Restaurant Stain of the Week
"Child's Play at Play Ground: A Daring Foray into Gourmet's Newest Frontier"
New York City, a metropolis that's no stranger to avant-garde dining experiences, has once again pushed the envelope with the opening of
"Play Ground," a restaurant where the jungle gym meets Michelin aspirations.
Spearheaded by the whimsically named RidiCuconcepts, Play Ground has set its sights on redefining fine dining—with a staff that might just be waiting for the tooth fairy's next visit.
The Concept: Youthful Abandon Meets Culinary Mastery
At first glance, it might seem like an elaborate social experiment: can a brigade of 9 and 10-year-olds helm a restaurant aiming for the stars—Michelin stars, that is?
The answer is a resounding, if somewhat chaotic, "Yes."
Decked out in mini chef coats and serving aprons, these pint-sized professionals serve up gourmet renditions of childhood staples, from "Swingin' Beans on Gourmet Toast" to "Merry-Go-Milkshakes," with a healthy side of playground puns.
A Night of Nostalgia and Napkins
The dining experience at Play Ground is anything but ordinary. As adult patrons tuck into their elevated "Slide into Sausages and Mash Elegance," they're transported back to the carefree days of youth—only now, the sandbox is replaced by sandalwood-scented dining rooms, and the laughter of children comes not from play, but from the bustling effort to maintain a semblance of fine dining service.
One cannot help but chuckle at the sight of child celebrities, like mini-film star Sandly Bochamps, attempting to navigate the complexities of a "Roundabout Cereal Surprise," their faces a mix of confusion and delight. It’s an ambiance where sophistication meets Saturday morning cartoons over a cup of artisanal cocoa.
When Playtime Meets Professionalism
Not all goes according to plan in this playground. A young server, tears welling up over an inadvertently dropped "Lollipop Lift-off" (a lollipop-inspired amuse-bouche), soon found himself in a puddle of his own making, quite literally. The spectacle of a young chef sobbing into the dough of what was meant to be a Michelin-worthy pizza because of a less-than-stellar review from a table could have soured the experience, but here, it added to the charm.
The manager, a stern figure who clearly missed their calling as a kindergarten teacher, intervened with a time-honored disciplinary tactic: the naughty step. There, our young culinarians took a moment to reflect on their actions, not unlike a timeout session, before bravely returning to their posts, dignity somewhat intact and determined to perfect the art of plating.
In the spirit of childhood revisited, my foray into the menu of Play Ground was as much a trip down memory lane as it was a culinary expedition. Here are the standouts:
"Swingin' Beans on Gourmet Toast"
A sophisticated twist on the humble beans on toast, this dish was a masterpiece of flavors. The beans, slow-cooked in a reduction of vintage port and a whisper of truffle oil, nestled atop a slice of artisanal sourdough that was as far from the school cafeteria as one could imagine. It was a comforting embrace in the form of food, elevated by a playful drizzle of aged balsamic shaped like a swing set across the plate.
"Slide into Sausages and Mash Elegance"
This reimagined classic presented a trio of meticulously spiced sausages, each a testament to the chef's deft hand with flavors and homage to the playground slide in their presentation. The sausages were perched atop a silky-smooth mound of parsnip mash, the culinary slide made edible, with a side of caramelized onion gravy that added a rich, complex counterpoint to the dish's inherent playfulness.
"Roundabout Cereal Surprise"
Breakfast for dinner takes on a whole new meaning with this whimsical creation. A bowl crafted from blown sugar, filled with homemade cereal loops that flirt with the boundary between sweet and savory, and a dollop of micro-herb-infused milk foam. Each spoonful was a dizzying ride on the flavor roundabout, leaving one both delighted and disoriented by the innovation.
"Lollipop Lift-off"
The incident with this dish might have been a low point for our young server, but the dish itself was a high note. A deconstructed lollipop, where the candy was transformed into a delicate mousse, supported by a stick of crystallized ginger. It was playful, imaginative, and a literal interpretation of culinary art.
"Merry-Go-Milkshakes"
No childhood reminiscence is complete without a milkshake, and Play Ground's offering was no exception. Served in a slender glass with a rim dipped in crushed nostalgic candy, the shake was a sophisticated blend of Madagascar vanilla bean and a hint of saffron, whisked into a frothy, creamy concoction that spun the palate around in circles of delight.
Private Dining in the trees
A special feature within "Play Ground" is a private dining room designed to resemble a treehouse. This cozy, intimate space is meant to transport guests to the treetops, offering a dining experience that blends the rustic charm of nature with the elegance of fine dining. The whimsical staircase leading up to the treehouse adds to the magical feel, making it a perfect secluded spot for enjoying a meal amidst the nostalgia of childhood fantasies.
Mixy Mixy Mix
Here's a glimpse into the cocktail bar area of "Play Ground," where the essence of childhood joy and the sophistication of mixology meet. This innovative space takes the concept of a merry-go-round and transforms it into a whimsical bar, complete with carousel horse stools and a vibrant atmosphere lit by oversized, colorful bouncing ball lights. The back bar, designed to resemble a climbing frame, displays bottles of spirits and mixers, adding to the playful theme. Bartenders juggle and perform tricks, crafting cocktails with names that nod to childhood games, making the drink experience at "Play Ground" as entertaining as it is delicious.
Some fresh air in New York City
Designed to merge the serenity of a beautifully landscaped garden with the nostalgic charm of a park playground. This unique dining space invites guests to enjoy their meals amidst oversized, artistic renditions of playground equipment, under the enchanting glow of fairy lights. The setting is further enhanced by the gentle melodies of a live band, creating a magical atmosphere that encourages diners to reminisce about the joys of childhood spent outdoors off-set by the usual smell of New York City.
Even the rest rooms are a playful take on children’s memories.
Looking Ahead: RidiCuconcepts Swings for the Trees
With whispers of a Michelin star already circulating, the audacious minds behind RidiCuconcepts are already plotting their next venture: a speakeasy staffed by primates. If Play Ground is any indication, we're in for a wild, whimsical ride that promises to shake up the culinary world as we know it.
In the end, Play Ground isn't a restaurant; it's a testament to the joys of youth, the pleasures of food, and the sheer unpredictability of marrying the two. For those willing to embrace the chaos, it offers a dining experience that's as unforgettable as it is unorthodox.
The Verdict: A Playful Gastronomic Gamble
Play Ground is a bold experiment that blurs the lines between fine dining and performance art. While the occasional tears and time-outs might not be everyone's cup of tea, there's something undeniably heartwarming about the earnestness with which these kids approach the task at hand. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most sophisticated palates need just a dash of childlike wonder.