Chef Michael Ayoub Kicks off Exclusive Dining Experience at Fornino in Greenpoint
Photo courtesy of Fornino
This month, Chef Michael Ayoub kicked off Mondays with Michael, a new dinner series at Fornino in Greenpoint. The space is super intimate with a grandiose glass chandelier that is reminiscent to Chihuly’s work. You then find out that Chef Ayoub also moonlights as an expert glass blower!
Photo courtesy of Ginger Blumenthal
The 5-course wood-fired dinner is $55 and concepted by Chef Ayoub himself, who you’ll see in the exposed kitchen when you walk in. There is also an optional wine pairing for $35 that is selected specifically for the the meal. The dinner will always feature a fresh seasonal vegetable starter, a bespoke artisanal pizza, house-made pasta, a protein with a special side and dessert.
Our meal began with an amuse-bouche small bite courtesy of the chef to set the tone for the meal. The first of five official courses for this particular dinner was a mushroom, cauliflower and sunchoke soup, but ingredients for the courses change each month. The exclusive Black and White Pizza was a perfect combination of salty and sweet with the savory truffle and sweet ricotta and honey. Chef Ayoub ‘s version of an 11 Layer Pasta was a colorful interpretation that was a top notch addition to this coursed dinner.
Photo courtesy of Ginger Blumenthal
The main course was a hearty, rich winter portion of chicken and polenta. This dish sent me over the edge of being full but I had to save room for dessert!
Photo courtesy of Ginger Blumenthal
The Baked Alaska was a generous portion that should’ve been a fraction of the size, but was unbelievably delicious and a perfect way to end the meal. As if that wasn’t enough, we were also treated to homemade cookies before leaving.
Future Mondays with Michael dinners will take place the second Monday of each month. A special Valentine’s Day menu is already set for the next curated meal in February. This is perfect for a special occasion, to bring friends, family or even to impress a date.
You will not find a better tasting menu for this price and of this caliber from a chef that is an icon in the industry. For more information and to book reservations, please visit or more information, visit: https://www.fornino.com/.
-Photos Courtesy of Fornino and Ginger Blumenthal
