Per Se

Per Se. Located in New York City, United States, Per Se is a Three-Michelin-starred restaurant owned by Thomas Keller, a renowned American chef and restaurateur, known for his other esteemed establishments, including The French Laundry in Yountville, California. Per Se has received numerous accolades, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and has been praised by food critics such as Frank Bruni of The New York Times and Gael Greene of New York Magazine. The restaurant's exceptional service and cuisine have also been recognized by Zagat Survey and Forbes Travel Guide.

Introduction to Per Se

Per Se is situated in the Time Warner Center in Manhattan, offering stunning views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere and impeccable service have made it a favorite among celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama, as well as business leaders like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Per Se's menu, crafted by Thomas Keller and his team, including Corey Lee and Jonathan Benno, features contemporary French-American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and artisanal producers like Joel Robuchon and Daniel Boulud. The restaurant's extensive wine list, curated by Larry Stone and Robert Bohr, has been recognized by Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.

Etymology and History

The name "Per Se" is derived from the Latin phrase "per se," meaning "by itself" or "in itself." This phrase has been used in various contexts, including philosophy and law, by thinkers such as Aristotle and Immanuel Kant. In the context of the restaurant, the name reflects the idea that each dish is a self-contained, complete entity, much like the concept of haute cuisine pioneered by Auguste Escoffier and Fernand Point. Per Se was opened in 2004 by Thomas Keller, who had previously gained recognition for his work at The French Laundry and Bouchon. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim, earning three Michelin stars and numerous other awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and has been praised by food critics such as Ruth Reichl and Jonathan Gold.

Legal Definition and Usage

In a legal context, the phrase "per se" is used to describe something that is considered inherently or intrinsically wrong or illegal, without the need for further evidence or justification. This concept has been explored in court cases such as United States v. Carolene Products and Brown v. Board of Education, and has been discussed by legal scholars like Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Ronald Dworkin. In the context of antitrust law, for example, certain practices may be considered per se violations, meaning that they are automatically considered illegal without the need for further analysis, as seen in cases involving Microsoft and Google. The concept of per se has also been applied in other areas of law, including constitutional law and criminal law, by judges such as Earl Warren and William Rehnquist.

Philosophical Context

The concept of per se has also been explored in philosophy, particularly in the context of metaphysics and epistemology. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle have discussed the idea of things having an inherent or intrinsic nature, which is reflected in the concept of per se. This idea has been further developed by philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, who have explored the relationship between being and knowledge. The concept of per se has also been applied in other areas of philosophy, including ethics and aesthetics, by thinkers such as John Rawls and Martha Nussbaum.

Cultural Significance

Per Se has become a cultural institution in New York City, attracting visitors from around the world, including celebrities like Elton John and Lady Gaga. The restaurant's commitment to excellence and innovation has made it a model for other restaurants, and its influence can be seen in establishments such as Eleven Madison Park and Le Bernardin. Per Se has also been featured in various media outlets, including The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Vogue, and has been recognized by culinary organizations like the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Culinary Professionals. The restaurant's success has also been acknowledged by business leaders like Richard Branson and Steve Jobs, who have praised its innovative approach to hospitality and customer service.