Despite owner Jean-Georges Vongerichten ambitiously opening a slew of eateries over the past few years, it is easy to see that his heart still lies in this, his first-born bistro-child. Several years after her facelift, Jo Jo’s has lost none of her luster – the dining room is as elegant and refined as a fine French Madame and in fact, the word ‘sexy’ lingers at the tip of my tongue. Maroon is the palette of choice, here used to accent plush curtains, leather chairs and carpeting. Small palms further enhance the elegant setting, matched by the trees that line the Upper East Side street this restaurant calls home.

Of the intriguing appetizers, the Tuna Spring Roll with fresh soyBean coulis , Crab with Bean Sprouts, avacado and tamarind dressing comes highly recommended as does the Goat Cheese and Potato Terrine with baby lettuce and arugula juice. With only seven entrees, the list is short and sweet and runs the gamut of Prawn with beets and ginger citrus vinaigrette, Sirloin Steak with gingered mushrooms, white asparagus and soy caramel sauce and Rack of Lamb dusted with seven spices cucumber mint relish, to name a few.

To say that Vongerichten is ambitious would be an understatement, the French culinary maestro earned four stars at New York’s Lafayette Restaurant at the age of 29 and shortly afterwards ventured forth to open Jo Jo’s.

Now well over ten years old, the resto shows no sign of slowing down especially when its chef continues to impress with his unique take on French haute cuisine, often infusing it with Asian flavors, among other surprises. Still as popular as ever, Jo Jo’s is only getting better with age.