Payard Patisserie & Bistro
- Nearest Transit:
77th St (6)
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
62 Reviews for Payard Patisserie & Bistro
Since I was the seasoned NY-visitor, I was in charge "eating" portion of the Bachelorette Weekend in NY.
After a visit to the MET, we walked the treeline streets and arrived at our lunch location, Payard.
I guess most of the girls never had French food, they all went the safe way and ordered Croque Monsieur. I had the confit de canard tart, amazing. My mouth waters just thinking about it...
We all ordered different desserts and the waiter brought some macaroons on the house, GREAT DESSERTS!!!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
My siser brought me here for a birthday surprise (since I used to live in Paris). We just had Croque Monsieur and some pastries but it was all so delicious. I would venture to say it was the best pastry I've had in NY so far. It's also fun to sit in the little front cafe surrounded by amazing bread and pastry cases. We didn't eat at the restaurant in the back but I'm sure it's delicious as well. Felt like I was back in Paris for about 20 minutes and that deserves 5 stars :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I ate breakfast here on Saturday: one flourless chocolate cookie, one petite chinon, and one iced coffee.
The cookie is chewy and moist. The Chinon has several layers that you should look for. If you eat it too quickly, you'll miss the delicately crunchy bottom. The iced coffee was so smooth that there was no need for sugar. Just a drop of milk.
Top notch choice for a bad girl vacation breakfast.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I popped in to buy the Masterpiece III box. My boyfriend also bought a pound ballotin and some Fragonard (chocolate-covered orange peel). The cakes look expensive.
Wonderful place to pick up some pastries or sandwiches. The waiters are alway nice and it's a fun environment. I think this place is perfect for coffee/tea and pastries!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Not perfect but close. I'd really like to give Payard four stars but the place is so promising, so enticing, so French, so classic, so Euro, and so yummy that I will give it 5. One extra star because I want to come back and have high tea, lunch, dinner, and dessert. I'd really like to try it all.
We were going to have high tea but then decided on simple drinks and dessert. We had just come from lunch and a three tier display was just too daunting to tackle. We thought we'd alleviate the pressure of packing it away by taking it easy in the patisserie.
Payard is bustling. There are people along the sides, upstairs, in the cafe, and in the main room. The waiters are here, then there, arms in the air, and going in circles. The smell of croque monsieur is in the air and everything looks so sweet but it is not. The desserts at Payard are light, smooth, and a different kind of rich.
They were out of everything but we were fine with our second and third choices. We had the Pont Neuf, the Notre Dame, and Pave Nicois along with coffee, peppermint tea, and that thick European style hot chocolate. Ooh la la!
Our table was tiny and squished next to the others. I was immediately transported to France and did a quick people watch moment. The funniest thing was looking at the kids at Payard. One toddler had snuck behind the counter and made their way into the macarons. Another was sitting at the bar having a drink. Payard was kiddies gone wild. And if the rumor is true then don't you dare bring a bugaboo inside. Strollers are not welcome.
All the food, dessert, cookies and chocolate looked so delicious at Payard. I feel like we got the full service of dessert and drinks. Payard puts Veniero's to shame. Payard is class all the way.
Things can get a little scary though. Francois Payard was overseeing the patisserie and he was yelling. He is very particular how he likes his patisserie run and how the people are served. I have no complaints about the service. It was quick and with well intent. Francois Payard was also wearing a Caesars Palace chef uniform. Um, hello aren't we in NYC? Or were we in Vegas? Or Paris?
Payard has nice looking bathrooms. They are very yellow with lemon trees, white porcelain, and striped wall paper. The regular bathroom lock was broken but the handicapped bathroom was fine. So use that one unless you want to be walked in on. Very risque.
Payard is perfect for brunch, a treat for high tea, a great place for dinner with friends, an excellent spot for coffee and cake, etc. It's one of the few places on the UES that feel unstuffy. That alone is worth 5 stars.
OHH how my mouth waters as I recall my pastry. After a delicious lunch at Via Quadronno, I was escorted to Payards (through the craziest monsoon I'd ever seen in my life), so I was ready for desert. Payard's is modeled closely after a bustling French cafe, but we didn't sit in the upstairs restaurant, we stuck to the tables next to the pastries (duh). I can't remember the name of my pastry, but it was AMAZING and oh so delicate. Everyone at our table loved their desert, which is rare, someone always gets stuck with something they didn't anticipate and don't like. Of course it was crowded and of course the tables were tiny and everyone could hear everyone else's business, but it's all part of the French pastry experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
The shrimp and avocado salad here is amazing and the staff are great. It's a little on the fancy end for me but nice for the occasional splurge. highly recommended
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Whenever I come to Payard, I really only get desserts. No real reason why. It's just how things happen. However, you cannot go wrong with any of the desserts here. Each is delicious and decadent and so fattening, you feel like you need to run a mile. But then when you do try and fail, you get disheartened and come back here for more cake. It's a wonderful cycle.
Although it's a bit pricey ($5-7 per cake) but it's worth it if you're just chilling with some friends and want to relax.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I came here during restaurant week, but they have the same set menu to order from all year around.
The crowded tended to be on the older side, but the decor was nice. I had a good table on the second floor overlooking everything. Our waiter was very friendly and was able to easily explain the menu and make recommendations.
Strangely though, although the restaurant is known for its pastries, I didn't fancy them too much. Between my friends and I, we sampled about five different ones -- none of which particularly stood out to me. However the regular entrees and appetizers were delicious!
Overall, the restaurant is quite good if you have the disposable income to afford the price =)P
I recommend this place for anyone who loves making fun of rich people; the tables are so close together that it's next to impossible not to overhear insipid conversations of wealth.
HOWEVER, if you also enjoy good, if traditional food, I'd also recommend Payard. I went here for Restaurant week with my dear friend and enjoyed an appetizer of warm skate and lentil salad. The greens were crisp, the lentils fragrant, and the skate, though a bit bland, still had a great texture (and besides, I always wanted to try skate).
I was disappointed with what seemed like a paltry selection for the entrees: skirt steak, risotto, and a chicken salad. I would have liked to see the bouillabaisse on there, but that'll be for another time. My friend ended up ordering the skirt steak, which was amazingly tender and in a great sauce. I was not interested in the whipped potatoes, but the selection of salsify, carrots, and mushrooms (roasted) was very good. My entree was the lemon and tomato risotto with shrimp. I told myself I'd only eat half, but ended up eating the whole thing! The rice was slightly al dente (for a risotto anyway), but actually ended up being a positive attribute.
For dessert, we chose from the selection of pastries, which I, embarrassed, asked the waiter to describe in detail (he was a good sport though). We finally decided on the Sicilien, which is a tiny little cheesecake encircled by pistachios and filled with a cranberry gelee, as well as a chestnut mousse which had a pleasing and boozy citrus filling (Well, at least I liked it). Both desserts were good, if not my usual choice for a dessert (I rarely like mousse), and overall I was happy. We also shared a pot of earl grey to wash it down, and had enough for three cups.
Considering the prices, I would probably not return for awhile, though I'd love to stop by and pick up one of their many sandwiches which, set in the display cases, looked quite tempting in all of their expensive glory.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Delicious Food!
I went here for lunch and all the food i had was PERFECT! The shrimp, avocado salad with coconut passionfruit dressing... yummm (the shrimp was SO plump, and the dressing was light and the coconut flavor was subtle), cheese souffle (YOU MUST TRY THIS!.... you would think its "too heavy" but seriously, its delicate and delicious!), and the Boullliabaisse (perfect flavor, lots of seafood!).
And of course dessert!!! My mom and i shared the Sweet Relief (MY FAVORITE!!!) and a raspberry mousse type cake. Both were delicious but i REALLLY reccommend the sweet relief!
I got some pastries to take home too (i know im really just a fat ass!)
The Pear Napolean was BY FAR my fav out of everything. The flavors just went perfectly! The Chinon was very good too, but i was ok with just a few bites, you get kinda sick of the flavor. And the Banana tart was good, but not like OMG good!
I really enjoyed my meal... my only complaint is how TIGHT the tables are! Theres like NO space! But it was definitely like a fun busy frenchy atmosphere :-)
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Payard, Je t'adore. Ton repas est dlicieuse. Tes gteaux sont plus dlicieux. Mais tu est tres tres cher.
Located in the ritzy Upper East Side, Payard Patisserie & Bistro is one fancy schmancy French restaurant that is ooh la la sooo yummy! Their three-course Thanksgiving dinner included our choice of Turkey, Salmon, or Steak. Because we already enjoyed a turkey feast the day before at Tavern on the Green, I opted for the salmon and Eric had the steak. I started with the cheese souffle, which was too cheesy for my taste and I didn't care for the parmesean sauce that came with it but Eric loved his duck appetizer, which he described as the most interesting and flavorful dish he's ever eaten. Our salmon and steak both had scrumptious French sauces. We don't know what they were or what was in them but they were delish! We both opted for the chocolate souffl with pistachio ice cream. Both were to die for. We are definitely coming back!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
I had always been meaning to visit Payard, due in part to its erstwhile association with Daniel Boulud. So I jumped at the opportunity to do so with five other Yelpers, with Atif I, the uber dessert master, leading the way.
The six of us Yelpers were seated in the dining area. While I do not accurately recollect the demographics of the Payard crowd, it was something like this, which is par for the course given the UES location.
.__________ ___________ ____________
| | | | | |
| Couple in | | 70-year old | | 45-year old w/ |
| their 90s | | with parents | | grandparents |
|__________ | | __________ | |____________|
__________ ___________ ____________
| | | | | |
| Family | | Six | | Four women |
| of four | | Yelpers! | | in their 70s |
|__________| |___________| |_________ ___|
Our table was a distinct outlier. We discussed important matters, taking a brief interlude for Atif I to give us a guided tour of the patisserie. Some of us were craving for food and chose to have dinner as a prelude to indulging in dessert. These hungry Yelpers (HYs) were munching on foie gras, fancy seafood and whatever else refined UES folks consume. Meanwhile, the other Yelpers were starved of participation in the talk threads (let's call them talking Yelpers or TYs), and chose to guide the conversation accordingly --
TY1: here is a scenario. A girl interacts with a guy online for six months, loves him for his personality, and eventually meets him at Payard. Turns out the guy stands 4'5", is hugely overweight, balding, and lost his job the day before. But he has saved up just enough money to pay for dinner at Payard. As the girl, how would you react to this situation?
HY1: if I find him to be an engaging conversationalist at dinner, I'd give him a chance.
HY2: if he has just lost his job, what is he doing spending what little he has left on me?
HY3: but isn't that a lovely gesture on the part of the guy?
TY2: well, I can't believe I wouldn't have seen his picture in six months!
HY4: you all aren't being honest! Let's change the scenario. What if the guy was 4'10"?
And our conversation continued along those lines. Meanwhile, the desserts arrived. I had the Chinon. Made with pistachio, complemented by wild cherries on a chocolate wafer. Delicious--just the right consistency and sweetness.
The Japonais that followed was dense, with a milk chocolate mousse and a hint of citrus. Appropriately chocolate-y yet interesting. I was in heaven. And with dinner (at home) now two hours behind me, I had room to spare. Next up was the Vienne--chocolate mousse with a caramel center. Perhaps a tad too creamy for my taste, but enjoyable all the same. Last to come was the Chocolate Raspberry Tart. Filled with chocolate souffle, dark chocolate mousse and raspberry jam. The blend of chocolate and raspberry was just right. Quite a fitting finale to our dessert sampling session.
All said, I shall return soon for more. I am risking a five-star rating without sampling their much-touted macarons, petit fours or savories. Why? Because I am comfortable extrapolating from this experience, and from Master Atif I.'s discerning judgment of Payard.
Meanwhile, here is the cast of TYs and HYs, in no particular order: Ahu S, Caroline A, Serena K, Atif I, Sean T and Srini V.
People thought this was:
Useful (14)
Funny (18)
Cool (18)
I would give them 5 stars just for the little Kelly Bags filled with chocolate. But add to that using whole lychees in their desserts, good-looking food (I didn't try any, unfortunately), and resounding endorsements from respected foodies, and Payard truly earns these stars.
And big ups to my homies Atif I, Sean T, Caroline A, Serena K, and Srini V. It was a Yelp All-Star evening, and I was honored to be part of the peanut gallery.
Edited 3/15/08: Minus 1 star for the most horrendous cappuccino I've ever had in my life.
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (8)
Cool (8)
I had been looking forward to going to Payard for a while and finally made it over to the charming patisserie over the weekend. What made it an even more special experience was dining with the dessert Guru, Mr. Atif, and four other super yelpers.
The decor of Payard sets the mood for a romantic evening with just the right amount of lighting, a menu of rich yet light French fare and a Seal CD playing over and over again to put you in "that special mood." The crowd is much older in the back of the house. It's cute to see couples in their 90's, getting dressed up and enjoying a nice meal together. There is something intoxicating about being in a room filled with chocolates and dessert goodies. It's sexy and sweet at the same time :)
After being seated and ordering dinner, Atif gave us a pastry tour. All of Payard's pastries are baked same day. They were out of the Menton, which was what I really wanted! The pastries have a great size and are very pretty in appearance. It almost seemed like we were looking at Christmas ornaments - so beautiful and delicate (and delicious). Ahu pointed out the little Chocolate boxes shaped like Kelly bags... does it get any better than this?
For dinner, Sean and I shared the Warm Maine Crab Salad with Bartlett Pear, Celery Root Rmoulade, Mche and Hazelnuts. It was light and delicious. I may have used walnuts instead of hazelnuts, but it was still very good. I then had the Sauted Barramundi with Hokkado Squash, Baby Brussels Sprouts, Oyster Mushrooms, Salsifies and Sage Smoked Squash Broth. It was perfect. Light, buttery and moist, Barramundi has the similar consistency of striped bass. It held the flavor of the squash broth very well. The only disappointing part of dinner was that my dirty vodka martini was not dirty enough. But the rest of the meal was fantastic.
Dessert was definitely the highlight of dinner. I went with the Key Lime Tart. If you like Key Lime Pie, this tart is amazing. The tart is dense and sweet with a nutty crust. I had a bite of Atif's Chocolate Souffle with Pistachio Ice Cream... he got the better dessert :P. I had to have a bit of Sean's Pear Pastry dessert too... very good, but not my favorite. We then got the Japonais, Vienne and Chocolate Raspberry Tart and shared them around the table. My favorites were the Japonais (a rich chocolate mousse and caramel with a citrus zing) and Chocolate Raspberry Tart (the raspberry really cuts the density and richness of the dark chocolate!!).
Overall an excellent dining experience. I definitely recommend Payard as a dessert destination as well as dinner. I will definitely be back for the Menton and Macarons!
Review dedicated to the dessert Guru and fine gentleman, Mr. Atif :)
*high five!*
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (4)
Cool (8)
Like Pastis, I love being made to feel like I am back in Paris, and this place does this for me in spades.... Hell yea I'll pay a fortune for a macaroon and a quick mental escape to one of my favorite cities on earth....
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Had a fine Thanksgiving meal there this year.
I started with the upside down cheese souffle was divine. It was heavy though...and it kind of filled me up for the rest of the meal. Still, it was worth it. 007 started with the duck tart, which was also very good.
We both had the traditional turkey dish as a main course. We were both very happy with it - although the cranberries were a little on the sour side.
For dessert we shared - yes we shared because I was so stuffed - the roasted bartlett pear. (We got one wrapped to take home.) It was really good, and the one we got wrapped up was even better a couple days later.
Overall, a great meal with great wine and great service.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I brought a group of 7 here for dinner one night before we went to the opera.
The staff was great. The food delish.
Yes, the age group was closer to 80 than to 30, but who cares! The desserts...DO leave room for the dessert! That's an order!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I adore Payard! Went for dinner with my family on Saturday night and had I think the best seat in the house. There were 8 of us and we sat by the balcony overlooking the dining room below. The restaurant itself is lovely but the food is amazing! I had the cheese souffle for an appetizer (very rich, think of splitting with someone), the venison and finished with a glass of port and chocolate mousse! The meal was absolutely perfect as was the service. Our waiter went out of his way to let us know if they were running out of certain entrees and would literally run down the stairs to save one if we asked for it. I can't wait to go back again.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Went to Payard for Restaurant Week with my cousins. We ordered the Restaurant Week special. My food was good, but not noteworthy. I give Payard 4 stars for the impeccable service and for the ambiance.
We enjoyed dinner at Payard during restaurant Week. The regular menu is a bit pricey, but the Restaurant Week prix fixe suited us well. The atmosphere is very nice, a bit crowded in a bustling sort of way. I loved the light fixtures, they added a nice warm glow to the dining room.
Beginning with the usual basket of bread, it was warm and soft and thoroughly enjoyable. I ordered the cheese souffle, roast chicken, and dessert.
The fourth star on my rating is for the cheese souffle alone. This souffle was an AMAZING, CREAMY, GOOEY Parmesan delight that makes you want to eat it for the rest of your days. But it gets even better: the souffle is presented all alone on the plate, and then is joined by a wonderful creamy Parmesan sauce that is poured generously over the top. It was a positively gorgeous monument to the beautiful ingredient that is cheese. *swoon*
I must admit that after the cheese souffle, anything would have paled in comparison and the roast chicken certainly did. It was presented nicely, stuffed with foie gras that had a delicate flavor. The chicken was done just this side of done (almost undercooked, but it squeaked by) and had a nice flavor, but it didn't knock my socks off.
As a side note, if my socks had indeed been knocked off, I am sure that a waiter would have appeared instantly to retrieve said socks. At one point during our meal, my beau excused himself to the loo. Because the tables are so close together, every path is essentially a one-way street. One of the waiters working the room began walking down the aisle, spotted my beau coming at him from the opposite direction, and did an about-face so quick you'd have thought he was Pac Man being chased by a Ghost (I'm amazed the dishes he was carrying didn't go spinning off into the air like Frisbees). I wonder if the waiters are specially trained to get out of the way as all costs? It was quite humorous to see.
The real disappointment came when it was time for dessert. We were escorted to the pastry counter at the front of the shop to choose our dessert. While I loved the idea of having a choice, I was disinclined to be put on parade "And now, doing the Restaurant Week Walk of Shame because they want to eat here cheaply are Mr. and Mrs......" by getting up as a group from our table (I can't imagine the shuffle a party of four would generate) and escorted to the front of the room. That said, my passion fruit tart had a lovely flavor.
The star of the evening was the cheese souffle, I would recommend Payard simply for that one dish alone.
Its so expensive here! Maybe 3.75 stars, only because of the price. I came here for Restaurant Week and their menu sucked! The main course was chicken or cod, and the appetizers were salad, soup, or mushroom flan. gross.
I got the bouillabaisse and enjoyed it. The portion size was just right. The free bread for the table was good, and the butter was actually soft and at room temperature. Ordered dessert for $7 (its actually $6, but if you eat it at the restaurant its $7), and it was very good! Can't remember the name, but it was a chocolate mouse thing with orange marmalade.
Just those two items and I spent over $50. I probably would not do that again if I had a chance. Food was good, but not worth the price.
Also got a macaroon that was purple. Couldn't understand the lady when she told me what flavor it was, her and her damn fancy french accent. I think it was a blend of blueberry and something else. Good macaroon, but I had higher expectations, since the last time I had macaroons here they were perfect.
I'm sure the desserts here are among the best in the city, but the practical, okay... cheap, side of me just has a problem with the prices.
I had two macaron cookies here. As macarons (macaroons) are tiny cookies the size of large bottlecaps and are full of air, I have to imagine they weighed half an ounce each. They were $1.75 per cookie. $3.50 for one ounce of cookie sounds awfully steep, regardless of how good they were. I mean, think of how much $3.50 buys you in Chinatown! The woman at the counter asked me if I wanted a dozen, to which my answer was a definite "no." $21 for a dozen tiny, tiny cookies full of air?
They were good cookies, but not THAT good. The next time my sweet tooth beckons, I'll walk a little farther to find some place where I get more for my money.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (4)
I love Payard. Their hot chocolate is the best I've ever tasted and the lunch there is good as well. It is the perfect combo of a restaurant, bakery, and dessert house. They have a huge display of cakes, tarts, cookies and assorted bits of chocolate. Also, makes a great gift for any chocolate lover on your list. Another staple every time I visit my beloved NYC.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Recommended for: dinner w/friends, a date, decadent dessert!
Food 6, Service 4, Ambiance 5.
I had heard of the tales of Payard, and its intoxicatingly hypnotic desserts which have stolen the hearts of fine dessert connoisseurs around the world; they fell pray to its charms and were never seen again. Fearful that this mission could be more dangerous than Goldfinger's Laser torture table, I gather a group of powerful yelpers, to aid me through this treacherous journey.
The Mission: To obtain decadent desserts and make it out alive...
The Team:
Y1 - Bond
Y2 - Bond Girl
Y3 - Dessert Master / Soothsayer
Y4 - ASCII Master
Y5 - The Lookout
Y6 - The Analyzer
Upon first entering the lair, we find ourselves without our team. The Matre'D approaches us asking if we have reservations. Cunningly thinking, my Bond Girl states dinner, and the Matre'D organizing a table fitting for our mission - with visibility of the dessert case, and proximity to the door for narrow escape. These were crucial, as I had no time to contact Q for additional gadgetry. I had my cellphone over-ride the music being played with a Seal CD I had on it - setting the tone for our mission (or at least remember certain action sequences from a Batman movie).
Our team arrives, pondering why we were not sitting in the dessert only area; we clearly stood out in the dining section among the other groups gathered that night. Updating the team on the situation, we agree that consuming some food before dessert would ensure we were not hypnotically kept at Payard (like sailors at seas hearing the hypnotic sounds of the harpies). I order the Warm Maine Crab salad with Bartlett Pear with a Celery Root Re'moulade, Mache and Hazelnuts. It was a great first course. The crab was well seasoned, light and the pear with Celery Root accented the dish making it flavorful without being too overpowering. Our waiter came back, and asked us if we wanted another bottle of Fiji. Confused, I say yes, and keenly turn on my binocular glasses to observe him getting a new bottle, or, dare I thought, refill it with tap! At this point, I order the Bond girl a dirty martini, extra dirty....
In order to carry out the mission, I knew I had to order a dish befitting of my stomach and position on the team. I chose the Sauted Chatham Cod, with Curry Cauliflower Puree, Tuscan Kale, Honshimeki Mushrooms, Crosnes and a Bouchot Mussel Monclade Sauce. At this point, I switched my glasses to X-ray to ensure no chemicals were added. However, one bite after eating the puree, I thought I had ordered mash potatoes. How could this be? So filling, yet light and airy - confused and bewildered. Then I realized, it was the mushrooms giving it heartiness. The Cod was exceptionally prepared and the dish came together.
Giving eye signals to both the ASCII and Dessert Masters our group splits, leaving me and the analyzer to strategize our order move as the group with our Lookout leading the way heads to the dessert cases. The Matre'D enchanted by both the Bond Girl and Lookout ignores our advances as we continue on with the mission. As the analyzer and I come to agreement with the next course of action, our conversation changed according to our plan and our group looks more modest, refined and may nosh on one or two desserts.
As the menus get handed to us, we split into our function teams. The ladies distract the staff, as the ASCII Master draws the best root, Dessert Master synchronizes the orders and selection and I take out the "laser" pointer, and other weapons. As our waitress approaches, the Dessert Master springs into action ordering a sum total of about 10 desserts for the table; some from the menu, and others from the case.
The desserts came out, each exquisitely prepared:
Roasted Bartlett Pear w/Maple Syrup, Creme Fraiche Ice Cream
Key lime Pie
Dark Bittersweet Chocolate Souffls w/Pistachio Ice Cream
Japonais
Vienne
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Exotic Fruit Napoleon w/Mango Cream and Lychee
Chinon, and others...
Each of the desserts gave a euphoric almost sensuous feeling in your mouth and then warmed your body as you swallowed. My brain began to give off endorphins and I knew I was headed for trouble. Biting my tongue and taking a sip of tea, I regained consciousness. Beneath the visual layers lied beautiful surprise fillings that took to the desserts to new heights - beautiful and powerful!
Full, and mission completed we tried to exit - but it was too late. We were trapped; some of us now looking at the dessert areas and ordering fine chocolate boxes, chocolates looking like Kelly bags, and dare I say it - Macarons! I turned my watch to 9, sending a sharp piercing tone that changed the music, cut the lights and we all made it out, alive. I look forward to going back, and trying my luck again!
Sean Approved: Absolutely Definitely YES!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (9)
Cool (9)
I have one word to say about Payard, OVERRATED!
As a pastry chef I am offended by the prices charged by Payard for their baked goods that many times can be described as average. I give them points for creativity, and you will never have a bad pastry there, but I have yet to be blown off my chair. I also take issue with their smug attitude and rude service. If I am paying $15 for a tiny individual cake I would like my service with a smile. People like to ooh and aah about their wedding cakes and to this I also say overrated. My first attempt at a wedding cake back in culinary school rivaled the ones on display in their window. They act like they invented sugarpaste flowers when theirs aren't even that artfull.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
They say diamonds are a girls best friend?? NO WAY..CHOCOLATE is the way to my heart ! I went straight for the little squares..Some were dark chocolate filled with rasberry while others had more exotic flavors! I did not try the food since I went there for dessert but I will def. be back. Payards's chocolate blows Godiva out of the water!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
The Louvre Cake was HEAVENLY. It's the best milk chocolate mousse I've ever had. The whole cake is heavy on the chocolate so it's definitely not for choco-lightweights.
The macarons were small and scrumptious. Thank God For Dessert. I can't wait to try everything else.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
One of our guru adored this place..
we had to follow him after big dinner..
cozy & elegant interior and consistently friendly service..
of course, their tiny tarts were perfectly lovely..
now, I adore 'Payard'!!
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (6)
I would get it 5 stars for being beautiful, it truly feels like a Salon de The in Paris.
But how can anyone stand the attitude of the staff, and however beautiful everything is, how does one justify the prices.
Anyway, I was dying for a Chocolate Eclair, and it looked amazing if not a bit on the small side. But after too few bites, I decided that I am staying faithful to Claude Patisserie, anyway I am a downtown kind of girl.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
About a year ago, I celebrated my 22nd here with some close friends. A lovely bistro with great service and great food. Very elegant and cozy atmosphere (we sat upstairs, overlooking the busy patisserie downstairs). I can't remember exactly what I had, but I do remember the food being excellent. For dessert, which I personally deem the most important part of any given meal, they surprised me with a candle-lit Louvre IN ADDITION to the dessert I'd originally ordered. AND THEY WERE DELISH! (If I'm not mistaken, Miranda from SATC was here in one episode, contemplating a chocolate cake purchase...)
Prices are a bit steep. But worth every penny.
Overall, great place to have not-your-average dinner with girl friends, the better-halves, and/or parents on their anniversary.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
Thanks so much to Atif I. for taking me and my friend to some of his favorite NYC dessert places, including Payard's, which was fabulous... I can't wait to go back! Read his other reviews! We finished the macaroons that we were too full to eat the next day at Grumpy's, an excellent coffee spot in Chelsea.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Payard's is obviously reknown for their pastries. My friend and I felt that we would get a good tasting of the sweet confections and also get to enjoy it in a lovely setting by having our afternoon tea session there. So that's what we did.
The moment we walked in, we were brought back into the dining room where there were already patrons engaging in tea and chat. We were excited. We felt like such proper ladies. We made our tea selection: Dar went with Earl Grey while I opted for the Payard Blend (a more citrusy blend for those curious). Our French server soon brought out our tea (by the way, very good tea) along with a three-tier stand covered in miniature delights.
The first tier held the savory sandwiches...Pretzel with Salmon Rillette and Chive Cream Cheese, Vitello Tonnato in Ciabatta Bread, Mediterranean Pan Bagnat. The second tier held the biscuits, scones, and Madeleines with which you had the Chantilly cream to accompany them with. The third tier had all the petit fours. Our favorite was the Pistachio dome filled with custard, served on top of an almond crust. There were also miniature fruit tarts, chocolate cake, coffee cake, and a hazelnut cake. Everything was delightful. I had a great companion to enjoy the unique moment with. All in all, it was a very memorable experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
My friend had her birthday dinner here and it went fairly smoothly. We had a very large party, and service was generally good. At one point when things were going slowly, a manager came over and assured us we'd receive complimentary desserts. They weren't kidding. This is probably because it was late and they were closing, but they gave us literally two full plates of pastries. ooohhhh emmmmmm geeeeeeeee.
The food was pretty good too, but after dessert I honestly don't remember much about the meal.
I stopped in for a business type lunch to see the food and get a feel for the experience. I sat upstairs and had a birds eye view of the whole operation. The place was packed: cafe in front served assorted goodies, the restaurant a first class menu.
I started out with the foie gras terrine. It was cooked just right, the flavors balanced, the color was golden (not that ash gray color from oxidation) and beautifully presented. I thought the flavors "married" well and had the right balance of sweet, spicy and sour; the fatty richness of the foie gras a perfect foil for a chutney and toasted country bread.
Next, I had the snapper. The fish was fresh, seasoned and cooked right; the sun chokes, salsify, caramelized endive and chanterelles added some weight in the mouth with hints of sweetness and smokiness (I always like chanterelles and I liked the earthiness added from the flavor).
Yes, I tried the "Grand Tasting" and had the waiter assist me in selection an