Four Twenty Five: A New Dining Experience on Park Avenue
Four Twenty Five, the stunning new restaurant on Park Avenue by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, offers more than just a meal. This modern-American eatery is part of a dining renaissance in East Midtown, alongside other notable establishments like Casa Lever, David Burke’s Park Avenue Kitchen, and upcoming restaurants from Michael White and Simon Kim.
Spanning an impressive 14,000 square feet, Four Twenty Five represents the revitalization of Park Avenue after the pandemic-induced lull. The once-desolate street has now become Manhattan’s most vibrant commercial boulevard.
A Dining Destination for Prime Movers and New Yorkers Alike
Currently open for dinner, Four Twenty Five will soon expand its offerings to include lunch service. This move is expected to attract not only Ken Griffin’s Citadel dealmakers from the offices above but also New Yorkers who long for the elegance of white tablecloths and attentive waitstaff.
Designed by architect Norman Foster, Four Twenty Five is a masterpiece of craftsmanship reminiscent of Philip Johnson’s iconic Four Seasons. However, it manages to evoke the spirit of its predecessor without imitating it.
The dining floor, with its 84 seats, draws inspiration from the Art Deco ocean liner SS Normandie of the 1930s. It appears to float above the ground-floor lounge, creating a mirage-like effect. The walnut walls pay homage to the glory days of the Four Seasons Grill Room, while the white fabric curtains magically recall the rippling aluminum curtains of the original Four Seasons.
The plush gray-and-burgundy banquettes beneath an elliptical chandelier of 231 circular light fixtures create an intimate atmosphere. This suspended installation, resembling a friendly UFO, brings the soaring ceiling closer to earth.
A Culinary Experience Led by Executive Chef Jonathan Benno
Four Twenty Five features a contemporary open kitchen that adds a modern touch to the Mid-Twentieth Century ambiance. Executive chef Jonathan Benno, known for his Michelin-starred reign at Per Se and his expertise in Italian cuisine, leads his team behind a glass wall, offering guests a glimpse into the culinary process.
The menu at Four Twenty Five offers a range of a la carte dishes priced between $20 and $50. These dishes are not only more affordable than the prix-fixe tasting menu at Jean-Georges’ flagship restaurant but also equally delicious. Benno’s French-influenced creations are accessible yet unpredictable. Standout dishes include steamed black sea bass in a flavorful broth infused with lemongrass and kombu seaweed, pan-roasted steelhead trout that strikes the perfect balance between delicacy and richness, and a succulent chicken breast coated in black truffle crumbs.
Overcoming Challenges to Create a Unique Dining Experience
Before its opening, Four Twenty Five faced a hurdle when developer David W. Levinson initially enlisted Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park to lead the restaurant. However, Humm unexpectedly proposed an all-vegan menu, which did not align with Levinson’s vision. The two parties amicably parted ways in 2022.
Levinson then turned to Jean-Georges Vongerichten to create a menu that emphasizes sustainability, aligning with the environmentally-conscious ethos of the 425 Park Avenue tower.
With its exceptional beauty, comfortable ambiance, and innovative menu, Four Twenty Five is poised to satisfy Park Avenue diners for years to come.
