Perilla

...is located at 9 Jones Street in NYC's Greenwich Village and is owned by Harold Dietrl, winner of "Top Chef" Season 1 .

Perilla was offering a special summer prix fixe 3-course menu for $35. I apologize in advance for the extremely dark photos.

"M" started with a glass of Rose ($10) and I with a glass of Riesling ($11).

"M" had the Hearts of Palm & Bibb Salad - with manchego cheese, mango and toasted macadamia nut vinagrette.

I had the Steamed Bouchot Mussels - with cilantro, coconut milk and sour yellow curry. Very plump and succulent mussels in a wonderful sauce. I used the hearty bread served to soak up some of the sauce.

For our entrees we both had the Thai Style Fried Chicken with mini bok choy, scallions and chili jam. The chicken was very moist and flavorful, although the crust was not very crisp. But the portion was so large that neither of us finished and took home the drumstick/thigh.

For dessert "M" had the Local Berry Crisp with almond streusel and ginger ice cream. It was served in a cute little pot. And the blueberries were still whole.

I had the Lemon Pudding Cake with poppy seed brittle and honey thyme ice cream. It was more cakelike than a pudding and refreshing, but not tart.

And they served dainty peanut butter cookies afterwards when the waiter brought the check. What a nice way to top off a wonderful meal.