The Gallery at Centurion New York
The Gallery at Centurion New York — one of the two exclusive dining outlets in American Express’ first members club outside of an airport — glitters from its 55th-floor perch in Midtown Manhattan’s One Vanderbilt building, tantalizingly out of reach. Access is primarily reserved for American Express Black Card holders and their guests; however, with a bit of luck and determination, diners can secure a reservation to The Gallery through an online service. The reward at the summit is a dining experience that justifies the wait.
Here, acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud of Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Daniel, Four-Star Le Pavillon and Café Boulud is at the top of his game. The Gallery’s tasting menu accomplishes the hire-wire balancing act of being formal but unfussy. But most impressively, it feels worthy of its jaw-dropping view of the Chrysler Building, which appears so close it might as well be another guest at the dining table.
- The intimate view of the Chrysler Building from the dinner table is reason alone to dine here. Note the delightful optical allusion: when standing at the table nearest The Gallery's hallway entrance, the famed structure appears to be an arm's reach away, but as you walk down the Midtown Manhattan restaurant's hallway and closer to the building, it seems further away.
- Begin or end your experience at The Salon, the reception area bar that feels like an exceptionally decorated living room (pictures by iconic New York photographers such as Nan Goldin and Diane Arbus line the walls). The space practically begs for a nightcap, preferably a Carbon martini, a drink that’s shaded Centurion card black with squid ink and olive brine.
- Here, formality does not get in the way of flexibility. Diners can select between a three- or five-course tasting menu as well as more indulgent dishes such as Ossetra caviar and wagyu steak.
- The Yabu Pushelberg-designed interiors feel worthy of the restaurant’s name and priceless view with immaculate white tablecloths adorned with freshly arranged flowers and stunning works of art.
- Chef Boulud's tasting menu masterfully executes the techniques of haute French cuisine. You can expect foam reductions and elegant, sculptural plating that look nearly too beautiful to eat.
- The main course's accompaniments demonstrate Boulud's wise restraint. The Maine lobster comes with jasmine rice and a green curry sauce, enhancing rather than overcomplicating the dish. The farm chicken is seasoned with a za'atar spice blend, adding flavor without overcrowding.
- As intended, starters such as white asparagus in a tangy lemon hollandaise sauce and charcoal-broiled mackerel with a vibrant, house-made ponzu sauce, begin the meal with a gastronomical bang.
- Standout main dishes at the French restaurant include the porcini lasagne, an elevated spin on the classic pasta dish topped with taleggio foam; the citrusy duck, cooked to perfection and accompanied by crispy polenta; and the layered chicken and truffle terrine.
- The dessert options range from refreshing to decadent, with highlights being a zippy champagne mango served with creamy saffron-laced sabayon and lime gel, and a hazelnut crémeux that tastes like rarified Nutella.
Bar
Business casual
Dinner
Gluten-free options
Lunch
Reservations required 
Self-parking
Vegetarian options
