Seeing as how I had a major crush on Harold from Top Chef season 1, of course I had to go to his restaurant while in NYC! This has been on my to do list for at least 2 years so you better believe I made reservations a month in advance. For anyone who wants to do the same, he’s on Open Table or you can just go through his website up to 29 days in advance.
I <3 Perilla
I was super excited that there might be some remote chance of actually meeting Harold in person but was totally shy too. I told J it was his responsibility to ensure this meeting happened. When we got there he asked the server if Harold actually ever comes in. She said yes, he treats it like a full time job and comes on 5 days a week. Unfortunately for me, he was on vacation that week. SAD!!! But at least I know for next time that he’s there.
Now onto the food. OMG. I was expecting a lot from this dining experience, and my expectations were far surpassed. The ambiance of the restaurant is laid back but classy. The food is the same. We ordered a lamb belly appetizer, and as I told our server, it was the single greatest appetizer I have ever eaten. Ever. I mean the meat essentially melted in your mouth! Soooo good. I think I took a picture but can’t remember. For dinner I had the duck and J got “3 little pigs” – a trio of pork. Mine was very good and so was the portion of J’s that I tried. Our server also helped us pick out wines that would compliment our entrees. Although the duck was wonderful it wasn’t as good as the lamb. I guess there’s no topping perfection! We looked at the dessert menu but just didn’t have room.
3 lil pigs (an awful picture but I couldn't justify using my flash in such a small/nice restaurant. I'm not THAT much of a tourist after all) 
All in all it was an amazing dining experience. The only thing that would have completed it would have been to meet Chef Harold himself. But like I said, next time
