Looking neat and trim in his collarless white shirt ”“ a cool riff on the traditional chef”™s “whites” ”“”¯Jean-Georges Vongerichten looked relaxed and at ease Wednesday, June 28, as he hosted local journalists, influencers and food writers at a seated lunch to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of The Happy Monkey, his Latin-themed restaurant in Greenwich. Dishes came thick and fast”¯from the kitchen, many brought out by JG himself, with lucky guests feasting on seasonal spring pea guacamole, luxurious tuna tartare, shrimp ceviche in aqua diabolo (a brilliant fusion of shrimp, banana and cilantro) and ocean-fresh fish tacos, all of which feature on the restaurant”™s mouth-watering summer menu. Lobster with a glorious Romesco sauce was an entrée that put a smile on everyone”™s face, as did chargrilled sliced duck breast with cherries, a new addition to the menu.”¯
As the great man himself chatted with guests, posing for photographs and sharing details of his impeccable suppliers ”“ sweet, tender lobster from the Stonington Lobster Co-Op in Maine, top quality Pekin duck from Jurgielwicz & Son in Pennsylvania, and prized vegetables from the trusty Union Square Greenmarket in Manhattan ”“ the one question on everybody”™s lips was this: Can we expect a rollout of The Happy Monkey brand, and if so where and when? If Jean-Georges had the answers, he was keeping mum, but a publicist for the restaurant was a little more forthcoming. “Certainly a possibility,” she said, with a suggestion of a wink but without giving further details. So, Happy Monkey devotees, watch this space.
