Essential By Christophe
Chef Christophe Bellanca has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants.
Bellanca took his first professional job working in the kitchen of La Mere Vittet in Lyon, France. After a brief hiatus from the culinary world to fulfill a military duty, he returned to France and continued his training, learning from the world’s leading chefs.
Chef Bellanca gained valuable experience beginning with Georges Blanc in Vonnas, France (three Michelin stars). This was followed by La Pyramide under Patrick Henriroux in Vienne, France (two Michelin stars). He then worked at Regis Marcon at Saint-Bonnet Le Froid (three Michelin stars) and at Pic with Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence, France (three Michelin stars), where he worked for over six years.
He rose to prominence in New York at Le Cirque and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.
Now he has opened his own restaurant on the Upper West Side.
The New York Times writes, “He’s taken over a townhouse restaurant that was once home to John Fraser’s Dovetail and Adam Leonti’s Leonti. But Mr. Bellanca has made it less plush, with light wood and beige throughout; wooden beams and clusters of tables give it a sort-of gathering place informality.”
His a la carte menu includes: poached lobster with endive and chestnut marmalade; glazed eggplant served with smoked yogurt and vegetable curry; and grilled sole with coco bean and, tantalizingly, salicorne.
Essential by Christophe opened Dec. 6, 2023
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