Among New York City’s fine-dining scene, L’Abeille is chef Mitsunobu Nagae’s Michelin-starred playground, where he and the team experiment with French and Japanese ingredients and techniques to elegant results. The space is the definition of quiet luxury: stunning yet understated, stunning with velvet chairs and booths but no white tablecloths. It makes sense that director Celine Song filmed a scene for Materialists here, suitable for big-deal occasions, friend hangs, and family meals.
The wine and cocktail list is impeccable. The Lost in Japan ($26) is a bright and frothy egg white-based drink with Japanese vodka and sencha, brightened with yuzu liqueur and a plum reduction. Later on, I had a glass of the not-too-sweet Secret de Château Biac.
It’s lovely there are bidets in the bathroom — treat yourself.
At the end of the meal, the staff presents diners with cute little takeaway bags with a miniature menu and a white chocolate-covered macaron.