Maison Close x Vanderpump Villa: NYC’s Most Elegant Dinner
On any average night, New York City’s Maison Close is alive with an eclectic mix of stunning models, poised influencers, high-impact tastemakers, and savvy editors. But from the moment I stepped through the towering double glass doors, I knew this was no average evening. The deep red curtains—evoking old Hollywood glamour—paired with lush velvet couches transported me instantly to an elevated world inspired by French dining culture. There was no denying it: I had entered a space overflowing with elegance, opulence, and charm.
On this particular night, Maison Close’s Executive Chef, Geoffrey Le Chantoux, welcomed two dynamic guest chefs, Dominic DeAngelis and Anthony Bar of Vanderpump Villa, for an exclusive one-night tasting event. Together, the trio curated a menu that was both bold and thoughtful, offering artful food and wine pairings. Within just five minutes of being seated at a moonlit table near the window, I felt seen, understood, and pampered. Every dietary preference was respected, every wine curiosity indulged.
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Foreplay for the Fork
Let’s start with the amuse-bouche—a chef’s complimentary gift designed to spark the palate before the first course. The original offering, Vitello Tonnato, featured paper-thin slices of veal, barely blushed pink, paired with a bold tuna-caper emulsion, lemon, olive oil, and a creamy Caesar-style dressing. My vegetarian alternative? A juicy tomato slow-cooked for 20 minutes, peeled and chilled, then delicately topped with edible flowers. It was a refreshingly elegant ode to summer—evoking the bright, chilled delight of a gazpacho.
To drink, a cucumber ginger cocktail—crisp, aromatic, and perfectly balanced—set the tone for the rest of the evening.
A Culinary Canvas
After the opening act whet our appetites, the real pregame plates arrived: the appetizers. I watched as our server artfully placed a dish in front of each of us that looked like a piece of fine art, as if it had been stolen directly from an exhibit at the Musée d’Orsay.
Before I even took a bite, I was mesmerized by the swirl of colors across the plate—vibrant greens, hints of red and violet, dreamy whites—all set against a buttery yellow canvas of pasta. The Open-Face Raviolo, layered with cool, creamy stracciatella and Iberico pork (mine sans pork, of course), completely stole the show. A verdant English pea purée and crispy sage added both texture and brightness. The flat squares of deconstructed ravioli were the perfect shape for folding the sauce evenly into every bite.
My friends joke that I somehow always stumble upon the city’s best pasta. Looks like I’m still not beating those allegations.
A Brief Intermezzo
Next arrived a palate cleanser—a petite Limoncello shot with a chilled thyme sorbet gently dropped in. Served with adorable miniature silverware (a personal obsession of mine), this course evoked summer afternoons from my childhood—pausing at the playground as the ice cream truck pulled up.
Elegance on the Plate, Depth on the Palate
The main course, Beef Tagliata, was a robust, beautifully plated dish crowned with a rosemary herb jus and briny Taggiasca olives. For me, the chefs prepared a plant-forward variation: a warm grain salad accompanied by sweet, buttery carrots and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts.
But the showstopper? The side of whipped polenta blended with mascarpone and parmesan. I’ll admit, I’ve only had polenta once before—and didn’t care for it. But this? This was transcendent. Creamy, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I’d return to Maison Close for this side dish alone.
The Grande Finale
To close, a Rosemary and Olive Oil Cake paired with Pistachio Ice Cream and topped with a delicate pine nut crumble. Notice the motif—rosemary reappearing in each course, soft green hues woven throughout the entire menu. It was a symphony of sensory storytelling that conjured the lush, green hills of southern France.
Every bite felt like sunlight slipping through citrus trees in midsummer. Like every great sonata, this experience left me fulfilled yet longing—because all beautiful things, eventually, must come to an end.
Ready to Indulge?
Step beyond the ordinary and into the unforgettable. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a fine-dining enthusiast, or simply chasing your next luxurious night out, Maison Close is calling. Book your table, taste the artistry, and experience a culinary journey that lingers long after the last bite.
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