Review: GARDEN COURT CAFE at Asia Society in NYC is Outstanding

We highly recommend the Garden Court Café, located at the Asia Society on Park Avenue at 70th Street. This is a lovely restaurant where you can experience an outstanding lunch, tea service or weekend brunch. It is ideal for enjoying farm-to-table, gourmet cuisine with an Asian flair. The service is gracious and efficient making your visit a pleasure.

The glass enclosed, sun-drenched dining room has towering ceilings, comfortable seating, attractive artwork, and beautiful greenery. Soft music sets the mood for total relaxation while you savor the Café's delicious offerings. This is a spot where you can enjoy the feeling of al fresco dining all year round.

Great Performances, the leading events and catering company, guides the culinary mission of Garden Court Café. They are the first catering company to own and operate an organic farm that supplies the freshest ingredients. Chef de Cuisine, Tsering Nyima has created a menu of seasonally inspired dishes that reflect the diverse cultures of Asia. There are offerings that will suit all tastes and dietary preferences.

We enjoyed a delightful Sunday Brunch, one that was so extraordinary that we made a group reservation for a future date. We began our culinary journey with one of their tempting sharing plates. The Silken Tofu is garnished with lightly blanched pea tendrils and ginger scallion sauce. Starters also include Dim Sum Shrimp Dumplings with black vinegar-soy dipping sauce and items like Ginger Scones. We enjoyed a savory selection, their fluffy "Chef's Special Omlette" with fresh asparagus and brie cheese accompanied by a Garden Court Salad and brioche toast. For those that prefer there are sweet choices like the Garden Court French Toast made with brioche and served with maple syrup and seasonal compote. If you want to enjoy luncheon dishes, their Pad Thai is one of the best you'll ever have. It is a delicious blend of rice noodles, stir fried vegetables, peanuts, and smoked tofu. You can also add shrimp or chicken.

The beverage program at Garden Court Café has many options with juices, coffees, and teas. There are also special selections like their Thai Iced Tea, Homemade Lemonade and Kalamansi Ginger Tea. A nice selection of wine, beer and sake is also available.

We suggest you indulge in a dessert and take a little more time to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. We had the Raspberry Cotton Soft Japanese Cheesecake, a light cake with just the right amount of sweetness to let the full flavor of the berries shine through. Other choices include Jasmine Creme Brulee and Banana Chocolate Sea Salt Tart.

The Garden Court Café is a distinctive dining experience that allows you depart from the hustle and bustle of the city. We guarantee you will return again and again.

The Garden Court Café is located in the lobby of the Asia Society and Museum at 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street in New York City. Closed on Mondays, they are open for lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm with the last seating at 2:30 pm. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dim Sum is offered daily from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Afternoon tea service that includes loose-leaf and herbal teas with chef's selection of Petit Fours, scones, and tea sandwiches is offered at 2:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Note that reservations are required 24 hours in advance for afternoon tea service.

Garden Court Café is also available for special events. Please call 212-570-5202 for reservations and visit http://asiasociety.org/new-york/garden-court-caf%C3%A9.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Garden Court Cafe

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