#4] Lamb Loin Wrapped In Aubergine with baumkuchen (the thinly layered pastry sitting in between the meat), lemon, and red pepper jus. One of our guests did not do the tasting menu, and ordered the pork, which we all got to taste and agreed it was heaven: Milk-Braised Pork Shoulder with roasted foie gras, spinach, and potato dumplings.

HOBNOBMAG dinner at Batard NYC

[#5] Dessert: Fresh Strawberries accompanied by caramelized puff pastry, vanilla, champagne ice cream and mignardises.

BÂTARD, 239 w Broadway (btw Beach/White)