Michelin starred

Akoko, London, 2/19/26

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exterior – 21 Berners Street, London, GB W1T 3LP

Akoko is a medium-sized place serving West African food created by Chef Aji Akokomi.  They offer the same tasting menus at lunch and dinner with a shorter one also available at lunch.  There was one supplement of caviar on goat cheese cream which we ordered one of to share.  Wine or non-alcoholic pairings are available as are cocktails and wines by the bottle and glass.  We chose to try a couple of their cocktails to go with the slightly spicy, well-seasoned food.  The long space ends in an open kitchen with 6 seats at the counter, which we were lucky to get.  The only problem with counter seating is the noise of the vent hood when combined with the background music, could get to be too much if the place fills.   We were there when it opened so it wasn’t too difficult but some of the very friendly staff were soft spoken.   It’s an attractive space and good food but not as spicy as I would have expected but then the British don’t like it too spicy.   The meal starts with a ritual hand washing, for which they bring around a bowl and water to your seat.  They do have one Michelin Star. Continue reading →

Amâlia Restaurant, Paris, 1/25/26

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exterior – 32 Rue De La Fontaine Au Roi, Paris, FR 75011

Amâlia was opened in 2024 by Italian Chefs Cecilia Spurio and her husband Eugenio Anfuso.  They bring to classic French cooking a little Italian influence with the diner being the grand recipient of the fun dishes.  She was a lawyer that became an award winning pastry chef and she combines her talents with his Michelin starred cooking experiences to a produce a wonderful dining experience.  They offer 2 tasting menus with one being vegetarian.  We chose the Grand menu and it was a fantastic.  The small place had about 12 tables with white tablecloths and first rate service.  We scored a seat right next to the open kitchen where we could watch the dishes being assembled, with both chefs in the kichen.  Two supplements were offered, one to add truffles (which were brought out to see in their box) and/or caviar.  We declined both but did enjoy a cocktail as we looked over the wine list before the meal.   They have a one Michelin star rating and this is another fine place to put on your list. Continue reading →

Maison Dubois, Paris, 1/24/26

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exterior – 2 Rue De Vienne, Paris, FR 75008

Maison Dubois is the creation of Chef Arthur Dubois, who among other places worked as Sous Chef for 8 years at Pierre Gagnaire.  His small place has just 6 tables and a private room for up to 6 persons.  The large tables are draped with 2 cloths and large matching napkins.  The pink undercloth meets the floor where its pink tones coordinate with the pink carpet and columns.  One wall has a low bookcase filled with cookbooks and another wall is a combination of glass and mirrors that looks into the private dining room.  The upholstered chairs are in gray or pink and match the color of the drapes covering the windows to the street.  Chef Dubois was there to greet guests and also there to send them off with a bag of treats.  He and other kitchen staff served some of the courses along with the friendly and amazing service staff.  They had a limited bar menu but a good wine list and offered the choice of 2 tasting menus or a la carte dining.  We chose the longer tasting menu, started with a glass of champagne and then ordered our own bottle of wine to go with dinner.  It couldn’t have been a nicer experience.  The food was fantastic and so was the personalized service (it’s old-school with ladies receiving menus without prices).  I would definitely put this one on your list to visit. Continue reading →

Plenitude, Paris, 1/21/26

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hotel lobby – Cheval Blanc, 8 quai du Louvre, Paris, FR 75001

Plenitude was the 3 Michelin Star restaurant in the Cheval Blanc hotel where Chef Arnaud Donckele has made his sauces the lead in his dishes.  The food was made to elevate the sauce rather than the other, usual way of things.   It led to strong sauces which were left on the table if you desired more and instructed to eat a spoonful of sauce before you start any dish.  Open Tuesday to Saturday, the small restaurant books about 6 months out.  The hotel has 4 restaurants and at least one of them was also under the leadership of Chef Donckele.  He made an appearance in the dining room but did not visit with each table.  The evening starts with a walk through the wine cellar which was a long glassed in hallway with wine storage on either side.  At the end of the hall was a small private room that you can book for personal events – I just love starting with a sales pitch.   You are then seated at your large white cloth covered table and snacks begin to arrive before you even get the menu.  There were 2 menu options, The Symphony which is the chef’s pick of seaonal dishes (6 courses, cheese and extras – 495€) or the Sail Away Together where you chose 3 savory, 1 sweet and a cheese course (€475, sorry I didn’t get a photo).  The Symphony offered 2 levels of wine pairings.   We ordered a cocktail to start, to go with the snacks while we looked over wine and food options.  There were about 10 tables, well-spaced in the semi-circular room and probably more servers than guests, even with all tables taken.  We chose the Symphony menu and while the menu told you the essence of the food there was a flip menu detailing what all went in each sauce.  The place had a stylish feel but was ridiculously expensive for most people and even so had some service issues.  For me it had too much an elitist feel with the sincerity – just too showy.   The food was good but heavy and I’m not sure any made me want to ‘lick the plate’ – which would have been fun just to turn some heads.  I’m glad I got to try it but you won’t run into me there a second time. Continue reading →

Aldehyde, Paris, 1/21/25

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exterior – 5 Rue Du Pont Louis-philippe, Paris, FR 75004

Aldehyde was in the Marais district and the name references the distinctive character of Chef Youssef Marzouk’s cuisine – French cuisine infused with Tunisian influences.  This is his first solo restaurant but he comes from a restaurant family with his father a pastry chef and mother a restauranteur.  The small place has been open a year and a half and has one Michelin star.  The natural wood tables were in a room with exposed stonework, windows to the street,  music in the background, art on the walls, a dark ceiling and open kitchen.  The street it was on was filled with interesting little shops.  At lunch they served a blind tasting only, of 4 courses.  At dinner they have 5 and 7 course tastings.  There was no printed menu before or after and with my lacking French the descriptions are the best I could decifer.  We enjoyed some wines by the glass with the tasting.  The food was all well seasoned with the tasting well paced and portioned.  I would recommend the place if you’re open to surprise. Continue reading →

Vern’s, Charleston, 12/3/25

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exterior – 41 Bogard St, Charleston, SC 29403-5760

Vern’s serves contemporary American cuisine in a small restaurant and received a Michelin star in Nov. 2025.  Daniel and Bethany Heinze opened Vern’s in July 2022 and named it after his late grandfather.  We were at Vern’s in Feb 2023 and had a great dinner but planned this trip too late to get a regular reservation.  However, they were hosting  a collaboration dinner called Volume’s that we could get a reservation for, so we did.  The dinner was in combination with 10 years of Maloof Wines and BLVCK SVM, a rapper from Chicago.  This was a new one for me as I’ve been to other collaborations with chefs and vintners but to introduce music was another level.  The was BLVCK SVM’S Michelin Man album from which he chose 2 selections to play with each course and they repeated if necessary.    It was one seating for about 24 at a long table with Sam talking with each guest and the Maloof folks presenting their wines.  The group of people was wonderful, as we were all into food experiences but the food tonight was a more mixed end result than what Vern’s is capable of.   I would still strongly recommend this restaurant and encourage you to try one of these collaborations if you can, but it’s hard for all parts to shine in the circumstances.  (It was also quite dark, which made photography difficult, so apologies for the photos). Continue reading →

Mamani (update), Dallas, 12/2/25

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exterior – 2681 Howell St, Ste BU4, Dallas, TX 75204

We were at Mamani a few days after it opened in Sept 2025 and have wanted to visit again.  Since we were there, they were awarded a Michelin star, one of only 2 handed out in Dallas.  Chef Christophe De Lellis knows what he’s doing as do owners Brandon and Henry Cohanim.   The place physically had not changed but the service was now quite polished and coordinated.  Chef De Lellis was in the kitchen and this visit we got a front row table with a show to go with our meal.  Last visit (you can read about it by clicking here) I was impressed but this visit was blow-away good.  It’s pricy but well worth every penny.  Top notch ingredients and fantastic preparations made it work for me.  The new Michelin recognition will make it harder to get a reservation but do try.  I hope you will be as thrilled as I was. Continue reading →

The Inn at Little Washington (update), Washington, VA., 11/13/25

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exterior – Middle and Main Streets, Washington, VA 22747

We were at The Inn at Little Washington in April 2021 (you can read that by clicking here). They have finished the construction of their casual restaurant across the street and we also went there this trip – Patty O’s – and they’re now working on numerous other projects which we found out about on the facilities tour that is offered when you stay there. A new employee parking lot was under active construction as was a pool and a spa/wellness building that’s coming after that, complete with acupuncture!  On the tour we also got to feed some of the animals that live on site but they are not ever featured on the menu. Chickens, goats, sheep, llamas and geese that parade through the streets with their keeper. On the food side they are planning new areas for seating including wine cellar dinners. However all this didn’t keep their third Michelin star when the newest ratings were announced- they dropped to 2-stars despite Chef/Owner Patrick O’Connell being ever present on property. It’s worth a visit just to see the heavily decorated place and the food is good. Each diner has the choice of 3 tasting menus equally priced with optional wine pairings. I like that only supplement option was a cheese course and that the tasting moves along at a good pace.  Hope you’ll let me know what you think if you go. Continue reading →

Enclos, Sonoma, CA., 11/7/25

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building – 139 E Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476

Enclos opened in late 2024 and received 2 Michelin stars and a Green Star in summer of 2025, putting Sonoma on the map with Healdsburg and Elk.    Mac and Leslie McQuown who started the 16 acre Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards and Winery 20 years ago,  are the proprietors.  Now Enclos relies heavily on these organic gardens to help inspire the seasonal menus.   Executive Chef Brian Limoges developed an appreciation for coastal foods and cooking in his native New Hampshire before moving to San Francisco in 2013 where he worked as Sous Chef at Atelier Crenn, Quince and Saison, to name a few.    The restaurant, whose front yard contains 100-year old olive trees,  is in a Victorian home on the Plaza of Sonoma.  Inside, the small 2 rooms can seat about 28 people per night with a large open kitchen at one end of the space.  High coved ceilings are in both rooms filled with woods, modern light fixtures and art.   Some bench seating accompanies the interestingly cut bare wood tables.  All guests receive the same tasting menu with no optional supplements other than wine pairings.  There is some patio seating with a different, more casual menu available for wine club members.  Chef Limoges wants to create an experience for his guests and each table receives a hand drawn card by Larry Nadeau, Dining Room Manager.  Ours, of course featured Frankie -who lounged with it on a silver tray while we ate –  a thoughtful touch for the fun evening. Continue reading →

Harbor House (update), Elk, CA., 9/11 & 12/25

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from the back – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA., 95432

This blog has multiple posts about Harbor House in the Mendocino area of California, but it is a current favorite so you, dear reader have to put up with another post about our recent visit.  If you want to see other meals you can click here for one in 2025, 2024, 2023 or 2022.  The setting is spectacular, being on the coast and the drive there through the twisting mountain roads is beautiful.  The Inn, where the restaurant is located, is an old lodge built with redwoods and decorated with abalone shells and Michelin men, as the restaurant has 2 Michelin stars as well as a Michelin Green award for sustainability.  The tasting menu is not my usual in-your-face smack of flavor but instead offers the delicate flavors of ultra fresh and locally sourced ingredients.  Their farm raises many of their herbs and vegetables and local fisherman supply the seafood portions.  Chef Matthew Kammerer forages for sea lettuce and other ingredients and shares the how-to information with his incredible staff.  Unfortunately Chef Kammerer was away this weekend but Chef Sam Miller-Hicok and the team made us two fantastic meals with a good bit of variation from one night to the next.  We were also happy to meet the new Beverage Director Todd Brinkman, Service Director Adam Merchant and superb server Sequoia.  I truly hope that you’ll be able to have a dinner there soon – you will love it. Continue reading →

Aubergine (update), Carmel, CA., 7/11/25

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entrance – Monte Verde & 7th Ave., Carmel, CA 93921

We last visited Aubergine in August 2023.   The tiny restaurant is in L’Auberge Carmel Hotel, a Relais & Châteaux under the direction of Executive Chef Justin Cogley.  He strives to have his guests enjoy a broad combination of flavors and textures and he and the restaurant have won numerous awards for their efforts.  They serve a blind tasting menu 5 nights a week in two seatings for 5 tables.   Since we were last here they were awarded the second Michelin star (2024)  after earning their first in 2019.   They offered only one supplement to the menu, midway through the meal, offering to substitute Japanese A5 Wagyu for the Nebraska ribeye that was on the menu.   Music was in the background and the lights were lowered but sun does come in throught the large curtain covered windows, especially in the summer.  The cozy room is only slightly disturbed by the regular parade of people coming and going to the hotel, patio or bar.  A large cabinet shields some of this.   Service was superb with someone making the circle around the large center floral display and watching for needs at any table.  The pacing and portion control of  the tasting was spot on and the food was fantastic.  If you can get here, do, it’s worth the trip. Continue reading →

Chez Noir (update), Carmel, CA., 7/10/25

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exterior – 5th Ave, Between Dolores And San Carlos St, Carmel, CA 93921

It’s been 2 years since we visited Chez Noir and husband and wife team Chef Jonny and Monique Black have changed the format slightly but the quality is just as high.   They have one Michelin Star and Chef Jonny was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef California.   Chef Jonny has had extensive experience working fine dining places such as Per Se, Quince, Pineapple and Pears, Noma and Clove Club to name a few.  They were also a finalist for the Beard Foundation’s Best New Restaurant in 2024.  The small dining room is cozy and supplemented with seats on the courtyard and 8 at the attached bar.  They are only open for dinner, closed Sunday, and release reservations the first of the prior month.  They go fairly quickly for weekends but will try to work with walk-ins very early or later in the evening.  They serve only a 4 course tasting menu with choices for 3 of the courses and some optional supplemental courses.  There are also monetary supplements applied for some of the menu options.  Each tasting will also come with fabulous amuse bouche and some extra dessert treats.  While I loved the format we had with the “let us cook for you” option in 2023 (read about here),  this new one was fine and the food and service were fantastic so definitely put this on your list now. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 5/10/25

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back of Harbor House – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Whether you stay in the main house or one of the cottages at Harbor House you often have required 2 or 3 night stays.  Dinner can be in your room or this site has some other restaurants in the area but your best bet is to eat 2 nights at their restaurant.  When you let them know, Chef Matt Kammerer and his team will try and change the menu for you the second night but when possible he will also repeat those courses you ask to have again.   We’ve done the 2 night dinners many times but this one they knocked it out of the park with variation while still serving the quality of food we have come to love.  It’s hard to explain the purity of flavor and the seeming simplicity of the dishes (especially when I know how many steps were involved in the process) but it is always a glorious meal that leaves you feeling satisfied even though you know it was really healthy too.  Combined with the fantastic staff and beautiful setting I can’t encourage you enough to go and try it.  The Santa Rosa airport is about a two and half hour drive away and the twisty road through the mountains is gorgeous.  Then being from Texas it’s also thrilling to watch the temperature drop as you leave the valley and cross the mountains.  If you regularly read this blog you’ll see this place again many times and that speaks volumes. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 5/9/25

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exterior – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Harbor House is undoubtedly one of my very favorite restaurants and so we try and visit often.  It’s been several months and a different season so it’s fun to see what’s new on the menu.  Staying at the Harbor House is the best way to go – the view is beautiful as is the property and they’ve been working on upgrades to the rooms and bathrooms.   Their ranch/farm is in full production which along with other local fisherman and ranchers give them access to top quality ingredients. The food has a purity to it without 25 ingredients on each dish and smears, foams and unnecessary green garnishes.   Sommelier Jason Chin has taken over the wine program and will find you a fine wine in your price range to go with the tasting menu.  As they require a 2 night stay you can look forward to another Harbor House meal in a few days!  Hope you’ll go and tell them Frankie sent you. Continue reading →

Cyrus Restaurant, Geyserville, CA., 5/8/25

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building – 275 CA-128, Geyserville, CA 95441

Cyrus reopened and was inspired to make the fine dining meal there a journey that mimics a dining experience in a home.  You start with cocktails and a welcoming treat then move to the kitchen where you interact with the chefs and then into the dining room with a final stop in the Chocolate Room.  Co-owned by Chef Douglas Keane it serves modern California cuisine and has one Michelin star. Keane opened the place in 2005 at a Hotel in Healdsburg naming it for Cyrus Alexander an early settler of Sonoma County  The hotel changed ownership and he sold the restaurant in 2012, but retained the name. In 2020 Keane acquired the ground floor of a prune-packing plant.  The modifications were hindered by the Covid pandemic and it finally reopened in Sept. 2022 and received one star in Dec.  Private investors now own the 6 acre property and hope to add a 6-room hotel on the second floor as well as an orchard and herb garden.  It’s a large, very modern structure with friendly staff and very good food on the long tasting menu. If you find yourself in the area I’d get a reservation – I’m not a fan of the moving-around concept but the food here is good. Continue reading →

Single Thread Restaurant (update), Healdsburg, CA., 5/7/25

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exterior – 131 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Single Thread was first visited in Dec. 2018 when it had just been elevated to a 3 Michelin star rating.   The physical room has aged well and the service is still first-rate.  This trip we ‘shot the wad’ and stayed in one of their upstairs guest rooms.  There are 5 of them, all nice-sized, very modern and a good bit of food comes with your room in the form of snacks and breakfast, which was on par with dinner.  Chef Kyle Connaughton and wife/Head Farmer Katina bought the property and a 5-acre farm in 2014, opened the restaurant in 2016 and the farm now provides much of the produce served in the 10-course tasting menu.  The farm-to-table menu has major Asian influences to it and a seasonal theme – this one was about ‘Mid-Spring in Sonoma.’  Pairings are available as is an extensive wine list.   Nicely no supplements were offered for sale for the menu.  Everything was good but nothing crossed into the spectacular zone for me, which at this price it should.  It’s a restaurant that rates highly on many lists and one you should visit if you’re in to farm-to-table but bring your platinum card and plan to spend around 3 hours. Continue reading →

Addison Restaurant (update), San Diego, 4/9/25

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entrance – 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

The last time we ate at Addison Restaurant in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar was in Aug 2021, during Covid.  Then the restaurant had one Michelin Star and all dining was outside.  This trip we got to eat in the dining room.  The restaurant, still under Chef William Bradley, now has 3 Michelin Stars.  They serve only a 10-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings on Tues – Sat, with the last seating at 8:30.  It’s on the pricey side at $385 per person and their pairings, like the wine list, are quite marked up.  They also offered to add a separate caviar course and/or upgrade the quail course to wagyu – no prices given. We turned down both supplements, because caviar was already on the menu and we were looking forward to the quail.  The large dining room was divided by a low wall and serving table, with one portion being next to the window wall overlooking the gardens with a tile floor and the other side with carpet by the fireplace.  We were happy to sit in the more interior room but both had large white cloth-covered tables.  Our side had tables spread way apart, with the four corners offering a booth-like option.  Music from the 1980s played in the background, sometimes a bit too loudly.  The restaurant is up on a hilltop and not in the same building with the hotel so they provide transport to and from as it’s too far to walk.  After checking in with the hostess she guided us to the bar/waiting area which included outside seating too, as we were early.  The service was great, pacing varied, portion control was spot on, the room elegant and the chef came out to chat with some of the guests.  The food was very good, contained lots of luxury ingredients and attractively presented but I would have liked to see more change in the menu from the last visit.  It’s a fine dining experience but you’ll have to decide if it works in your budget. For me I’m glad I went back but don’t think I’ll go again. Continue reading →

Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube(update), Baiersbronn, 3/16/25

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restaurant building – Tonbachstraße 237, 72270 Baiersbronn, Germany

We were last at Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube in Sept 2018 (click to see that write-up), when we visited the Black Forest and stayed at Hotel Traube Tonbach.  After our visit a fire destroyed the restaurant building that is across the street from the hotel in Jan 2020.  The new facility is in the same space and reopened in April 2022.  Torsten Michel has been head chef since 2017 and they retain their 3 Michelin Star rating, which they’ve had since 1993 – the longest streak in Germany.  The dining room felt much more modern as I’m sure the kitchen is too.  The large single drape tables are widely spaced and a modern light fixture hangs from the ceiling, but most of the table light comes from the small spots above.  Large windows are on 3 of the walls and music is softly in the background.  A large floral arrangement is in the center and small matching ones are on each table.  They offer 2 tasting menus, a vegetarian tasting menu and a la carte.  Wine or alcohol-free pairings are available for each of the tastings.  Interestingly, they will do different tastings at the same table rather than the usual only one.  Service and the food are fantastic and the wine list large and reasonable.  Pacing was on the slow side but portioning spot on.  The Chef comes around to visit with guests following the savory service.   I recommend a trip to the Black Forest  where you can eat at 2 very fine restaurants, but I would also recommend staying here rather than Bareiss and letting the Traube Tonbach drive you back and forth.  Put this on your to-go list! Continue reading →

Restaurant Bareiss (update), Baiersbronn, 3/15/25

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entrance – Hermine-Bareiss-Weg 1, 72270 Baiersbronn, Germany

We first ate at Restaurant Bareiss in 2018 (click to see that here).  It is the 3-Michelin star restauant under Chef Claus-Peter Lumpp.  He has been here since March of 1992 and it was awarded the third star in 2007 up from the 2 it had held since 1985.  It’s in the Hotel Bareiss which is a massive complex of buildings.  They are closed Mon-Wed but offer lunch as well as dinner Thurs – Sun, which makes reservations for one of the 8 tables a bit easier.  We did the tasting menu at lunch this visit and stayed at their hotel, rather than using the complimentary transportation between it and the other 3 star in the Black Forest.  The dining room had been updated with a new ceiling fixture but there was still a fabulous flower arrangement in the center of the room.  One advantage of lunch is being able to see out the windows that circle the room, into the outside gardens.  The girls working in the room have an updated version of traditional dress while the men wear formal attire.  No music was in the room that held large well spaced double-clothed tables.  Service was as outstanding as the food.  At lunch they offer a shorter lunch menu, the dinner tasting menu(which we got) and a la carte options.  It’s a long meal but well worth the effort of getting there to enjoy it. Continue reading →

Restaurant JAN, Munich, 3/13/25

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entrance – Luisenstraße 27, 80333 München, Germany

Restaurant JAN, opening in 2022, was the creation of Chef Jan Hartwig.  This is Hartwig’s first own restaurant, previously having been a chef at the 3 Star Restaurant Atelier (where we ate in 2018)  as well as the author of a cookbook.  The well-lit dining room can seat up to 40 guests and there is a private dining room in addition.  The open kitchen is at one end of the main room with some of the tables set to the side where there is no view of the kitchen.  Windows to the street were shuttered and modern art is on the light walls.  Natural woods make up the doorways, ceiling and floor with the dark un-clothed wood tables varying in size.  Rock music was in the background and Chef Hartwig was in the house and came out to speak with his guests.   He has already received a Michelin 3 star rating at this new place – just 6 months after it opened.  His “7” (there are lots of extras) course tasting menu is only offered 4 days a week.  There are several supplemental dishes offered as well as wine pairings.  The attractive room is sparse but the food is lovely.  Get a reservation if you can. Continue reading →

Gourmet Restaurant Ophelia, Konstanz, Germany, 3/14/25

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Restaurant part of hotel – Seestraße 25, 78464 Konstanz, Germany

The Gourmet restaurant Ophelia is in the Hotel Riva on Lake Constance.  In 2010 Dirk Hoberg became head chef of the newly opened restaurant with a philosophy of “better always trumps good”, and with that he combines treasures from the local region with the finest international ingredients.  They have a two Michelin star rating.  The space is a 1909 villa next to the very modern hotel with music in the background, well-spaced cloth-covered tables, lowered lighting, bench seating on one wall, a beautiful old wood floor, art on the wall, windows to the gardens and a long service table running down the middle of the room.  You enter into a lounge area where some folks choose to have a drink  and their first snacks.  We proceeded directly to the table  in the rectangular room with the open kitchen on one end.  Four seats were at a counter over-looking the kitchen although I did not see a lot of interaction it did have a better view of the action. They offer one tasting menu with two optional additional courses and one upgrade on an existing course.  The pacing was a bit slow but service was friendly and helpful.   The food was very good even though it seemed to have a standard of added foams at the table.  We chose the upgrades and additions but ordered our own wine rather than the pairings.  I would put this one on your list to visit. Continue reading →

Essigbrätlein In Nürnberg, Nuremberg, 3/12/25

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exterior – Weinmarkt 3, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Essigbrätlein was a small restaurant in the historic part of Nuremberg.  They offered a tasting menu where vegetables are the main ingredients, showcasing local produce.  They have been awarded 2 Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star (for sustainability).  Chef Andree Köthe opened the restaurant in 1989 and won his first star in 1999 and the second in 2007.  He also was named Chef of 2012 in Germany by Gault and Millau.  Chef Yves Ollech joined Köthe in 1997 and Sommelier Ivan Jakir joined in 1999.  Together this trio presents a fabulous option to the standard tasting menu full of luxury ingredients and instead features the finest produce of the area.  The small dining room had bench seating along the walls facing nice sized white clothed tables.  The walls were dark wood, wood beams were in the ceiling, the wood floor was covered with rugs, and no music was in the background.  The windowless room had some dividers between tables, some mirrors on the walls and a mural on the wall above the door to the kitchen.  Their tasting menu was available in 5, 6 or 7 courses with optional wine pairings.  We chose the 7-course tasting with a bottle of white and glass of red toward the end.  The matches were great with decent size pours on the by the glass.  Service was as outstanding as the food.  This hidden gem of a restaurant has been discovered by Michelin and now you need to put it on your list to discover. Continue reading →

VelascoAbella, Madrid, 3/1/25

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exterior – C. de Víctor Andrés Belaunde, 25, Chamartín, 28016 Madrid, Spain

VelascoAbella is the creation of Chef Óscar Velasco and his wife Chef Montse Abellá, which opened just over a year and a half ago.  We first enjoyed Velasco’s cooking at Santceloni and some of the menu has dishes related to that time. Abellá’s background is as a pastry chef but she is also in charge of the front of the house and she, with her bubbly personality, is perfect in that role. The couple was at the front door to greet their guests.  It’s a medium sized place with light colors and lowered lighting.  The ample tables are draped with white linen and windows look out into some gardens with music in the background.  They offer an a la carte menu with full and half portions as well as a tasting menu.  The really fun twist here is that they offer you the option to pick what you want to be on the tasting menu (6 dishes and 2 desserts) rather than a set menu.  If you want a bit more they can add in an extra course.  It’s the ultimate customization and when Abellá comes around to take your order she will help with your decisions.  They had a special of the baby peas that night and we added that to our tasting.  They have one Michelin star and are a place I’d highly recommend and will happily return to when in Madrid. Continue reading →

Saddle, Madrid, 2/28/25

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exterior – C. de Amador de los Ríos, 6, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain

Saddle was a large elegant place that has been awarded one Michelin star.  There was a good sized bar area in addition to the main dining room and upstairs are 5 private dining rooms.  In 2019 it took over the space formally held by the legendary Jockey restaurant, which served Spanish cusine.  Saddle was about classic recipes and dining experiences – with lots of service and tableside action. It was created as an alternative to the tasting menu options, that dominate fine dining, offering full and half portions where you can create your own tasting.  The menu is seasonally based so it changes twice during each season as well as featuring nightly specials.  They do have a tasting menu but you must reserve it in advance, which we did, and that booking is non-refundable.   In the dining room the large round tables had floor length cloths with one side of the room looking out at some gardens and the other side into the lovely bar.  At the end of the room was a large glass looking into the kitchen that was full of toque-topped chefs.  A wide plank wood floor was opposite a high glassed in ceiling decorated with a metal sculpture.  Music in the bar bled into the dining room for a nice background.  Service was exceptional as was the food but the meal took about 3 hours even with quick service.  Portioning was spot on.  Thumbs up here. Continue reading →

DiverXo, Madrid, 2/27/25

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entrance- NH Eurobuilding, C. del Padre Damián, 23, Chamartín, 28036 Madrid, Spain

We went to Diver XO in Feb 2013 when it was in another location.  Since then it has moved into the NH Collection Hotel and established a more theatrical food journey created by Chef Dabiz Muñoz.  They offer just one tasting menu with several optional pairings.   It was quite pricey, even the non-alcoholic pairings are 250€ per person.  We bought our own wine for dinner and started with a glass of vintage cava that turned out to be 35€ a glass.  Was it worth it – I don’t think so.  Our 2013 visit I remembered the food as phenomenal and the setting funky and fun.  They’ve gone upscale now with huge linen draped tables all surrounded by sheer curtains, large stuffed chairs in pink or cream, tons of props, designated clothing for food or beverage staff, and full color cards for each course.  No music was in the background and it was very bright.  I am a fan of food and flavor and not theater but it continues to be a trend in Michelin restaurants and this one has 3 stars.  That said, nothing was bad but nothing was killer and I would not visit again, but I had to see what all the fuss was about.  You’ll be well taken care of if you go and it’s a unique experience but enter into it with eyes open, as well as your wallet.  One more note, the staff spoke good English but some was very heavily accented and hard to understand the descriptions. Continue reading →

OSA, Madrid, , 2/26/25

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exterior – C. de la Ribera del Manzanares, 123, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain

OSA offers a single tasting menu, with long (20-22 dishes) and short (14-15 dishes)versions in a small 2-story house.  Chefs Jorge Muñoz and Sara Peral, who both previously worked at Mugaritz, are the drivers of this seasonal menu with French and Japanese influences.  The two dining rooms on the main floor can accommodate up to 20 guests at 5 tables.  The large open kitchen is also on this floor and shines with much stainless steel and marble.  There is a terrace upstairs and a small room with a fireplace that looks into the large glassed wine cellar and cabinet of pickling/preserving products.  We started our long tasting up there with a tour of the wine cellar and our first 4 charcuterie snacks with a glass of Spanish cava.  They had a fire going and it was fun to explore all the projects waiting to made into dishes for our plates.  In the dining room the large tables were covered with white cloths and adorned with vases of orchid blooms.   Different music was downstairs than upstairs but the lighting was brighter – possibly due to overhead spots and light walls.  The meal was a long one but the service was exceptional and the pacing great, however some of the courses need to be scaled down and we asked that to happen about 2/3 into the tasting.  The food and menu are creative and tasty making it an experience I’d recommend for any adventurous eaters. Continue reading →

Restaurant CEBO, Madrid, 2/25/25

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entrance – Cra de S. Jerónimo, 34, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Restaurant CEBO was in the very modern Hotel Urban and has had one Michelin star for the last  3 years.  Chefs Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo have upped the game on this restaurant that has been here 9 years.  They offer diners two tasting menus, one Classics (160€), 11 courses, and in the evening, Season in Three Acts (220€) with 16 courses.  The menu starts in the lounge area where buying a cocktail is optional, but while in Madrid it’s a great time to taste fine Cava which we enjoyed a glass of with a few snacks.  Then there was a ‘tour’ of several boxes containing ingredients for the evening’s menu and a snack at the end.  Lastly you’re seated in the dining room where spacy music was in the background, the lights are lowered and the large tables are draped with floor length white cloths.  Glassed in wine cases separated parts of the room with a shiny black floor.   The room was geometric with all the shapes but warm with all the woods.  Service was quite nice, they spoke good English and the pacing was rapid but not rushed.   The food had a few misses but mostly was quite good.  Let me know what you think if you check it out. Continue reading →

Mountain, London, 1/26/25

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exterior – 16-18 Beak St, London W1F 9RD, United Kingdom

Mountain  was a medium sized place in Soho by Tomos Parry, with a large open kitchen in back.  The bar counter also had seats and there is bar on another floor.  Opening in July 2024 it’s a fairly loud place packed with people and loud music with a beat.  The small, close light wood tables were below exposed ductwork and a wide plank wood floor.  Noise panels were in the ceiling but between the kitchen, people and music it was a struggle to communicate.  With the lights dimmed, the vibe is casual with paper napkins and metal columns obstructing the traffic flow.  Photos were on the wall, they have one Michelin star and a huge wine list.  The service was helpful and friendly and didn’t seem to care that we were older than most of the other patrons.  The menu was comprised of various-sized dishes meant to be shared and that is what we did.  We started with one of their many cocktails and then moved to wine.  The food was mixed. Continue reading →

SOLA Soho, London, 1/25/25

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entrance – 64 Dean St, London W1D 4QQ, United Kingdom

SOLA was a small place, about 8 tables, featuring Victor Garvey’s California cooking.  It has one Michelin star and opened in 2019.   Bench seating backs up to plants and windows on the long wall of the restaurant.  A couple small tables are opposite next to some wine cabinets and the end has an arced banquet.  Large round tables are covered with white cloths and brown leather placemats with the starched napkin held in plaster hands.  Music was in the background.  They offer one tasting with optional wine pairings (two levels).   We ordered our own wine but the wine list is very small and oddly chosen and the wine glasses quite clunky.  The wine and cocktails are all badly over-priced and the Old Fashioned we started with was very sweet.  Staff were all friendly but the vibe seemed odd to me.  Nothing was bad but nothing was outstanding either. Continue reading →

Muse by Tom Aikens, London, 1/24/25

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building – 38 Groom Pl, London SW1X 7BA, United Kingdom

Muse is the restaurant where Chef Tom Aikens returned to fine dining in a 23-cover 2 floor Georgian townhouse.     Opening in 2020 he was quickly awarded one Michelin star.  The menu focuses on memories of his personal life and culinary career with a seasonal emphasis.  He primarly serves foods from local and sustainable sources.  The building was in a residential looking neighborhood with a lovely reception room, bar and small kitchen on the arrival floor.  Upstairs was the small dining room and 6 counter seats facing the kitchen where he actually cooked our lunch.  The menu offered 2 tastings and a couple supplemental dishes using Urbani truffles and/or N25 caviar.  (The menu has a cute pop-up of the building in the middle.)  We chose the shorter tasting, no supplements and our own beverages rather than the available pairings.  Another one to put on your list when in London. Continue reading →

Aulis London, London, 1/23/25

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exterior – 16 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0BF, United Kingdom

Aulis serves only 12 guests per night at a Simon Rogan restaurant in London.  The brand also has chef’s tables in Hong Kong, Phuket and Cartmel.  Opening in Nov 2017, it was awarded one Michelin star in 2024.  Chef Charlie Taylor has been running this kitchen for 4 years and was certainly talented but also quite personable.  The restaurant is open Tues through Sat for one dinner seating and offer an additional lunch service on Fri and Sat.   In a small 2 room setting the entry room was for pre-dinner drinks and snacks and the second room held the curved Italian slate chef’s counter where dinner is prepared in front of you, with much of the produce coming from Rogan’s organic farm in the Lake District.  Music was in the background and art was on the walls.  The pre-dinner room had a variety of seating options whereas the counter had comfortable chairs nicely spaced at the deep curving counter.  As the evening went on guests begin to talk to their neighbors as well as the chefs to make a convivial atmosphere – helped by the relaxed interaction between the several chefs.   It was a wonderful experience with fabulous food,  which I would heartily recommend you try. Continue reading →

Core by Clare Smyth (update), London, 1/23/25

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exterior – 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom

Core was last visited by Frankie in 2018, just nine months after they opened.  They have made some changes to the interior, especially the bar, since that time and won a 3 Michelin star rating in 2021 as well as numerous other awards.  Some of the staff, including Chef Jonny Bone and Restaurant Director Rob Rose, are still there which maintains the excellent level of food and service you receive there.  They offer a selection of tasting menus with some supplements and wine pairings available.  It’s a bright and airy room which is now adorned with a hand-sewn copper thread on the painted walls that matches what is on the menu and the signage.  The unclothed round tables are well-spaced on a wood floor with round rugs and some curved bench seating.  Two doorways look out to the large kitchen and the chef’s table directly in front of it.  Some cabinets with books and objects are in the periphery and now a large serving table is next to the support column.  The changes in the dining room are subtle yet elegant while the bar, Whiskey & Seaweed has seen more substantial re-decorating.  It is a lovely space with tremendous food and excellent service – definitely go if you can. Continue reading →

The Ledbury (update), London, 1/22/25

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exterior – 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ, United Kingdom

The Ledbury was last visited in April of 2018  for a lunch and in Nov. 2014 for a dinner, on this blog.   It’s now been elevated to a 3 Michelin star rating under Chef Brett Graham’s direction for the last 17 years and now with Chef Tom Spenceley running the kitchen.  They offer 6 or 8 course tastings at lunch but only the 8-course in the evening with optional wine pairings.  Rennovated in 2022 they made many interior decorating changes to the dining room as well as reduced the number of seats from 55 to 45 to make space for a center serving table.   Dried plants hang from the ceiling in the lowly lit room filled with shades of beige.  The pedestal tables were set with fine white linens and table decorations that coordinated with the ceiling ones.  Staff are attentive but not intrusive and go the extra mile in service.   We were delighted to find one of the fine servers we met last year at Da Terra now working here and Chef Graham helping present many of the dishes and taking time to visit with guests.  Each dish was presented with in depth descriptions that I’m afraid I missed much of or can’t decifer my quickly written notes.  Trust me that all was good with lots of flavors and textures in the dishes.  Go if you get a chance and can afford it.  (It will set you back 275 pounds or about $340/person and then there’s the cost of beverages and service.) Continue reading →

Malagón Mercado y Tapería, Charleston, 12/5/25

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building – 33 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403-5416

Malagon Mercado y Taperia is a neighborhood spot that offers tapas as well as a market of wines and foods.  It was a awarded one Michelin Star in the inaugural 2025 ceremony for the American South.  The deep space has tables in front and along the wall for those with reservations and the long counter seats walk-ins.  Owned by Chef Juan Cassalett (who is married to the chef at Chez Nous Jill Mathias) and restauranteurs Patrick and Fanny Panella, they’ve been very busy since the recognition.    The Spanish restaurant harkens to Cassalett’s origins and offers shared plates from a number of regions with some variations on typical themes.  The fun sounding options are available with a good variety of wines by the bottle and glass as well as non-alcholic drinks.  The service was attentive and didn’t overload the small table but the food was mixed.  Still if you’re craving tapas and located in Charleston this is a great option. Continue reading →

The Kitchen Restaurant, Sacramento, 10/31/24

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building – 915 Broadway #100, Sacramento, CA 95818

The Kitchen was opened in 1991 by the Selland Group and around 2014  Chef Kelly McCown, who had worked in numerous highly regarded kitchens took the helm.  Here he assembled a fine team that continues to gather awards from many sites.  The restaurant offers a tasting menu (with several types of optional wine pairings) Wed to Sun. with a twist – you can participate in the meal’s preparation and ask for seconds.  The venue is large and the 80 people in attendance are seated at a variety of tables and some around the low counter, where you can participate in the action without having to leave your seat.  Everyone is invited to be seated at the same time so when you approach expect a line at the door.  After they take you to your assigned seat (ask for the counter) they take drink orders and invite you to start milling around and sampling from the many trays of snacks scattered throughout the room.  It’s supposed to mimic a dinner party feel but to me it was a bit chaotic and the flow of the setting did not work great for milling.  Take that with a grain of salt, as I’ve dined around more than most and have been invited into many kitchens so for some this would be quite thrilling.  I don’t enjoy cooking but for some helping prepare the plates or torching the fish would be exciting.   The concept would work better for me with a much smaller group but I can appreciate the novelty of the concept.  I was fine to stay in my seat at the counter and interact with chefs in front of me and the folks beside me while enjoying some very tasty food.  One other critique I would level though was the lack of texture in the dishes.  When you prepare that many covers it’s hard to keep the crisp or heat in a dish.  Nevertheless I appreciate the changing menu format (tonight’s theme was apples), the fine service, the show with dinner and would give the place a thumbs up to visit.  We were there on Halloween, so many of the staff and patrons were in costume. Continue reading →

Localis, Sacramento, 10/30/24

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building – 2031 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811

Localis serves a global cuisine that changes every five weeks.  They offer a twelve-course tasting menu using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.  Two levels of wine pairings are available as well as a wine list, bar and non-alcoholic beverages.  They have been awarded one Michelin star.  When the theme of the menu changes, the entire menu changes except for the 2 first snacks.  On our visit it was an Argentina theme but they have also used Portugal, Thailand or ‘something like Middle Earth’.  The counter has 2 seatings every night at 5pm and 8:15pm while table times are staggered.  I’d call it medium-sized and the dining room tables are irregularly cut pieces of wood that are attractive in a window-sided room that felt like an enclosed porch.  The background music was fairly loud and parking is on the street as you can find it.  Opening about 9 years ago, Chef Chris Barnum-Dann also serves as sommelier.  Service was friendly and helpful and portion control was good, as it’s a long menu.  The menu at your table is marked with your name and it has great descriptions of the food, if you don’t write fast, which is nice.  The courses varied in their success but overall it was a very positive experience, so I encourage you to give it a try when you are in Sacramento. Continue reading →

Harbor House Inn Restaurant, Elk, CA., 8/22&23/24

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front – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Prior to this visit we dined at Harbor House last May 2024 and Nov. 2023 but many other times as you’ll find if you search for it on this site.  We would go more often if we were a bit closer – it’s definitely at the top of our list of favorites.  The staff are all very welcoming and the meal truly deserves its 2 Michelin Star rating.  They also achieved a Green Star for their protection of the environment and no-waste ethic.  Chef Matt Kammerer and his team have created a jewel for this beautiful coastal setting which serves locally sourced proteins and ingredients harvested from their ranches.  They put great effort into creating new items for your second night but will repeat some of your favorites too.  Their wine list continues to evolve nicely under Kelly Eckel and we trusted him to select for us and he finds some wonderful choices.  The restaurant changes a few things every time we visit and this visit found carpet in the main dining room.  Another means to buffer the perfect noise level but I’m not sure I liked covering the gorgeous wood floor.  Now that most amazing staff can whiz by and you won’t even notice.  I must also mention that one of their fabulous captains, Jaclyn Bisantz won the young server competition and will now represent the U.S. in the international competition!  Quite an honor but you couldn’t find someone more deserving.  Great staff are a huge component of a restaurant’s success and I look forward to seeing every one of them again soon.  Hope I’ll see you there too! Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 5/9&10/24

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view

Harbor House Restaurant was last visited here in Nov. 2023 but there are many other write ups if you search in my posts and with good reason – it’s a fabulous place to eat and stay.  We were lucky to be able to eat in the small dining room 2 nights this trip and enjoy the spectacular cuisine prepared by Chef Matthew Kammerer and his all star staff.  From the moment you check in you are pampered with first rate service that more importantly feels like friendship with everyone there.  The facility and kitchen continue to make additions which you’ll also see in the expanding wine list.  While they offer wine pairings for the tasting menu Sommeliers Kelly Eckel and Jason Chin will assist you in selecting a wonderful wine in your price range.   They’ve also added electric shades to the dining room which allow you to still enjoy the fabulous view without the glare of the sun.  Chef Kammerer works to make differences in the tastings if you spend 2 consecutive nights but some items need repeating.  Rather than repeating I’ll post the photo from the first night and then post the different options only from the second meal.   I urge you, if you get the opportunity to go! Do it! Continue reading →

Le Sergent Recruteur, 4/20/24

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exterior – 41 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris, France

Le Sergent Recruteur has been under the direction of Chef Alain Pégouret since 2019, who brings with him years of experience with chefs like Joël Robuchon.  From an average restaurant Pégouret has evolved it into fine cuisine, earning the place one Michelin star.  The prior atmosphere was dark and medieval which has been transformed into contemporary space with stone walls, music in the background, polished wood tables, mirrors and art on the walls and windows to the street in one of which the suit of armor still stands.  It’s a long space with the kichen in the rear where you can see chef and others making great food for the guests.  At lunch they offered tasting menus with optional pairings from a menu printed with your name and the date.  From the menu you could also pick a la carte selections which we chose to do.  Either way you go, do plan to go as the food and ambiance are wonderful. Continue reading →

La Scène Thélème, Paris, 4/19/24

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exterior – 18 Rue Troyon, 75017 Paris, France

La Scène Thélème was opened in 2016 by Jean-Marie Gurné, hoping to make it a refuge for the lovers of pleasure as homage to the Abbey of Thélème.  The Scène comes in as a reference to the dual nature of the venue with the intimate theatre attached to the restaurant.  Chef Yoshitaka Takayanagi runs the kitchen that tries to merge Japanese and French influences.  The large place ambled through a number of rooms and our room held the small stage adorned with natural art.  Bench seating was along some walls that faced the small white cloth covered tables.  Being in the room with the stage our ceiling was dark with carpet on the floor whereas other rooms had lighter paint and wooden floors.   Art of straw hung from the ceilings and music was in the background.  At dinner they offer tastings of 5, 6, or 7 courses and wine pairings are available.  A caviar supplement was offered and we declined. I’d call it a mixed meal. They have one Michelin star. Continue reading →

Restaurant Alliance, Paris, 4/19/24

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exterior – 5 Rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris, France

Restaurant Alliance was visited by Frankie in March 2017 and again in April 2019, both fantastic meals.  It was good to see Chef Toshitaka Omiya and Shawn Joyeux who together started this restaurant in 2015.  The small room holds just 8 large white clothed tables that all have a view of the kitchen in the back of the room.  Music was in the background that adds to the soothing colors of the interior and the comfy stuffed chairs.  The staff are welcoming and it was fun to try the place at lunch this visit.  Lunch offers a shorter 3 or 4 course menu but  the 6 or 9 course menus from dinner are also available.  A cheese course is additional and optional.  We tried the lunch menu for which they offer pairings but Joyeux was able to pick a couple of wines by the glass to accompany our 4 course meal.  Omiya and Joyeux have also opened other ventures but this place is their soul – the heart of their alliance. Continue reading →

NHOMe, Paris, 4/18/24

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exterior – 41 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France

NHome is under the direction of Chef Matan Zaken who offers a 9 course blind tasting menu which fluctuates with the season.  His concept is to have diners sit around a single large table with a relaxed and festive atmosphere.  He did just that by setting up adjoining tables to accommodate about 20 people in a vaulted cellar in a building opposite Palais Royal.  It opened in Sept 2022 and you can see the chef’s in the kitchen from a street window but upon entering are ushered to the back stone walled room.  The lights are lowered, mirrors are on the ceiling and music was in the background.  Diners do have different start times but there is some cross talk  with the casual crowd seated around the tables.  The tasting had 2 possible supplements including a cheese course.  We didn’t opt to add the cheese course and were told by several diners we had made a huge mistake.  Cocktail as well as wine pairings are available.  They have a one Michelin star rating.  Staff were enthusiastic and super friendly and will make you welcome while serving you a fine meal. Continue reading →

Restaurant Le Gabriel, Paris, 4/16/24

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hotel exterior – 42 Av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France

Le Gabriel is the signature restaurant in La Réserve Paris Hotel under the direction of chef Jérôme Banctel.  He invites guests to take a culinary journey with him without leaving Paris, through 3 different tasting menus.   The “Escale” is a 4 course menu that is only offered at lunch, while “Virée” and “Périple” are offered as 7 or 9-course menus at dinner.  The only supplement was the addition of a cheese course and 2 levels of wine pairings were available.  La Réserve was once a private mansion built in 1854 for Napoleon III’s half brother.  The restaurant opened in 2015 quickly earned 2 stars and in 2024 it was elevated to a 3 Michelin star rating.  At the hotel door the staff will lead you through the bar and other dining rooms to the small room with just 9 well spaced white cloth covered tables.  The elegant room has an elaborate ceiling and windows to the outside along 2 walls.  The stuffed chairs all come equipped with a slide out purse holder that is hidden in the seat of the chair.  The staff were friendly, efficient and helpful while keeping the meal at a comfortable pace.  I was excited to see that Gaëtan Lacoste from Le Clarence had joined the team as Chef Sommelier. Continue reading →

Hémicycle, Paris, 4/16/24

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exterior –5 Rue de Bourgogne, 75007 Paris, France

Hémicycle, opened in August 2023 as a new restaurant from owner Stéphane Manigold under the direction of Chef Flavio Lucarini and Pastry Chef Aurora Storari.  It only took four months to earn a one Michelin star rating in addition to Storari winning the Passion Dessert Award.  The small place offered a 3, 4 or 6 course lunch menus with pairings as well as an a la carte menu.  The 3 course lunch was made from what’s fresh at the market where as the others are composed of a la carte items.  We chose the 3 course with the pairings (the bottle is with matching course).  One corner of the place was the open kitchen that was packed with people.  In the dining area were nicely spaced round marble tables and wood rectangular tables all without cloths. Music in the background, some art was on the walls as well as wood accents and the floor was stone.  Interesting light fixtures added more visual interest to the room.  The food here was mostly unattractive yet well flavored but also lacking texture.  This one I’d call interesting but I won’t be going back. Continue reading →

Bidlabu Bistro, Frankfurt, 3/11/24

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exterior – Kleine Bockenheimer Str. 14, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Bidlabu Bistro was in the middle of downtown hidden down a back alley.  It’s a fairly small place packed with small wooden tables.  When weather permits there is patio dining.  They offer only a tasting menu with meat or vegetarian and optional wine pairings.  There are 2 seatings and you are told when you make your reservation that you just have the table for 2 hours.  Bathrooms are downstairs and women are marked with cats and men with dogs – Frankie approved.  The kitchen is run by André Rickert and Patrick Löhl.  Service was friendly and the tasting did not lag.  Portion control was also good.  They have received one Michelin Star. Continue reading →

Restaurant Sonnora, Dreis, Germany, 3/10/24

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building – 1 Auf dem Eichelfeld, 54518 Dreis, Germany

Waldhotel Sonnora opened in 1978 under Chef Helmut Thieltges who achieved 3 Michelin stars for the restaurant.   Clemens Rambichler joined the kitchen in 2011 and worked for years with Thieltges as sous chef.   When Thieltges died in 2017 it was a natural progression for Magdalena and Clemens Rambichler to take over and now run the place with she managing the front of the house and he manning the kitchen.    They have retained their 3 Michelin star rating as well as renovated the hotel it is in, to be a delightful place to stay while enjoying a fabulous meal there.   Less than an hour’s drive to Luxembourg it was easily our favorite dining experience, including the breakfast that came with the room.  The classic French restaurant offers a 7-8 course tasting menu or a la carte service.  They offered wine pairings as well as one possible supplement.  We declined supplements and chose our own wine.  The dining room had well spaced large tables with windows overlooking the small town of Dreis.  Music was in the background, lots of flowers graced the various rooms, and art and mirrors decorated the walls.  Service was truly exceptional and pacing and portion control were first rate.  It was a fabulous experience and I hope that all will find a way to get there and try it.  You won’t be sorry. Continue reading →

Restaurant Vendôme in Schloss Bensberg, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, 3/9/24

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hotel – Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Kadettenstraße, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany

Restaurant Vendôme is a 2 star Michelin restaurant under the direction of Joachim Wissler in the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg since 2000.  This grand castle hotel is very close to the city of Cologne.  Chef Wissler received his first star one year after opening and the second one in 2002.  It had a 3 stars a year later but recently went back to a 2-star rating.  The hotel is huge and it actually took us a bit to locate how to get to the restaurant.  It turned out that the easiest way was to walk outside and use the entrance used by those not staying in the hotel. Still, it is a short pleasant walk depending on where your room is located.  The large dining room had some dividers between some of the tables, lowered lighting, music in the background, stone walls and floors, acoustic tile on the ceiling and the longest rolled-up napkin at your place.  They offered a 6 or 8 course tasting with a couple possible supplements, a vegetarian option and wine pairings.  We chose the 8-course tasting and added one supplement to share along with our own bottle of wine. Continue reading →

GästeHaus Klaus Erfort, Saarbrüken, Germany, 3/8/24

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exterior – Mainzer Str. 95, 66121 Saarbrücken, Germany

GästeHaus Klaus Erfort opened in 2003 and by 2008 it had achieved a 3 Michelin Star rating, but 2023 found it downgraded to 2 Stars.  Located in a large house, the elegant dining room had good-sized widely spaced double-white cloth-covered tables with heavily starched napkins, art on the walls, a lovely wood floor, dropped white acoustic ceiling and spot lighting on the tables.  They offered a tasting menu only of 4, 5 or 7 courses and wine pairings were available.  There were several rooms for seating some of which had larger tables and others set to accommodate larger parties.  Service began with a champagne cart and then the snacks started to arrive quickly.  No supplements were offered and we chose to have the “Complete” menu and order our own bottle of wine.  The pacing of the meal was variable with some fairly long pauses in the latter parts of the tasting but portion control was good.  It was a nice meal and the place was pretty but I’m not rushing back. Continue reading →

Victor’s Fine Dining by Christian Bau, Perl-Nennig, Germany, 3/7/24

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building – Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg, Schloßstraße 27-29, 66706 Perl, Germany

Victor’s Fine Dining has had Chef Christian Bau in charge of the kitchen since 1998, when it was called Victor’s Gourmet Restaurant Schloss Berg.  It was awarded a Michelin star that first year and 7 years later he became Germany’s youngest 3-Michelin star chef.  Bau studied French cuisine but after trips to Asia combined in some Japanese influences.  The restaurant is located in the Schloss Berg castle which is part of Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg.  The Renaissance castle was bombed in WWII but later rebuilt into a 5-star hotel with the restaurant on the first floor.  A more modern hotel is next door, just a short walk, and they have a lot more rooms available.   The small elegant dining room had 9 large round tables widely spaced and draped with fine white linens.  The ornate wood ceiling was opposite wide a floor of wide wood planks and stone.  A good-sized wine and liquor display cabinet is in the center of the room.  They serve a tasting menu only but you can opt to have no cheese course as well as the crab course, the evening we were there.  If you want more there were a number of supplemental courses you could add to the menu, some needing to be ordered by everyone and some individual.  We chose the “Full Experience” and declined additional courses as well as selected our own wines rather than pairings.  This was a wonderful dinner, but I think I would prefer to try his cooking without the Asian influence. Continue reading →

Hayato, Los Angeles, 2/8/24

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entrance – 1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Hayato is the Japanese restaurant of Chef Brandon Hayato Go, where 7 lucky diners are served at a counter 5 nights a week.   The Kaiseki meal of seafood and vegetables was served by Chef himself with a couple of helpers.  The light wood counter faces the cooking area which has a number of options for finishing the dishes.  Well lit with no music it is a peaceful, calm place offering much interaction with the chef.  The menu is a surprise as Chef shops for unique ingredients with impeccable quality to craft the evening’s dinner.  “Less is more”  could be a description because you won’t find fancy sauces and decorations here.  Instead, the ingredients are so pristine that they stand on their own with elegance.  Those who follow me know I’m a flavor junky but this place moves flavor to a different dimension.  Time passed quickly, as there was no lag in service and conversations flowed easily between guests and the chef.  The meal does take 2.5-3  hours and you receive a beautiful menu at the end written in Japanese and English on elegant parchment.  Service was fabulous and it’s easy to see why Michelin has awarded the restaurant 2 stars.  The price is steep for some at $350 per person but if you can get a reservation I urge you to go.  Be aware that these reservations are in such demand that they are being re-sold but that’s a scam, just be persistent and and try and try again when reservations are released on the first of the month.  It’s a fabulous experience. Continue reading →

Kato Restaurant, Los Angeles, 2/7/24

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building – 777 S Alameda St Building 1, Suite 114, Los Angeles, CA

Kato offered only a tasting menu focused on seasonality and innovation in the main dining room and a collection of classic dishes in the Bar Tasting Menu.  Chef Jon Yao, who won Food and Wine’s Best New Chef in 2018, was at the helm.  His Taiwanese menu earned a one Michelin Star rating at the reopening of the place in Feb 2022.  It previously was at a strip mall.  The L-shaped place was in some converted warehouse buildings with a large open kitchen.  Blond wood tables were under an open ceiling with wood beams, metal supports and some acoustic tiles.  Windows made up 2 walls, the lights were lowered and music was in the background.  The tasting menu has optional wine pairings and as part of the Lunar New Year celebration they were offering a pairing of cocktails made by some bartenders from the area. They also had a supplemental course you could add that was Japanese A5 Waygu beef and then you could also add a supplemental wine to go with it.  We opted for a bottle of champagne to go with dinner and a half bottle of red for the meat course.  The food was good but the service pacing was way too slow.  It was 30 minutes before we got our bottle or food started being served.  As the meal progressed more time elapsed between courses until those that arrived an hour after us caught up to our course.  Other service issues were our wine glasses were constantly empty and servers had to be reminded to pour and they picked up the napkin when you went to the bathroom but failed to replace it, but this was later in the meal but still un-Michelin.   It’s a restaurant worth eating at because the food is good but go relaxed and prepared to spend 3-4 hours. Continue reading →

Da Terra, London, 1/27/24

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building – 8 Patriot Square, London E2 9NF, United Kingdom

Da Terra means of the Earth and is a sleek modern restaurant under Chef Rafael Cagali in the Town Hall Hotel building in Bethnal Green.  Two rooms have large round tables covered with elasticated tablecloths with art on the walls.  Music was in the background, sound panels are on the ceiling and a finishing kitchen is on the end of one room (main kitchen downstairs).  Decorations vary but you’ll see lots of Mutant Ninja Turtle characters, one of which shares a name with the chef.  According to our server chef was teased about his chubby cheeks as a child in São Paulo and nicknamed ‘turtle’.  Then the Turtle characters came out and a friend sent him a Rafael and it took off from there.  He opened Da Terra in 2019 and within 8 months it had its first Michelin star.  They were awarded the Second Star in 2021.  The restaurant offers a blind tasting for which you will receive a menu at the end.  At lunch, they offer a slightly shorter tasting and we chose that avenue.  It was a lovely meal with fantastic, welcoming service and very artful beautiful food.  Chef Cagali was there and brought out several courses, explaining the culinary connections to his upbringing in Brazil adapted for Britain. Continue reading →

Humble Chicken, London, 1/26/24

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exterior –54 Frith St, London W1D 4SJ, United Kingdom

Humble Chicken is a 18-seat tasting counter with a changing menu from Angelo Sato and John Paul.  Chef Angelo Sato is inspired by his Japanese and European roots.  He moved to London at 17 and 10 years later in 2021 he opened a Yakitori bar.  It was so popular that in 2023 he elevated the concept to a tasting menu only and named it the Humble Chicken.  Well paired is Aidan Monk, Restaurant and Beverage Manager, who runs the counter operations and selects the pairings.  While young Chef Sato is personable, Monk made the evening a special event.  Seatings are staggered at 6, 7:30 and 8:45 and the timing didn’t lag to make everyone finish together.  Instead people were coming and going at the L-shaped granite counter while music pulsed in the background and soft globe lights illuminated the food nicely.  The front of the place is all windows to the street which I’m sure attracts some visitors.  The menu was on the counter but you do receive a clean copy with a tea bag at the end of the meal.  This place had good food, some great, and shows much potential in the composition so I’d recommend you try it.  Relax on the comfy seats and you’ll have a wonderful evening.  They have one Michelin star. (Note – they were awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2025 guide) Continue reading →

Ikoyi, London, 1/26/24

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building – 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom

Ikoyi combines spices of the sub-Saharan West Africa and British beef, fish and produce.  The very modern dining room has about 9 round tables and one separate party room for up to 6 guests.  Overhead are metal blinds that curve down the side of the room opposite the open kitchen.  The rich woods and soft lighting are what you’d expect from this 2 Michelin star restaurant.  Soft music was in the background as the show in the kitchen took place. One thing you’ll notice is that the heat lamps are missing – food is made and delivered quickly to the table.  Service was impeccable in the very comfortable room.  They serve only a tasting menu and usually at lunch it’s a shorter menu but on Friday everyone gets the full dinner tasting.  It’s a surprise with a menu given to you at the end of the meal.  It was a fantastic tasting but be ready to be there several hours and it is on the pricey side.  If you can swing it, put this one on your list. Continue reading →

A. Wong, London, 1/25/24

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exterior – 70 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1DE, United Kingdom

A. Wong, short for Andrew Wong, is named for the chef/anthropologist.  With a 2 Michelin star rating, they serve dim sum at lunch Wed. – Sat and “Taste of China” dinner Tues. – Sat.  According to their website, it is the first and only Chinese restaurant outside of Asia with 2 stars.  The place is spread around an L-shaped counter with tables on either end and some outside tables available when weather permits.  The large wood tables are well spaced and we were the recipient of their one table that is embossed with 2 Michelin stars.  This is a real source of pride to them as you’ll find Michelin men statues placed around, even in the bathrooms.  There are tons of people working here but the service felt hovering.  The dim sum menu is on the table when you sit down and they ask you to submit your whole order, although you can add later so that was strange.  The items are charged per piece, except the Peking Duck which was to be shared.  Overall the food was very decorative but not special enough to merit the pricing.  I thought they would have more individual sauces to go with items but instead, you have the container of hot sauce and some mild fish sauce which you can use on everything.  The Char fun did come with a sauce that we elected to keep and use on other items.  It was a disappointment in that I thought it might be more unique. Continue reading →

Evelyn’s Table, London, 1/24/24

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exterior – 28 Rupert St, London W1D 6DJ, United Kingdom

Evelyn’s Table is in the former beer cellar (or basement) of a 3 story building.  The street level is the Blue Posts pub and the top level is a wine bar with snacks.  Evelyn’s does 2 seatings for a tasting menu every night but Sunday and you have priority seating, with reservation, at the wine bar before or after your tasting.  We got a spot an hour before our late tasting and the bar supplied us with nuts and olives to eat with drinks.  The staircase is narrow leading down to the 12 seat counter, led by Chef James Goodyear.   Chef’s French training is integrated into British produce and Japanese techniques in the evolving menu.  They have a one Michelin star rating and provide you with a menu for the evening.  I found the seating uncomfortable and the diners were a wild mix.  Yes, we were the seniors there but one member of a young couple never removed their hoodie and the unaccompanied woman next to me kept her phone close to her face all night.  The 3 chefs gave nice explanations to the food but the rest of the interaction was with the girls who cleared and served.  While the food was not bad I would not call it great either.  I hope the weirdness of the evening didn’t affect my impression but I can’t really recommend this place. Continue reading →

Ritz Restaurant, London, 1/23/24

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hotel – 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom

The Ritz Restaurant was located in the Ritz Hotel which dates to 1906 and was built to be the most luxurious hotel in the land.  No expense was spared on its opulent interiors and furnishings and royalty and celebrities have dined there.  You can read more about their history if you want, it’s star-studded.  The elegant dining room was under Executive Chef John Williams who loves to highlight seasonal British ingredients. The floor-to-ceiling windows shine light on the marble columns and widely spaced, floor-draped large tables while the formally dressed staff meticulously attend to the diners.  At lunch they offer a 3, 5 or 7 course tasting with wine pairing available and you specify your preference when you make the reservation.   We opted for the longest and were happy with our choice but know that it will take 3.5 – 4 hours.  Also beware that they have a rigid dress code that is enforced.  We had read the fine print, so knew about the rules but this place really takes it seriously.  The doorman at the front didn’t even want to let some people in due to their attire.  They do not allow jeans or tennis shoes and require ties and jackets for men.  It’s the sort of requirement I’ve seen from other places and then you get there and you see plenty of jeans and sneakers.  This place takes formality to heart so know that before you go and you won’t get hassled.  We had a lovely afternoon and the staff were all super friendly; it didn’t feel stuffy or pretentious.  Most importantly the food was fabulous and beautiful.  They do have a one Michelin star rating. (Note – they were awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2025 guide) Continue reading →

Restaurant FIEF, Paris, 12/1/23

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exterior –44 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris, France

FIEF was a small place with 8 seats at the counter where you get only the 10 course tasting menu.  The other 30 other places are 4-course menus.  The name stands for “Made Here In France”.  There was no printed menu and the promised email menu never arrived. In 2022 they received a one Michelin star rating.  The long concrete counter and stools became less comfortable as the evening wore on and the purse hooks are so far under the counter the server had to put it there.   While you are seated right across from the people making your meal there is little to no interaction.  They really pushed cocktails rather than wine which I thought odd.  There was a chaos in the kitchen which I found distracting and unpleasant.  You didn’t feel stuffed since there was little richness in the food but you didn’t leave hungry.   It was a weird vibe and probably my least favorite meal of our trip. Continue reading →

MoSuke Restaurant, Paris, 12/1/23

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exterior – 11 Rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris, France

MoSuke served a cuisine that combines west and central African dishes with French and Japanese twists.  Chef Mory Sacko won France’s first Michelin star for African cuisine at just 28 years of age.  That was 2 years ago and since then he has competed on France’s Top Chef TV cooking show during the Covid lockdown.  The unassuming exterior does not match the stylized interior. Very modern and tasteful furnishings, down to the toilet in the bathroom, are made with light wood set to curved couch-like seating.  Lots of plants, fabric on the ceiling, windows to the garden alongside, modern art decorations and music in the background make up the pleasant ambiance.  At lunch, there were 2  tasting menu options, a four and six-course menus with optional wine pairings.  We chose the 6 and you had to choose between 2 dessert options, so we got one of each. The meal was paced quickly with good portion control.  There were a ton of unfamiliar ingredients so the descriptions are somewhat lacking, but overall it was interesting and fun food with some nice unusual variations. Continue reading →

Restaurant Pantagruel, Paris, 11/30/23

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exterior – 24 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris, France

Pantagruel was named for a gluttonous giant and Chef Jason Gouzy tries to honor gastronomy at his restaurant which received one Michelin Star after just 8 months of being open.  Opening in 2020 the menu was done in chapters, each with 3 parts.  That is, with each course or chapter the ingredients are presented in 3 different ways, so the diner can experience the food in several forms and textures.  The menu was composed of 6 chapters with optional wine pairings offered.   There was an optional cheese course, at an additional charge and an upgrade on one of the chapters.  We declined the cheese but chose the lobster upgrade over the fish.  It was an “L” shaped space with only about 9 tables, most clad with white clothes and set with fresh flowers.   Some semi-circle booths were on one end and smaller square tables were toward the back.  A larger irregularly shaped table was in front, lower lighting was supplemented with hanging fixtures and windows to the street in the front, and faint music was in the background.  It was a pleasant space. Continue reading →

Restaurant Jacques Faussat, Paris, 11/30/23

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exterior – 54 Rue Cardinet, 75017 Paris, France

Jacques Faussat was a small place on a quiet street with white tablecloths, American music in the background, fresh flowers, art on the walls, exposed bricks and decorative wood walls.  Chef Jacques Faussat who received one Michelin star in 2004 was originally from Gers.  He started the restaurant in 2002 and called it La Braisiére.  In 2015 he redecorated the space and named it Restaurant Jacques Faussat.  He strives to keep it simple with no more than 3 products on the plate and to choose seasonal products to serve.  At lunch, they offer a 3-course tasting menu which you can add to or substitute with, all for a price.  The price on the side was if you order it by itself and the substitution charge is noted for the various courses.  Of course, you can always just order a la carte but it can work out better sometimes with substitution, depending on what you want.  Wine pairings are also available.  One interesting thing was the rock on the table with a bar code.  It held the menu but also you could use it to pay and they gave you the option of splitting the bill.  Although this was a smallish place it was not as cozy as many of the others we went to.  At lunch, several business meetings seemed to be taking place which made it fairly noisy.  It was good but not great. Continue reading →

Mallory Gabsi, Paris, 11/28/23

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exterior – 28 Rue des Acacias, 75017 Paris, France

Mallory Gabsi was the restaurant of a semi-finalist in French TV’s Top Chef 2020, Belgian Chef Mallory Gabsi.  The very small place was furnished with small marble top tables, stuffed chairs, with music in the background, lots of beautiful light polished wood and mirrors on the wall to make it bigger.  The entry room had 2 larger communal dining tables across from the kitchen opening.  The menu at lunch offered a la carte options as well as tasting menus of 4 or 7 courses and a special 3-course lunch menu.  While they offered wine pairings we opted to order wines by the glass.  One problem with the place was the saucing.  They seemed to like to present the plate and sauce at the table but often the sauce was not with the server and so there was a lag between served and ready to try.  Places were set with a decorative spoon which stayed throughout the meal.  It was pretty but I didn’t find any sauces I wanted to use it for. While this place has one Michelin star, it didn’t do it for me, the food was as brown as the decor.  It looked elegant but was all eye candy with little flavor.  Maybe we hit it on an off-day, so I hope someone else tries it and can report a better meal. Continue reading →

Restaurant Granite, Paris, 11/29/23

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exterior – 6 Rue Bailleul, 75001 Paris, France

Granite was in the space where Daniel Rose’s Spring Restaurant used to be.  Two years ago Chef Tom Meyer started Granite which highlights local French products.  Meyer is only 30 years old but already has earned one Michelin Star for this restaurant.   On the street level was the open kitchen and some 2-top tables.  Downstairs there are more tables, which we visited under its past restaurant but didn’t go down this trip.  Ask to sit on the main floor so you can watch the huge number of people it takes to turn out your meal.   The place had a Scandinavian modern look of cut-out wooden paneling and gorgeous radial cut round wood tables.  Around this was a lowered ceiling, carpet, no music, windows to the street and excellent service.  I liked that the menu named the various people who worked there, rather than just the chef. At lunch, they offered a special 3-course menu but also longer tasting of 5, 7, and 8-course tasting menus all with the option of adding a cheese course.  We chose the 7-course with a couple of glasses of wine.  I freely admit I didn’t get all the ingredients down in my notes and cannot read many of the notes I scribbled but trust me you won’t care either – the flavors are that good.  In addition, the presentations were beautiful and felt simple rather than fussy.  A great meal. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant, Elk, CA., 11/2/23

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exterior – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Harbor House Restaurant is a favorite of ours, if you haven’t guessed due to the frequency of its write-ups.  It’s a bit of an effort to get to but with a direct flight from Dallas to Santa Rosa, CA airport (named for Charles Schultz and decorated with Peanuts characters), then pick up a rental car and it’s a 2 hour drive filled with wonderful scenery including forests, grape vines, grazing animals, coastal vistas and lots of fun twisty roads.  When you go, try and arrange to stay at the Harbor House Inn.  A lovely historic place, the building sits on the coastline and overlooks the water and some of the restaurant’s gardens.  The staff at the Inn and the restaurant are all first-rate and will make you feel like VIPs.  The accommodations have great linens and a superb breakfast is included with your stay.  Chef Matthew Kammerer has recruited wonderful people to be a part of your experience and the wine list is growing under the tutelage of Wine Director Kelly Eckel (beverage pairings are optional).   It’s not inexpensive ($285/pp) but it’s worth every penny to be able to enjoy a 2 Michelin-star meal filled with fresh fabulous flavors without the stuffy atmosphere that so often is part of it.  The room is small (just 20 people) so book now.  (No, I’m not on the payroll but when I find some magical, I want everyone else to enjoy it too.) Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant, Elk, CA., 8/24/23

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interior – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

The restaurant at Harbor House has been on this site numerous times (3/23, 11/22, 3/22, 7/22, 7/21, 8/20) but I never get tired of taking photos and writing descriptions of the exquisite food produced in the 2- Michelin-star kitchen of Matthew Kammerer and his team.  The Harbor House Inn is situated on a beautiful piece of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and jutting rocks.  The 1916 Craftsman-style house has around 20 ocean view seats for this Coastal-cuisine-focused tasting menu experience that is not to be missed.  The place also received a Michelin Green Star for the sustainable nature of its processes.  Now there are 2 farms raising produce for the restaurant and local farms and fishermen supply the rest.   The staff treat all like royalty and the food is as delicious as it is stunning.  With the addition of Sommelier Kelly Eckel, who most recently was at Single Thread, there should be some exciting new additions to their wine list also.  I urge you to plan a trip here, stay a couple nights and enjoy the very fine food and ambiance.  I know I’ll be back soon and post it again here. Continue reading →

Chez Noir, Carmel by the Sea, 8/12/23

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Exterior – 5th Ave between Dolores and, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Chez Noir was the result of the husband and wife team collaboration of Jonny and Monique Black.  He runs the kitchen and she manages the front of the house, both with lots of fine dining experience.   The craftsman house that holds the 36-seat restaurant also houses the couple above it.  Out front are enough patio tables for 22 more guests that also can be reserved.  Another 8 seats are in front of the small bar in a separate interior room.  A small seasonal menu relies on local products but they also offer a “let us cook for you” option.  They call it a shareable feast and it is.  The whole table must participate and wine pairings are offered.  It is a fantastic way to sample much of the menu and I heartily recommend it.  It is relatively new on the dining scene of Carmel, opening in Oct. 2022 and already has one well-deserved Michelin Star.  Trust me, this is a fabulous place to go if you get the opportunity. Continue reading →

Aubergine (update), Carmel, 8/11/23

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exterior –L’Auberge Carmel, 7th avenue Monte Verde St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Aubergine has re-done the dining room since we were there in 2019 (in 2020 we were there but it was during the pandemic and we ate outside) and it looks even better.  It has fewer tables but they’ve added some upstairs and dining outside is a regular option for the 5 nights a week they are open.  Chef Justin Cogley runs the kitchen with skillful pastry chef Yulanda Santos to offer an ever-changing 8-course tasting menu.  (There was an optional Japanese A5 wagyu supplement that night which we took).  A huge wine cellar supplements the meal as does the full bar.  They have maintained the Michelin Star they earned in 2019.   Music is in the background and artistic fish swim around the walls for the 5 tables in the dining room.  Gone are the dark beams above but they’ve added a cabinet for glassware and burled wood center fixture topped with candles and flowers.  The staff are all friendly and ready to help with any requests.  Chefs bring out some of the plates and explain them.  It was a wonderful dining experience and I recommend it to anyone who can get there. Continue reading →

SAISON (update), San Francisco, 7/7/23

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entrance – 178 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94107

SAISON had been a favorite restaurant of ours for years but had gradually drifted away from yummy so we haven’t been back since 2016.  The introduction of a new team lead by Chef Richard Lee sparked our curiosity and so we decided to re-visit and are so glad we did.  They still stress open hearth cooking and the use of local products all while expanding their wine list.  The space is the same with well-spaced polished wood large tables with music in the background.  The walls of brick and piles of wood give it a softer feel than the large open and modern kitchen that takes up one end of the space, which is the show people come to see.  The other end is the bar with an abbreviated menu. Chef Richard Lee led a large team of chefs, each with different assigned tasks, and coordinated the serving the same tasting menu to all of the guests.   It’s about a 2.5-hour meal and they do turn the tables.  Wine pairings are available and a supplemental A5 Wagyu is offered when booking.  They were dropped to 2 Michelin Stars a couple of years ago but with the level of service and the quality of the meal, I can see that third star back in their pocket soon.  It’s pricey but if you can go it is once again well worth the money.  At the end of the meal, you will receive a menu. Continue reading →

Acquerello (update), San Francisco, 7/6/23

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entrance – 1722 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109

We last visited Acquerello in 2018 and you can read that one here.  It is in Nob Hill in a building that had housed many businesses but the main was a chapel which you can recognize by the high peaked ceiling. For 3 decades they have offered Italian-inspired cuisine and have been recognized with 2 Michelin stars.  It’s a good-sized room with music in the background and friendly yet very professional service, including purse stools.  Executive Chef Suzette Gresham still co-owns the place and runs the kitchen.  Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini was at another of his restaurants that evening but his most capable sommelier son was on site.  They offer 2 tasting menus, one seasonal and one where you select 3-5 courses from several choices.  We specified the seasonal tasting on our reservation so didn’t even see the other menu but their website has it online.  Wine pairings are available as are some supplemental courses of caviar and cheese.  We opted for our own wines and no supplements.  It is a lovely place but should I go back I’d pick the menu with choices because although the plates were gorgeous they didn’t pack the flavor punch I remembered. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 3/25/23

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view – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA, 95432

One of the aspects of Harbor House Restaurant that I haven’t written much about is its status as a sustainable site.  In 2020 they received a Michelin Green Star for their efforts in recycling and local sourcing. Nothing is wasted.  For example, they make their candles from recycled fryer oil and beeswax, they repurpose wine corks for mulch and re-use vegetable rinsing water to water growing plants – and that’s a small accounting of their efforts.  It’s wonderful to think you can come here and have the elegant and sophisticated experience of a 2 Michelin star restaurant and still not leave a huge carbon footprint as a result.  It’s excellent food and the staff is first rate.  Frankie enjoyed visiting with a number of the team during our visit.  Make your reservation for this tasting menu today! Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 3/24/23

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Harbor House Inn and Restaurant – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA, 95432

Harbor House Restaurant has been written up on this site numerous times and they continue to excel even with the weather challenges California has faced.  The most recent rains and wind did real damage to their ranch and all the growing produce but, other than less vegetables on the menu the food there just gets better and better.  The wine list also grows and a new beverage director will be in place very soon but in the meantime sommelier Jason is doing a fine job with new additions.  The setting is beautiful and I encourage you to stay either in one of the rooms of the Inn or the cottages on the property.  Breakfast is another fun treat.  We were thrilled to spend 2 nights and enjoy 2 dinners with Chef Matthew Kammerer and the dynamic team working at the place and I’m sure you’ll see more posts about dinners there in the future.  Put this one on your list! Continue reading →

Ariete, Coconut Grove, 1/26/23

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exterior – 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL., 33133

Ariete was created by Chef/Owner Michael Beltran to combine his Cuban heritage with French technique.  It was awarded one Michelin Star in 2022.  They offer 2 tasting menus with optional wine pairing or an a la carte menu.  It’s a small place with very low lighting, small tables and a patio.  A bar counter is in the main dining room.  Music was in the background and the kitchen is open to both dining rooms.  Staff was super friendly and helpful.  We opted to try one of their signature a la carte dishes rather than the tasting.  The duck dinner is for 2 and involves a press brought to the table where parts of the duck are made into a sauce tableside.  It’s a fun show with a fabulous result. The order comes with a number of side dishes also.  I give this place high recommendations but be prepared for the dim lights. Continue reading →

Stubborn Seed, Miami Beach, 1/25/23

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exterior – 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Stubborn Seed has Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13’s winner Chef Jeremy Ford in charge of the kitchen.  It’s a medium-sized place that serves only a tasting menu in the main dining room and various snacks at the bar.  It was very lowly lit, which made photos difficult, had music in the background, got fairly noisy when full, and the small tables were unclothed dark wood.  Paintings and mirrors decorate the walls.  The menu for the evening is on the table and wine pairings are available as are supplements of Perigord truffles, Ossetra caviar and a course of Chawan Mushi.  The server informed the kitchen of our visit and we were gifted several supplements.  A kind and generous gesture but that didn’t win me over, the food did.  It was wonderful, as was the service.  They were justly awarded a Michelin Star in the new Florida guide.  Put this one on your list to visit, sorry my photos don’t do justice to this tasty and inventive cuisine. Continue reading →

Boia De, Miami, 1/24/23

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exterior – 5205 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL., 33137

Boia De is a small restaurant in a strip shopping center with closely set small tables and a long bar inside.  There is a patio also.  In the new Michelin Guide for Florida they were awarded one star.  Lights are lowered, windows look out to the patio, the open high ceiling has exposed ductwork and there’s music in the background. The food is definitely American with a strong Italian influence – they make their own pastas.  They stress natural wines and the place sells no liquor.  The plates are small, meant to be shared and multiple ordered per person.  The place is lively and fun with touches of that seen in the decorations and particularly their signature ‘!’, which is in neon outside and on the wallpaper inside.  That ‘!’ well describes their food with an amazing amount of flavor and texture in each bite.  Couple that with some outrageously friendly and helpful servers and you will have a great dining experience.  Get a reservation and go! Continue reading →

Ristorante Wistèria, Venice, 12/16/22

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exterior – San Polo 2908, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Wistèria was started 4 years ago by Andrea Martin and Max Rossetti, business partners and friends since the 90s.  Named for the wisteria that grows around the patio area, the restaurant focuses on products sourced from the Venice water and lands as well as the Adriatic Sea, all with environmental sustainability in mind.  The restaurant was damaged by the high tide of Nov. 2019 and had to be closed for a month of repairs and then the Covid pandemic caused another shutdown after March 2020. In Nov. of 2021, their persistence paid off with the awarding of one Michelin star to the restaurant.  The generous marble tables are well spaced and set with large white cloth napkins, throughout the several rooms of the place,  Music is in the background, wood beams are overhead, lots of windows look outside, and a beautiful stone floor is below your feet.  Chef Valerio Dallamano offers only a tasting menu of 6 or 8 courses with optional wine pairings.  Service was outstanding with good portion control and pacing. We had planned to get the shorter menu but the server talked us into the longer one – it was a good choice but we ordered our own wine. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update part 2), Elk, CA., 11/28/22

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Back for our second dinner and I can’t believe this place just gets better and better.  Check it out on <https://www.theharborhouseinn.com

Frankie admired the Michelin Man and abalone shells
wine
menu

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Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 11/27/22

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building – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Harbor House Restaurant has been on this site a number of times but this was our first winter visit.  We were lucky to find an opening to stay at their lovely main house for 2 nights and also open reservations for dinners those evenings.  This is when you know you should have bought a lottery ticket cause your stars are aligned.  There are only 20 seats at this ocean-view dining room on the Pacific coast.  Matthew Kammerer is the chef of this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, and other well-deserved honors like Food and Wine‘s Best New Chef of 2019.  However, as I’ve said before, a chef alone can not make a restaurant this great, it takes a wonderfully talented staff too.  It’s one of those amazing places where you can ask your server pretty technical questions about the food and they know the answers, without having to run to the kitchen.  Sommelier John Miller continues to add to the wine selections, especially those from this region.  At this point, the whole staff knows me but everyone who goes gets the same caring attention that makes this a magical place to dine. I heartily recommend it, especially now that their ranch is up and running and supplying some fabulous produce that you can enjoy along with the marvelously fresh seafood, also obtained locally.  They do stress sustainability and thus will highlight some less common items. Continue reading →

Smyth, Chicago, 7/14/22

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exterior – 177 North Ada Street, Chicago, IL., 60607 – ground floor

Smyth was last visited by Frankie and me in Nov. of 2018.  The interior hasn’t changed much – the main difference this time was eating there in daylight, as the days are much longer in summer.  It does give the room a different feel with the floor-to-ceiling windows being open to the street activity.  The large open kitchen is divided into 2 parts, one serving as the dessert area.  The small bare dark wood tables are well spaced and some bench seating is along one wall.  Music is in the background but you also hear the kitchen calling out orders to one another.  I don’t remember that.  It still serves only a tasting menu with optional drink pairings but there is only one tasting menu (except for allergy substitutions).  The wine list is small and on the pricy side.  The diners seemed more casually dressed than I’d expect in a Michelin 2-star place.  Service was attentive and efficient but not as warm as on our last visit.  We decided to have a bottle of champagne to accompany our tasting.  No menu was provided but one was emailed about a week later. Continue reading →

Oriole (update), Chicago, 7/13/22

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exterior

We last visited Oriole in Nov. 2018.  Opening in 2016, Chef / Owner Noah Sandoval’s restaurant has 2 Michelin stars.  They still offer only a tasting menu of contemporary American cuisine but their site mentions an extended tasting also.  Optional wine pairings are available.  The first difference we noticed was the entrance – which is now through an open gate on the corner of the alley-like street.  You still stay in that admitting area for a drink before being taken through the sliding door to the restaurant.  Inside has changed a lot with a bar area now opened up where you have your first bites and a drink.  From there you proceed to the kitchen, which is now a huge open space. You have a counter there where you also have a bite and a glass of champagne.  After that, you are finally taken to your large, white cloth-covered table with music in the background.  I’m not a big fan of having to rove around while you’re eating, maybe because it’s hard to take notes and photos, but I like to get settled and soak in the experience.  The staff is first-rate with our main server, Celeste, being a wonderful part of our time there.  They do present you with a ‘menu’ when you’re finished. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (update), Elk, CA, 7/7 & 8/22

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exterior –5600 CA-1, Elk, 95432

Frankie and I have visited Harbor House Restaurant before and it is on this site numerous times.   Every time I go back I think I’ll just eat there and not do another write-up but the food is so good I really hate not to share the photos.  We were lucky enough to dine there 2 consecutive nights so Chef Matthew Kammerer was kind to vary the menu some but other courses just need to be repeated – and you don’t mind.  He continues to win awards for his culinary talents with the restaurant now having 2 Michelin stars.  Their ranch is also now producing some incredible produce which he includes in the dishes.  The wine program continues to evolve under the capable leadership of Wine and Beverage Director, John Miller.  Both nights he managed to delight us with interesting choices from the area.  The final component of the experience is the staff, which are all terrific.  Friendly and knowledgeable (many of our other dining choices came from their suggestions) they make a 2-star Michelin meal feel like you’re dining in a friend’s home.  The hotel it’s in, is a lovely place to stay, if you get the chance.  My highest recommendation here – I’ll go again and Frankie hopes to see you there too. Continue reading →

Sushi By Scratch, Montecito, 6/27/22

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exterior – 1295 Coast Village Rd., Santa Barbara, CA., 93108

Sushi By Scratch is part of the historic Montecito Inn and the concept of Chef Phillip Frankland Lee.  It is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the area and serves an Omakase 17 courses to 10 diners three times in the evening.  It is part of the Scratch Restaurant group with different concepts in cities like Los Angeles, Miami and Austin. This dining experience starts 15 minutes prior in the hotel’s lobby with a welcome cocktail. (Parking is via hotel valet or they will direct you to the self-park lot).  With the meal you can order your own beverage or buy one of their pairing packages – house, sake, or wine – all $110.  We took the House pairing which served a combination of sake, cocktails and beer.   In hindsight, even though the pairings were well matched,  I would recommend getting your own bottle of something as the pairings felt over-priced.  Seating was comfortable and the 3 chefs preparing your bites were conversational and friendly.  The 16 items featured are on the wall in front and #17 is dessert.  Numbers by each entry are the price of each if there is time and you want another piece at the end of the meal.  The sushi is all outstanding and it is a fun experience that I recommend. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant (second visit), Elk, 3/13/22

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exterior – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Harbor House Restaurant had made a couple changes since our visit last summer.   Most importantly the wine list has really ramped up to include lots of French and Italian along with the large selection of Califorinia ones.   It’s an exciting list and Beverage director John Miller will lend wonderful help if you need it.  They also have added a pack of information cards to the table for you to take with you  and learn about the details of the place.  They cover the philosphy of the meal from Chef Matt Kammerer, a little history on the inn where it’s housed, about their new garden and ranch, their sustainability, cooking techniques and plateware and ceramics.  For their efforts to sustainability they’ve been awarded a Michelin Green Clover designation.  I can’t urge you enough to visit and enjoy a meal here! Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant, Elk, CA., 3/12/22

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Harbor House building – 5600 CA-1, Elk, CA 95432

Frankie and I last visited the Harbor House Restaurant in Aug of 2021 and they were as pleased to welcome us back as we were to be there.  The 2 star Michelin Restaurant is run by Chef Matthew Kammerer in an inn built in 1916 by the Goodyear Lumber Company, to showcase their redwood empire.  They offer a tasting menu only that is determined by what is seasonally and sustainably available.  They have started a ranch/garden from which that bounty is now adding to their quality offerings.  Courses are thought out in detail but not overwrought with tweezer and squirt bottle decorating.  Many of their serving pieces are made by local artisans that add plenty of visual enhancements.  Service is top quality as is the view of the coast from the dining room.  This place is surely destined for a third star so book your reservation while you can still get in and if you can splurge for a room at the inn.  The breakfast the kitchen puts out for you the morning after is icing on the cake. We were lucky enough to get 2 nights there, so look for another array of lovely dishes from Chef Kammerer in a few days. Continue reading →

Moody Tongue, Chicago, 2/23/22

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Exterior

Moody Tongue expanded their brewery to include The Bar, a casual restarant with snacks and drinks, and The Dining Room, a fine dining option which is paired with beer at the highest caliber, striving to unite beer and cuisine in an unprecedented, interactive way.  Chef Jared Wentworth was recruited by Moody’s President and Brewmaster Jared Rouben when they expanded their operation to include fine dining in 2019.   The small 28 seat dining room offers only a 15 course tasting menu alongside specialty beer pairings.  The Dining Room has recieved a 2 Michelin star rating.  It’s a dark room with dark wood walls, black tables and chairs and low lighting.  Music is in the background and some windows looks out to the street but they are covered with blinds.  They offer 2 seatings (5:30 & 8:30) each evening that start promptly and have a tough cancellation policy, so be sure before you book.  Everyone seemed to get the beer pairings with their tasting and they are a bargain at just $45pp.  It was a younger, more casual crowd but the service people felt programmed with their introductions of the dishes and often picked up the plates while you were still chewing.  The plates were often lost with so many ingredients. Continue reading →

Ever, Chicago, 2/22/22

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exterior

Ever is the newest venture for Chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner Michael Muser, opening in 2020.  Duffy and Muser had previously collaborated at Avenues at the Peninsula Hotel and Grace.  Ever offers an 8-10 course tasting menu and has already received 2 Michelin stars, being on a rocket trajectory toward 3.  The exterior has an exterior sign that blends well into the wall and inside the gray  tones blend well with the shiny black tables and light wood dividers.  The large bare tables are well spaced and sound dampening in the ceiling keeps the noise level low with light music playing in the background.  Lights are lowered in the very tasteful room.  Tons of service personnel work to bring out dishes in unison and be on top of any needs.  Wine and non-alcoholic pairings are available for the menu but we chose to order our own wines from the large list. The menu is a surprise but they gift you with a copy of the night’s menu as you leave.  The pacing and portion control were both excellent, no lags and no rush.  The food is all beautifully presented. Continue reading →

Jônt, Washington D.C., 11/21/21

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exterior

Jônt is located on the upper floor of Bresca and has a counter for just 14 persons and offers a surprise tasting menu only.  They have 2 seatings each evening and are closed on Mon and Tues.  Chef Ryan Ratino recently received his second Michelin star for the place that opened in Sept. of 2020 and is trying to take the diner on a culinary journey (Jônt).  Where Bresca and the small stairway up are dimly lit the tasting counter room is bright with a light concrete counter and lots of stainless steel in the kitchen.  Music is in the background and minimal art is on the walls but the place has lots of staff.  They offer levels of wine pairings for the meal and had to email the menu to me as it is not printed to give out. They also offered a white truffle option for a $300 upcharge (which we passed on).
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Harbor House Inn Restaurant (update), Elk, CA., 7/22 & 23/21

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exterior (5600 CA-1, Elk, CA, 95432 / (707)-877-3203)

The  Harbor House Restaurant is the Michelin starred restaurant in the Harbor House Inn in Elk, CA (Mendocino County).  Super talented Chef Matt Kammerer and his excellent staff continue to turn out innovative and delicious tasting menus and thus Frankie chose to re-visit.  The Inn is still lovely and they are now able to seat guests inside as well as outside, all over-looking the beautiful coast line.  We were lucky to eat there 2 consecutive nights and Chef Kammerer was kind enough to make changes for the second night’s dining.  They have a small kitchen so some dishes were repeated but there were a number of different dishes.  I’ll present the two night’s meals but may omit photos for repeats, depending on which night I got the better photo.  Frankie and I highly recommend visiting and if you can even stay at the Inn.  The staff will make you feel very welcome and do allow several hours for the meal. Continue reading →

Le Bernardin, New York City, 4/12/21

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entrance

It’s been several years since Frankie visited Le Bernardin, Chef Eric Ripert’s 3 Michelin starred restaurant.  It’s an elegant interior with lots of wood, windows, flowers and a massive wave art piece at one end.  In the daytime, light flows in through the windows but at night the lights are lowered and windows are shaded.  Now plexiglas partitions are between the tables and servers are masked.  Every table was full and turned by regulars and those celebrating something, but it was still easy to talk at the table.  Heavy white linens drape the smallish tables and service is excellent.  The menu offers 2 longer tastings, one seafood and one vegetarian, or a 4 course fixed price where you choose from a large selection in each section with an optional addition of a cheese course.  Wine pairings are available for the tasting.  In the front part of the restaurant is the Lounge with a limited menu. We decided on the Chef’s tasting menu and ordered our own wines. Continue reading →

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, New York City, 5/11/21

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exterior of building

We were last at The Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare in May of 2019 and not much has changed in the physical place but Covid 19 has made spacing between guests larger (50% capacity).  Brooklyn Fare is the grocery that is the front of the building and the Chef’s Table is in the rear.  Chef César Ramirez was in the kitchen and doing much of the plating of courses.  It is a tasting menu only with seats around a large C-shaped wood counter and booth seating around the perimeter.  The open kitchen is the center of the well lit room with older rock music in the background.  Wine pairings are available or bottles can be individually purchased.  There are a lot of staff and all are very friendly with guests but Ramirez is more about cooking than visiting with diners.  The beautifully presented luxury foods are filled with flavor and texture, but many of the courses were quite similar to what we had 2 years ago. Continue reading →

Harbor House Restaurant, Elk, CA., 8/13/20

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exterior

Harbor House Restaurant had a 25 seat dining room but now offers seating on its back deck overlooking the Pacific coastline.  The Inn is in a 1916 logger’s retreat that has 9 rooms which were restored in 2018 by a 5 year remodeling.  Chef Matthew Kammerer uses exceptional local products based on the season to produce a seafood based tasting menu that is cooked with fire and steam.  The restaurant has one Michelin star and Chef Kammerer was named as a Best New Chef in 2019 Food & Wine Magazine.  They serve only a tasting menu of 9 savory and 2 sweet courses, with wine pairings available.  It is a pre-paid menu and not available on Tuesday and Wednesday.  There is plenty of parking out front and a selection of accommodations if you wish to stay there also.  The view is as magnificent as the food and they have a couple large awnings to provide some shade when the sun is up.  Later in the evening they roll those back and turn on the lights that are strung above and the portable heaters.   Staff were all friendly, helpful, masked and gloved and I noticed even during prep time in the kitchen the staff all wore masks.  Chef Kammerer does come out to serve some of the courses and visit with guests.  It appeared to have only one seating and the pacing was good but plan to spend about 4 hours, although it never lagged it was a nice relaxed pace.  Portion control was good.

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Aubergine (update), Carmel, 7/30/20

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L’Auberge Hotel

We visited Aubergine one year ago but currently California does not permit indoor dining.  Luckily Carmel has great weather for this change and the L’Auberge Hotel has a beautiful courtyard to move the restaurant guests to.   The polished wood tables are well spaced from each other and set with placemats and large linen napkins.  The patio has a brick floor, lots of plants and is punctuated with various lighting sources and heat lamps.  It is a lovely place to sit in the lighted hours as well as after the sun sets.  Various benches and chairs on the perimeter are used by people who ordered a separate drink from the bar.  All staff wore masks and were extraordinarily welcoming (as are all the staff at the hotel), especially Chef Justin Cogley who served some of the courses and visited with guests.  They now offer just one tasting menu to all and wine pairings are available.  You can view the wine list on your smart phone with the link provided.  Portion control was good and pacing was leisurely but never lagged.  It started quicker and then slowed slightly.  It still has one Michelin star but I see this place moving to 2 stars soon.  Put it on your list of places to go. Continue reading →

Coque (update), Madrid, 3/7/20

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exterior

We visited Coque a little over 3 years ago and 2 years and 7 months ago they moved to a new location.  It still has a similar format to the older place in that you move to different locations in the building to eat and drink various offerings.  This 2 star Michelin restaurant serves everyone the same tasting menu.  It is a modern, stylish set up but it does not allow you to make personal connections with staff or other diners.  There are lots of bites on the menu but it is not a stuffing meal, despite that.  I also found the timing to be off with some rooms lingering too long while others were sped through.  They offer drink pairings for purchase and then some courses come with a beverage.  We selected our own wine which you do while in the large wine room.  They have a large list but not much help in selection.  It would have been nice to have the list while in the bar area where we spent a good amount of time with just one bite and  a cocktail.  In this new location they have changed the dining room chairs I objected to in the original place, which is a huge plus in my opinion.  One of the most memorable parts of the place is it’s amazing collection of plates and serving dishes. Continue reading →

Antiqvvm, Porto, 3/5/20

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museum on the top, restaurant below

Antiqvvm was located on the basement level of a large building that housed a museum on the floors above.  There was a terrace off the back that had amazing views of the water and city but weather was not with us that day however the table we had was next to floor to ceiling windows which felt about the same.  The white cloth covered tables were well spaced and music was in the background.  The room we sat in looked like it was an enclosed porch but now had carpets on the concrete floor however the stone details of the walls and windows were still intact.  A timber ceiling had been painted over and some the the seating was in a bench format.  They had been open for 5 years last October and received their one Michelin star in the first year they were open.  They offered 3 tastings, one of which was vegetarian and one was entirely seafood.  They also had an a la carte menu and a special lunch menu of 3 or 4 courses (for 3 you chose between fish or meat and with 4 you get both).  They had a number of wines by the glass and we ordered some of them to go with the lunch menu.  Service was efficient, super friendly and our server spoke great English. Continue reading →

Restaurante Pedro Lemos, Porto, 3/4/20

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exterior

Pedro Lemos, located on a really narrow little street, opened in 2009.  The downstairs level had wine storage, the bathroom and a large dining table for big groups.  In 2015 they did a major renovation and made the upstairs a room with more widely spaced  tables and took out a bar area and fireplace to make this additional space between tables.  The nice sized tables were set with white clothes, napkins, purse stools and armless padded chairs.  There were windows to the outside on 2 walls and a beautiful old wood floor.  A decoration of swallows crossed the ceiling and on to the upper part of the dark walls.  Music was in the background and the lighting was lowered.  They offered two tasting menus of 8 or 10 courses and optional wine pairings.  We chose the 10 course tasting.  Portions were on the large side and pacing was good.  The staff were quite friendly and spoke great English.  It has one Michelin star. Continue reading →

La Scene par Stephanie Le Quellec, Paris, 12/7/19

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exterior

La Scene par Stephanie Le Quellec opened on October 9.  You enter on the street level and there is a stunning bar counter and a few tables.  To go to dinner you head down the stairs to the totally stylish dining room.  Banquette seating is along both of the long walls in the rectangular room.  One end of the room is the open kitchen  and opposite that are a couple free standing tables.  The tables are marble topped  and appointed with lovely linen napkins.  The walls of the room have curved wood pieces and lighted opaque glass between them. It is truly striking but very difficult to describe, so look at the pictures below.  The tables are on the small side and fairly closely set but each had lovely flowers in an unusual vase on them.  Music is in the background and the room is softly lit.  There are a couple seats at the kitchen counter and carpet is on the floor, so noise was not an issue.  Chef Le Quellec was in the kitchen and did come out to the room to visit with all the guests.  They offer several tasting menus (3, 4 or 7 courses and a truffle menu) and a la carte selections.  Since we were there they have been awarded 2 Michelin stars. Continue reading →

Arpège (update), Paris, 12/6/19

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building

It’s been 3 years since we visited Alain Passard’s Arpège and while the interior hasn’t changed the prices have continued to creep up and the surprise tasting lunch now contains no major meat course, that is to be ordered separately off the a la carte menu.  It’s still cheaper than dinner but it’s definitely more expensive.  They also have more expensive tastings and the a la carte menu if you so chose.  We took the surprise tasting and added the roast guinea fowl (lunch took about 4 hours).   I was surprised to find so many dishes that were similar to our past visits.  Another change was when we arrived they tried to seat us downstairs.  Mind you it’s a nice room downstairs and it is on the same level as the bathroom but it feels a little like you’ve been banished to the non-French room.  We asked to sit upstairs and they had to deliberate a bit which considering that no one was seated there seemed off-putting.  Chef Passard was in the house and worked the room and was most gracious when he visited with us, but I felt for those others who meekly took the table they were guided to.   Another change was that vegetables no longer adorn the tables as decorations and instead new plates add color to the table. Continue reading →

Le Pré Catelan, Paris, 12/5/19

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building

Le Pré Catelan is in a rental conference building that dates back to 1935.  It was a casino in the days before it became a restaurant that now holds a 3 Michelin star rating.  The elegant room is set with large tables covered first with a floor length beige satin cloth and then covered with a white linen one.  Music is in the background, heavy drapes are beside the windows that look out on the lighted landscaped grounds.  The green carpet makes a nice contrast with the white marble parts of the wall.  Lots of sculpted plaster adorns the walls with lowered lighting in the room and an huge chandelier hangs in the center of the room over the small service table.  Candlelight is from the long stemmed candles on each table.  A couple of the tables near the windows are set with rounded couches opposite the chairs but otherwise the tables are appointed with comfortable arm chairs.  The room exudes class and only holds 10 tables, but the service is nicely friendly and welcoming, not stiff or too formal.  Perhaps they detected my preference?  The menu is a la carte with one tasting menu option. Both pacing and portion control were good. Continue reading →

Pierre Gagnaire (update), Paris 12/4/19

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exterior

It’s been 5 years since we ate at Pierre Gagnaire, a long standing Paris restaurant with 3 Michelin stars.  While Chef Gagnaire moved his talents to Paris in 1996, he now has many restaurants but this one in the Hôtel Balzac is his flagship, where it has been there 15 years.  It has a separate entrance from the hotel and a small bar area where you enter.  It is a medium sized place spread over several rooms.  The main dining room was redone by Carolyn Quatermaine who used pages of books to cover the walls with recipes some of which were handwritten by Pierre Gagnaire’s father who was a cook.  The well spaced large tables are draped with double long white clothes and set with fine linen napkins.  The lighting is lowered and there is no music in the background.  Along with the carpet, many wood surfaces and padded chairs the noise level is low and because of the spacing conversations remained private.  The menu offers a la carte options, a tasting menu and the night we were there a truffle tasting menu.   Wine pairings are available for the tasting menu.  We opted to start with a cocktail, order our own wine and have the tasting menu.  Service and pacing were excellent and portion control generous.  They did bring the truffles by to tempt you to add them to something or order that menu.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Bel Etage, Basel, 10/26/19

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exterior of hotel

Bel Etage is the one Michelin Star restaurant on the second floor of the Der Teufelhof Hotel.   It is made up of several rooms of well spaced tables covered with ecru cloths and coordinating striped napkins.  Windows to the street were in the room which had a lovely old wood floor and crystal chandeliers.  No music is in the background and the rooms are mostly quiet except for the creaking of the old floors.  Lots of art adorns the walls.  Service was not polished but mostly friendly and English was limited.  They never re-offered the bread tray and didn’t pick up some dropped flatware that was on the floor. They offered 3 different tasting menus as well as an a la carte menu.  Wine pairings are available as well a a liquor of the month.  We thought the smallest tasting sounded best and so chose it and our own bottle of wine. Continue reading →

Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits, Basel, 10/25/19

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building

Tanja Grandits or as it was called Stucki is spread over several rooms in a large mansion in a residential neighborhood of Basel.  The restaurant was named for Hans Stuki who opened it in the 1960s and ran it until passing away in 1998.  Chef Tanja Grandits took over in 2008 and has since obtained a 2 Michelin Star rating.  It is a modern looking place inside with gray walls and carpet.  The good sized tables are well spaced and set with white clothes and napkins.  There were votive candles and small flowers on the table but both had broken blooms included.  The lighting was slightly softened and the windows to the outside were covered with drapes.  There was no music in the background and the room had a small center service table.  They serve only a tasting menu of 8 or 12 courses and offer wine pairings as well as non-alcoholic pairings.   We got the longer tasting and ordered our own wines.  Pacing was awful, starting really slow, speeding up and then moving to painfully slow but portion control was good. Continue reading →

Roots, Basel, 10/25/19

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exterior

Roots is a large place located down by the waterfront.  The fairly well spaced pedestal tables were covered by white cloths and appointed with bench seating opposite chairs.  The room is filled with art and signs with funny statements about food and beverage.  Music was in the background and the room was well lit but there were 3 sides full of windows.  You can watch the boats and joggers go by.  There is a patio but no one was out there the day we went.  They have been in this location for 2 years and already have one Michelin Star.  At lunch the offered a business lunch of 2 or 3 courses offering options from the dinner menu and a ‘rootilicious lunch’ of 3 to 4 courses.  They had specials on wines by the glass to go with the menus.   We chose the business lunch and some of their wine by the glass.  The pours were small.   Service was effecient and friendly and the chef did come out but he did not visit with every table. Continue reading →

Restaurant Le Cheval Blanc, Basel, 10/24/19

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hotel exterior

Le Cheval Blanc is the other restaurant in the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois but this one has 3 Michelin Stars.  It is a large elegant room with a candelabra or single candle on each double clothed well spaced table set with huge linen napkins.  The ten tables vary in size and the smaller ones have a little service table adjacent to them to hold wine or whatever.  Purse stools are available, the lighting is lowered, there is no music (but the piano playing in the lobby did bleed into the room), there is a patio, windows look out onto the water and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling with the largest being over the center marble service table.  They offer a tasting menu as well as an a la carte menu.  The larger version of the tasting menu comes with 4 starters whereas a slightly smaller tasting comes with just 2.  The prices include service and VAT.  Service was friendly and efficient and the staff spoke great English.  Chef Peter Knogl came out toward the end of service to greet and talk with his guests.  He has been with this restaurant 12 years.  You also could see him in the kitchen through the window in the hall that you pass on the way to the bathroom.  His awards line one of the windows.  Before service begins they brought around a warm moist cloth to wipe your hands, always a nice touch. Continue reading →

Restaurant Les Quatre Saisons, Basel, 10/23/19

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outside entrance

Les Quatre Saisons is a one Michelin star restaurant in the Pullman Hotel.  The hotel is lovely as is the restaurant dining room.  The large room is filled with well spaced, good sized tables that are covered with nice cloths and large well starched matching napkins and set with comfortable stuffed chairs.  Brown wood cabinets are along some of the perimeter and from the ceiling hang many large chandeliers covered with concentric circles of strung beads that provide a nice amount of light.  There are less than 15 tables, faint music is in the background (in fact it was really quiet), some of the floor has carpet but tile is around the edge and the walls are decorated with mirrors.   The menu offers a la carte options and vegetarian and degustation tastings.  The staff spoke great English.  We chose the degustation menu and the pacing was very slow but portion was control good, that tended toward large.   Continue reading →

Gramercy Tavern (update), New York City, 10/16/19

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exterior

It’s been 5 years since we ate at Gramercy Tavern Dining Room, a large 2 room place fronted by the Gramercy Bar.  The dining room offers a tasting menu as well as a la carte and takes reservations whereas the bar is snacks and no reservations.  It is far more relaxed in the one Michelin star elegant dining room with lots of seasonal flowers decorating the white cloth covered tables set with large white napkins, lowered lighting and soft jazz music in the background.  Lots of art is in the room as well as nicely padded seating and wide plank wood floors.  Excellent friendly service attends the customers and they were willing to make some changes to the tasting menu which was our choice for the lunch.  Pacing of the tasting was spot on and portion control was great.  The food is wonderful as was the total experience there.  Don’t know why I waited so long to go back.  I recommend it. Continue reading →

Atomix, New York City 10/15/19

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entrance

Atomix is a tasting menu only for 14 people at a lower level u-shaped counter.  It has only been open one year and was recently elevated to a 2 Michelin star rating.  The lighting is lowered in the room and small spots shine on the granite counter and light wood ceiling and walls.  The bar is upstairs where you enter and then down the stairs is a small lounge area.  Modern music plays in the background.  Each course is presented with a corresponding card that talks about the dish and has an illustration associated with it.  The dishes have a Korean influence and wine pairings are available.  The menu changes 4 times a year.  Without knowing what was to be served we opted to try the pairings for the meal.  The service was pleasant (there seemed to be more staff than guests), portioning light and pacing moved along nicely but I never got a commrodery at the counter.  Explanations are more from the cards than the staff and while I found the dishes artistic, precise and thoughtful they were mostly on the bland side of things but with very clean tastes. Continue reading →

Restaurant Haerlin, Hamburg, 9/21/19

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entrance from hotel

Haerlin is one large dining room right off the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel in Hamburg. Ecru floor length cloths drape the good sized tables that are set with matching napkins and stuffed armchairs.  Music is in the background of this elegant room.  Windows overlook the street outside on one end of the room.  While the setting was nice the service was stiff and cold.  (They were most upset when we poured our own wine but they continually passed the table and left our glasses empty.  They actually took away one of the empty glasses with the bottle still half full.)  Even with a 2 star Michelin rating it was not a particularly comfortable atmosphere unless you wanted to pose.  They offered 2 tasting menus and wine pairings are available for each, but do not pair wine with each course.  We chose the “Big Palate Party” and ordered out own wines.  Pacing was on the slower side but portion control was good.  Overall the food was on the bland side even with a lot of ingredients on the plate and the dishes chosen often proved to be distracting/clashing to the food presented.  On the table was a card holder where they would place a written description of what you are having.  It was a nice touch. Continue reading →

Louis C. Jacob Restaurant, Hamburg, 9/20/19

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IMG_6596
building

Louis C. Jacob Restaurant is in the hotel of the same name.  It is an elegant large room overlooking the water in the small boutique hotel and has a rating of 2 Michelin stars.  The building dates to the 1700’s with the last major renovation in 1990’s.  The restaurant had one star by 1995 and its second in 1997.  The building has always been a restaurant or bar.  The beautiful hard wood floor is set off by two massive crystal chandeliers overhead.  Sage green velvet arm chairs are at the white cloth covered tables and gray plush velvet chairs are at the bare polished wood tables.  All the large tables are nicely spaced and set with well starched large cloth napkins. Service was excellent and most of the staff were very conversant in English.  Music is in the background.  They offer two tasting menus, 4 or 6 courses, with pairings offered and a la carte. Most of the a la carte dishes were available to substitute on the tasting but there could be a surcharge.  We chose the longer tasting and ordered our own wines. Continue reading →

The Table Kevin Fehling, Hamburg, 9/19/19

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building

The Table Kevin Fehling can accomodate a couple dozen people whose arrival times are slightly staggered.  Inside the non-descript brick building is a modern interior with a serpentine bar for seating and high ceilings.  There is a small balcony that overlooks the dining room where guests can have cocktails prior to being seated.  Shades of gray dominate the room with colored pieces curling off the ceiling that are not only striking but also provide sound dampening. Spot lighting keeps each seat well lit while the room lights are dimmed.  The walls are concrete and the open kitchen is the focal point.  Art and flowers provide some softness for the interior.  They serve only a tasting menu and all guests have the same thing, except where allergies don’t permit.  The menu changes one course every 3 months.  Wine pairings (pours looked generous) are available.  The pacing of the meal was great as was the portion control.   They present you with a copy of the menu at the end to take with you.  The staff all spoke great English and were quite friendly.  The restaurant has been awarded a 3 Michelin star rating. Continue reading →

Seven Seas Gourmet Restaurant, Hamburg, 9/18/19

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exterior

Seven Seas Restaurant is in the Süllberg Hotel on top of a hill by the water.  It is a small elegant room with ten large, well spaced tables set with lovely linens and large napkins.  Faint music is in the background and the lighting is lowered.  The colors are gold and beige with heavy pulled back drapes.  The restaurant is named Seven Seas because they are at the harbor where all the ships arrive on their way to Hamburg.  The windows around the dining room allow you to watch all the ships and small craft that do pass by.  It was a lovely view even after the sun went down.  The round room has a center column that is decorated to look like a compass.  The room was re-done in 2002 when Chef Karlheinz Hauser took over.  They offer 3 tasting menu options with wine pairings available.  One tasting is vegetarian.   Servers were friendly, but kept their distance, with good English but the pacing of the meal was slow. Continue reading →

Restaurante Tuju, São Paulo, 9/13/19

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exterior

Restaurant Tuju is a good sized modern looking place.  The large bare wood tables are well spaced on a tile floor with a wood ceiling overhead.  They are set with padded arms chairs and lovely cloth napkins.  Soft lighting is in the room and music is in the background.  An open kitchen is on one end of the room and opposite is a bar.  Spanning the two are a glass wall behind which is the plant covered wall opposite to a wall with mirrors.  It has a 2 Michelin star rating, has been open 5 years and offers 2 different tastings for 5 or 12 courses.  The menu changes every several months.  Wine pairings are available.  We chose the longer tasting and ordered our own wines.  The staff were efficient, friendly and spoke good English. Continue reading →

DOM, São Paulo,9/12/19

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exterior

DOM is a small place with about 7 tables, one some being upstairs.  There is little marking of the place outside but the valet stand indicates something fancy is inside.  The front door is huge – maybe 10 feet tall.  It has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, has low lighting, music in the background and a center serving table under a decorative chandelier.  Some of the closely spaced large tables were a polished wood with linen placemats and others were cloth covered and some had bench seating while others had stuffed chairs.  The kitchen is in one corner of the room but mostly closed off from the dining room except for a small window.  They offered several different tasting menus, no a la carte, with one being vegetarian.  The menu stresses Brazil’s indigenous foods and flavors.  Wine pairing are available with the tastings.  The food has quality ingredients but mostly was underflavored for me.  This was their 20th anniversary of being in business. Service was attentive and the staff spoke good English.  Pacing and portion control were good. Continue reading →

Maní Manioca, São Paulo, 9/11/19

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exterior

Maní Manioca has a one star Michelin rating.  It is a long fairly large place with a good sized enclosed patio in the back.  Upon entering there is a long hallway for waiting that has benches on either side.  The small tables are nicely spaced and set with white clothes and napkins, however they were too small to hold the dishes if you had the breads.  The stucco walls are decorated with mirrors and art.  Music plays in the background and lighting is lowered with lots of short candles in the rooms. They offered 3 tasting menus.  The 3 course allowed you to pick courses from the a la carte menu.  Wine pairings were available with the largest tasting.  Service was friendly and helpful with passable English.  Portions were generous but pacing was a tad variable.  We ordered the largest tasting menu which was by Chef Helena Rizzo, who was named Best Female Chef of the Year by Restaurant Magazine in 2014. Continue reading →

Aubergine, Carmel, 8/9/19

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interior
interior

Aubergine is a tiny place that received a one Michelin star rating in the newest California guide, a first for the central coast.  It is one smallish room in the L’Auberge Hotel, but they also have a table in the wine cellar and some lounge seating.  Two of the walls of the room have bench seating while the third wall is windows to the street that were mercifully covered with curtains – as they get the afternoon sun.  The white ceiling is decorated with dark beams and the flooring is  a gray wood.  The white tablecloth covered tables are small and surprisingly close, but it was a small room and they only had 9 tables.  The 5 waiters provided plenty of attentive service.  Pacing was good to relaxed and portion control good.  There was some music in the background, lowered lighting and constant flow of people in and out of the hotel.  They serve two tasting menus, seasonal and signature, and do offer wine pairings (2 levels).  We chose the signature menu and ordered our own bottles of wine.  The service included lots of the main dishes coming out on platter to be shown before preparing your portion.  It was usually before you were served the item but I’ve grouped the photos with their appropriate course.  The ambiance is different but the place is worth a visit if you have the opportunity. Continue reading →

Providence (update), Los Angeles, 6/1/19

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exterior
exterior

It’s been 3 years since we visited Providence.  Since that time Michelin has issued a new California guide that reinstated the previous rank of Providence as a 2 Michelin star restaurant.  Also the restaurant has redone the dining space.  The new gray walls are in place of the patterned ones but are still decorated with the white flowers and the ‘netting material’ continues to cover the ceiling.  They retained an elegance in the room with a double white table cloth covering the large tables that are moderately spaced.  The bench seating is now covered with leather and dark velvet mated on the other side with comfortable chairs. Music plays in the background and service is friendly and very attentive.  They offer 3 tasting menus with optional pairings, additional options (oysters, caviar, uni, and spot prawns) and a full bar.  We chose the Chef’s tasting menu and ordered our own wines.  It was an excellent meal – full of wonderful flavors and textures.    This place gets 2 strong thumbs up from me.  Pacing started rapidly and then slowed down a bit.  Portion control was great. Continue reading →

Somni, Los Angeles, 5/31/19

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seating counter
seating counter

Somni means “dream” in Catalan and this place is the dream of Chef Aitor Zabala and Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup.  It is inside the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills and offers a surprise tasting menu of about 20 courses.  The menu changes with the seasons and mostly as an individual item at a time and they did have a printed version of the tasting for you when you finished.  They received a 2 star Michelin rating in the new California Michelin Guide.  You entered into the hotel lobby, which felt more like a mini department store, where you waited to be ushered into the dining room.  The dining room is a lovely light wood curved counter with plush chairs for 10 people.  The large group of chefs work at the several counters in front of you and also in a back area that is less visible.  The white surfaces look pristine with the light woods and marble and small spotlights hang over every seat so you can enjoy the artistry of the dishes.  Some art is on the back walls but the real art is in the kitchen in front of you.  It felt elegant and serene.  Service was amazing along with questions easily answered by any of the chefs that served you.  It was a totally delightful and delicious experience.  I suspect that this is the work of manager Eric Jeffay (who we met at D.C.’s Minibar) and is well versed in providing the finest service.  I encourage you to go if you get the chance the food is gorgeous, as is the room, and explodes with flavor.   Continue reading →

Momofuku Ko (update), New York City, 5/4/19

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open kitchen
open kitchen

We visited Ko one year ago and the entrance changed positions but not much else has changed significantly.   The seats at the counter seemed better spaced but the loud music still makes conversation difficult.  They offer 2 seatings in a night and they are staggered slightly so waiting wasn’t a problem.  They offer only the same tasting menu to all and it was surprisingly similar to what we were served a year ago.  They probably offer wine pairings but we chose to order our own wines.  They do have a couple tables for larger groups but everyone else is seated at the wood bar in acceptable but not super comfy seats.  They have purse hooks under the counter but it was so far under you’d never be able to retrieve your purse if you need anything.  Pacing was uneven and portion control was on the light side.  You do receive a menu at the end but many of the things I well recognized from our last visit.  I mentioned this to the chef who was a bit defensive that they’d made changes but they were minor to the diner.  Unfortunately this similarity made the meal less exciting to me. Continue reading →

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare (update), New York City, 5/3/19

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building
building

We were at Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare in the fall of 2015, back when it was in Brooklyn.  It has since moved into the city and relaxed a few of the rules.  Chef César Ramirez now allows note taking and photos but still does not permit jeans and requires coats for men in the dining room.  I was not a fan of such policies back then and still am not but was willing to try the new location that was more under my terms.  The new place in still in the back of a grocery store but the room is beautiful, softer than the old one with a lot less stainless steel and more woods.  It is also much larger with 20 seats at the counter and 20 at tables around the perimeter.  This allows larger parties to attend and the comfortable counter seats have backs and are now spaced between parties.  Shining copper pots hang above the large open kitchen that has lots of people making preparations.  The rock music in the background was a bit jarring for the otherwise elegant setting.  It still is a surprise tasting menu only but they do give you a copy of what you had at the end of the meal.  Pairings are available.  Pacing was good but portions tend to the large size and are fairly rich. Continue reading →

Marea (update), New York City, 5/3/19

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entry
entry

It’s been 4 years since we ate at Marea, a 2 star Michelin restaurant that specializes in seafood with an Italian influence.  The food here is all very flavorful with out dots or smears – just plain good and fresh.  It is a huge place, elegantly appointed but with closely set tables and some noise issues when it is full.  At lunch it was packed.  There is a lot of art on the walls and windows to the street on two sides of the large dining area.  They also have a long bar area with a beautiful yellow glass wall running behind the bar.  The wood on the walls is polished to a high sheen and you’re likely to spot some bold name people dining with you or in passage from one of the private dining rooms.  (I spotted Michael Douglas as he exited).  At lunch they offer a selection of primi and secondi courses with a fixed price of $63 for the two of your choice, however some selections will have a supplemental charge and a 5 course tasting menu for $99 with optional wine pairings offered.  The tasting includes dessert and although the menu is already set they were willing to make some changes for us and we did not have to get the same things, so that is the deal to get.  We ordered our own bottle of wine and had a cocktail and still beat the cost of buying the pairings, but just barely.  Service was excellent, friendly and efficient.  Put this place on your list if you can. Continue reading →

Bozar Restaurant, Brussels, 4/27/19

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one entrance
one entrance

Bozar is the one star Michelin restaurant in the Palais des Beaux Arts Museum.  Chef Karen Torosyan, the ‘Pie King’,  is noted for his pâté en croûte and in 2015 he was named the World Champion of Pâté en Croûte.  However be warned, if you want to try any of his crusts they must be order about a week ahead of time.  We ordered a Pithiviers a week before and tried to order a Millefeuille that evening and were told it was not possible.  They also offer 3 and 5 course tasting menus with wine pairings available.  It is a large place on multiple levels with bare marble tables closely set and appointed with bare wood armless chairs.  One end of the longer room is the open kitchen where there is a always a flurry of activity.  Karen Torosyan was there and very busy in the kitchen, with his name etched on the end of the huge stainless steel cooktop.   Lights are dimmed and the noise level is high.  Service was friendly, spoke good English and reasonably attentive.   Continue reading →

Restaurant De Jonkman, Brugge, 4/27/19

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entering
entering

De Jonkman was started in 2006 by Chef Filip Claeys and his wife Sandra Claeys.  It is a short train ride from Brussels to a shrubbery surrounded modern house in Brugge.   There are colorful and whimsical animals outside the windows and in some of the several dining rooms. Detailing of the interior and exterior design is lovely and lots of large windows to the lush grounds serve as walls for the dining rooms.  Art by Belgian artists and mirrors adorn other walls and the large white cloth covered tables are well spaced and fitted with comfortable chairs.  They have 2 Michelin stars and chef Claeys was on hand the day we were there to produce some wonderful dishes for us to enjoy.  He really stresses sustainable food sourcing and works to highlight local products that are not usually on menus, especially fish that would often be thrown back and he finds a way to turn them into something delicious.  It is worth a trip to Brugge; the food is outstanding.  The staff were all friendly and spoke great English.  The menu offered a la carte options as well as 5, 6 and 7 course tastings.  Working with the chef we were able to select a la carte options that would highlight what he thought looked best that day. Continue reading →

La Paix (update), Brussels, 4/26/19

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building
building

We last visited La Paix 2 years ago.  Since then they have been elevated to a 2 star Michelin rating.  The beautiful origami bird sculpture still graces the 1892 dining room built in a retired bank that processed the money from the meat slaughterhouses across the street.  Chef David Martin was in the kitchen and while he has changed the hours and days the food is still of great quality and flavor.  I recommend you visit here if you can.  The tasting menu changes every couple months but individual dishes  change with availability and seasons.  His staff, along with his partner Nathalie Obbiet, could not have made us feel more welcome.  They offer a 6 course tasting only on Thursday and Friday evenings and lunch Tuesday through Friday.  The large open kitchen is at the back of the room and one side is filled with an old bar that serves as a service area, not for seating, and stocks a full bar.  The large fish tanks have moved into the center of the room for all to easily admire the size of the crabs and lobsters.  The bare wood tables are nicely spaced and most include a side service table so crowding is not an issue.  The old wood floor is gorgeous and the lighting is lowered but far from dim.  Pacing was great as was the portion control of the tasting. Continue reading →

L’air du temps, Liernu, 4/26/19

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building
restaurant building

L’air du temps is in an old farm house about an hour train ride from Brussels and then a 30 minute cab ride from Namur station.   The good sized dining room is in one of the many buildings on the compound and had floor to ceiling windows on three sides that overlook some of the gardens.  I understand that some of the other buildings offer lodging if you want to stay out there.  The restaurant has a 2 star Michelin rating and the room has a contemporary feel with swirling wood decorations covering the ceiling and low pile gray carpeting, both of which dampen sound.  They had upholstered chairs that I did not find particularly comfortable – they felt too hard.  The good sized, white cloth covered tables are widely set and minimally decorated.  The back wall is mostly cabinets except for the glassed in passage to the kitchen.  Piped in bird sounds are in the background.  They offered 2 tasting menus and an a la carte menu.  There was a special smaller option for lunch only.  Pacing was pretty good and portion control was excellent.  Alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings are offered.  We chose the smaller tasting and ordered our own wine.   Chef Sang-Hoon Degiembre was in house and came out to chat with guests as well as present some of the dishes.  He is from South Korea but is now a Belgian citizen.  The Korean letter that seems to be a symbol of the place is the first letter of his name and also the world for world in the Japanese alphabet. Continue reading →

The Jane, Antwerp, 4/25/19

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building
building

The Jane opened in 2014 in the former chapel of an old military hospital complex.  The building is well restored and already has 2 Michelin stars, however they did have a fire a few months ago and much of the kitchen had to be replaced.  It is a large dining room with one end being the open kitchen.  The balcony above is a bar and it gives a visitor a spectacular view of the room below as well as many seats at the bar to lounge and get ready for the meal.  It also serves an a la carte menu of bites to be shared.  The coved ceiling of the building has been restored to look old with a distressed paint treatment.   Stained glass windows have whimsical designs in them.  New age music plays in the background of the large white cloth covered tables which are closely spaced. Bench seating with lots of pillows is along some of the walls and the middle tables are outfitted with 4 chairs, but some are worked into built in partitions.  A huge overhead light fixture as well as a sculpture over the kitchen are centerpieces of the stylish design. Continue reading →

Bon Bon (update), Brussels, 4/25/19

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building
building

We last visited Bon Bon, a 2 star Michelin restaurant, 2 years ago.  The interior decorations of the old mansion haven’t changed much but now the whimsical sheep are also by the front door to greet you.  The white painted tree branch still extends into the room and the lovely old wood floors have nice rugs that provide sound absorption.  Tables are well spaced and with the ceiling sound panels, noise level is really not a problem, even with soft music playing in the background.  The large open kitchen is still humming and there are some counter seats for those who want an even closer view.  Windows around the perimeter look over the lush gardens outside.   They now offer a 6 course surprise tasting as well as a 5 course vegetarian one, in addition to an a la carte menu.  After a heavy lunch we chose the vegetarian option and ordered our own wine.  Pacing of the meal was good as was portion control.  Chef Christophe Hardiquest was in the kitchen and cam out to speak with each of the tables. Continue reading →

Chambre Séparée, Ghent, 4/24/19

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exterior
exterior

Chambre Séparée is a u-shaped counter for 16 around a large open kitchen dominated by wood fired grills, which do all the cooking.   There is a comfortable space out front where you wait for your seat at the counter.  They invite you to come early to enjoy the space and a cocktail.  Our reservation ran a little late so they started with the snacks out there.  I don’t know if this was usual or not. Two seatings fill the spaces for this surprise tasting menu.  Wine pairings are available but we chose our own bottles of wine to accompany dinner.  Vintage rock records are played on a turntable, smoke fills the air ( which will also permeate your clothes by the time you leave) and lighting is pretty dim at the counter.  They have been in this location for two and a half years and hope to move the restaurant to the country in another year and a half when it would be time to remodel the building.  It is a several hour meal with good pacing, no lags, and great portion control.  At the end of the evening they have a written copy of the menu for you as well as a parting gift of housemade bread and butter.  Kobe Desramaults is the chef and he and the other chefs presented the food and described it well.  They were all very friendly, spoke good English and didn’t mind questions. Continue reading →

Sea Grill (update), Brussels, 4/24/19

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entrane
entrance

We were last at the Sea Grill in November of 2013, a 2 star Michelin restaurant in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel.  The elegant dining room is located below the hotel lobby with widely spaced large tables set with lovely clothes and napkins.  The lighting is lowered but there are spots directed to each table so it’s good lighting for photos.  There were 2 adjoining rooms with larger tables for bigger parties. Wood walls are on either end with art on the other walls and music plays in the background.  The excellent service was provided by a staff that all conversed well in English.  An old school atmosphere did not provide my menu with prices but did provide a purse stool.   The menu offered a la carte options as well as a 4 course tasting, for which they were willing to do some substitutions (we substituted the Sole for the Sea Bass). Pacing of the meal was on the slow side but portion control was very good.  They did provide us with a printed menu of our meal however it was not exactly what we had. Continue reading →

Restaurant Alliance (update), Paris, 4/12/19

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building
building (you can see chef through the window)

It’s been 2 years since we visited Restaurant Alliance, a small one star Michelin restaurant with Chef Toshitaka Omiya at the helm – someone who seriously knows how to cook.  If you have the opportunity to get there, do.  I give it solid thumbs way up.   The food is wonderful combinations of really flavorful ingredients that will leave you wanting more and then they’ll bring the next course that is just as good or better.  They offer 2 tasting menus, one a 7 course surprise menu selected by the chef or a Harmony Menu of set courses.  They do offer a smaller tasting menu at lunch but go at dinner if you can because you don’t want to miss any of the dishes this chef turns out.  Pacing is good, no lags and portion control great.  There are only around 7 tables in between the windows to the street and the large window looking into the kitchen.  Shades of gray and cream along with lower lighting provide a peaceful, cozy ambiance along with some cool circular overhead light fixtures.  Service is stellar, with welcoming and helpful staff that all spoke great English.  We were warmly greeted by  the chef and manager Shawn Joyeux, who is great at finding you a fun wine at your chosen price point. Continue reading →

La Condesa (update), Paris, 4/12/19

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building
building

It’s been just over a year since we visited La Condesa and this trip we tried lunch instead of dinner.  It is a really small one star Michelin restaurant that has been open about a year and a half.  There are about 8 closely set small bare wood tables.  The use of mirrors helps make the place seem bigger but it has a cozy atmosphere.  Music is in the background and the chef Indra Carrillo is in the kitchen but makes frequent trips to the dining room to bring food and check on diners.  The menu offers tastings of 3, 4, or 6 courses and wine pairings are available.  We chose the 6 course menu and ordered our own wine.  Portion control and pacing are both good and the staff is all super friendly, helpful and speak great English.   Continue reading →

Le Clarence (update), Paris, 4/11/19

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entrnace
entrance

We were at Le Clarence last fall for lunch and so this spring we tried their dinner service.  The physical location had not changed but it did feel different without the sunlight streaming in the windows.  The same menus cost more at dinner but they offer the same great and friendly service at both times.  Of the 3 tasting menus we chose the Menu Inspiration.  The meal was presented with groupings of different plates, sometimes presented together and others in succession.  It made for fun combinations.  We ended up at the exact same table, but that was fine because I think it is the prettiest of the rooms.  However with the large, well spaced tables, all the rooms offer a lovely atmosphere for dining.  Chef Christophe Pelé was in house and stopped by to say hello to Frankie, as did restaurant manager Cédric Servain.  Chef’s creativity and flavor intensity make this a place a must when you are next eating in Paris.  It is pure, relaxed elegance. I did take photos of a number of the old photographs in the menu and will place them throughout this post. Continue reading →

Restaurant H, Paris, 4/11/19

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building
building

Retaurant H is a small place of about 8 well spaced tables.  Soft music plays in the background, one wall has windows to the un-busy street and the back wall has a window into the kitchen.  The bare topped tables are set with lovely large napkins.  The modern room has wallpaper on some walls and others are decorated with arty photographs.  Decorations are minimal.  The menu is tiles in a box where you can pick how many courses you want.  They offer tastings of 3, 5 or 7 courses with wine pairings available.  We chose the 5 course omnivore menu and ordered our wine.  Service was exceptionally friendly and servers spoke great English and were helpful. The chef, Hubert Duchenne came out to visit with diners.  The restaurant currently has a one Michelin star rating. Continue reading →

Restaurant Antoine, Paris, 4/10/19

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street
exterior

Antoine is an enclosed patio with about 10 well spaced tables of various sizes.  Those tables nearer the windows to the outside were smaller whereas the ones along the kitchen wall were larger.  However those at the windows could have a view of the Eiffel tower and/or the museum across the street.  There is music in the background and the tables are covered with nice white clothes and set with good sized white napkins.  You are greeted at the table with the champagne cart – a wheeled “figure 8” table with the ice bucket of champagnes on top (later on it carries the cheese selection).  We were there at lunch time and they did have a special lunch menu as well as an a la carte menu and a 4 course lunch surprise tasting.  Wine pairings were available and they are known for their seafood.  We chose their 4 course lunch with our own bottle of wine.  They currently have a one star in the Michelin guide.  Servers spoke good English and were friendly and helpful.   Continue reading →

Alcyone, Marseille, 3/23/19

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hotel
hotel

Alcyone is a one star Michelin star restaurant in the Intercontinental Hotel.  It is a stylish dining room on the second level of the hotel with large windows overlooking the city.  The good sized room is filled with large well spaced tables draped with white clothes and set with large napkins.  Beige tones are in the chairs, curtains and walls and a stunning overhead fixture gives off muted light while music plays in the background.  There was a soundboard in the ceiling and the chairs were well padded with arms, so noise was not an issue.  Table decorations were different sizes of metal fish.   A modern rug is in the center of the room set off by the dark wood floor. The menu offers a 5 course chef selected tasting menu or a la carte selections. Wine pairings are available.  Pacing  started rapidly and then really slowed down and portion control was okay.   The staff was friendly and spoke good English.   We chose the tasting and a printed menu was offered to be presented at the end of the meal, but when that time came it was not ready or started. Continue reading →

Restaurant AM, Marseille, 3/22/19

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exterior
exterior

Restaurant AM is a small place that offers 3 tasting menus based on the number of courses (10, 15-20, 20-30) with the courses sometimes just being one bite.  The night we were there they did offer a supplemental courses with truffles (some were under a dome on the table to temp you) for 55 euros and a comté cheese with caviar for 35 euros.  We chose the longest tasting and the cheese course.  It sounds like a lot more food than it was;  it is easily manageable because of great portion control and a fairly rapid pacing.   The rustic bare wood tables with metal legs are set nicely a part and with comfortable ‘plastic string chairs’.  The open kitchen is one corner of the place and music plays in the background but sound panels in the ceiling control noise levels.  A few seats are available at the bar where you could interact more with the chefs.  A couple windows are open to the street and the light fixtures are set to give a warm glow to the room.  Servers spoke good English and were really helpful and friendly.  Chef Alexandre Mazzia was in the kitchen, as he has been for 5 years, and was awarded 2 Michelin stars last February, which are a good indication of the quality of the food you’ll find here.  The dishes are innovative and loaded with flavor.  You’ll want to lick the plate clean in many instances.  They were nice enough to give me a listing of the courses before we left but it is a surprise as you dine.  If you have the opportunity to go, I would suggest you take it! Continue reading →

Une Table, Au Sud, Marseille, 3/22/19

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exterior
exterior

Une Table, au Sud is located on the second story of a tourist souvenir shop along a busy strip of outdoor dining areas across from the water where many boats are docked.  It was good sized with rock music in the background, a lowered ceiling, wood floor, white tableclothes and a great view.  They offered a couple tasting menu options, a la carte and a lunch special.  Wine pairings were available.  Pacing was good and portions were fairly large.   We had the 3-course lunch menu with wine pairings.  Even though it has one Michelin star there were some service issues, like tardy delivery of the wine to go with the course and not very friendly servers. Continue reading →

Le Petit Nice, Marseille, 3/21/19

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exterior
exterior

Le Petit Nice is the only restaurant in Marseille to receive a 3 Michelin star rating.   It is in a luxury hotel that overlooks the water with Gérald Passedat as the chef.  The dining room has windows on 3 sides of its hexagon shape that overlook the water and lights of the city.  It was a lovely view even in the dark when you could’t see as much.  It was a bit hard to find the entry as we were walking to it.  A taxi would know to call at the gate to the parking lot but in the meantime we got to look into the kitchen from the passage way alongside the building.  The well spaced cloth covered tables are good sized and set with comfortable swivel chairs.  No music plays in the background, candles are on the tables and lights are slightly dimmed.  It is old school enough that the ladies menus don’t have prices.  They offer several tasting menus and an a la carte menu which is mostly seafood and vegetables. Service was good as was portion control of the tasting menu. Continue reading →

Restaurant Saisons, Marseille, 3/21/19

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exterior
exterior

Restaurant Saisons has about 8 tables in the main dining room, 2 seats in front of the kitchen window and a party room upstairs.  In the dining room there is a large window to the kitchen and a good-sized bar which is just for service not seating.  The front room or entry has some seats for waiting and a reception station along with the window to the street.  Modern music plays in the background but a number of sound dampening panels on the ceiling keep the noise level down.  The room has a modern look reinforced with the small tables of polished light wood and the concrete floor.   The menu offered 2 surprise tasting options and a small a la carte menu.  We chose the smaller 5 course menu.  For a one star Michelin restaurant the meal’s pacing was not even, with a slow down after the first two courses, like the kitchen wanted the whole room to catch up and be on the same course.  Service was friendly and helpful.   Continue reading →

L’Epuisette, Marseille, 3/20/19

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entrance
entrance

L’Epuisette is on top of a rock overlooking the cove of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea.  Chef Guillaume Sourrieu, who started here in the 1980’s,  prepares local and Mediterranean cuisine that is created around what he can obtain from his local fish and vegetable suppliers.  It is a medium-sized place and received one Michelin star in 2001.  The dining room is striking with windows on two sides that look out to the water and the stone cliffs, however visibility is limited at night, but you could see boats and late night fisherman.  There are some lights hanging from the ceiling that looked almost like jelly fish.  Hanging fish, paintings, mirrors decorate the room with well spaced white cloth-covered tables.  Music is in the background (it was turned down when more people arrived) and the lighting is lowered at night.   Sound dampening panels are on the ceiling The menu offered tasting  of 7 or 9 courses (a cheese course supplement is offered for 12 euros), a bouillabaisse menu and a la carte dishes. Continue reading →

Benu (update), San Francisco, 3/16/19

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gates
gates

It’s been 3 years since we’ve been to Benu and I don’t know that I detected a lot of change in the interior, however they said it was completely re-done since we were there.  Classical music is in the background and completely fits the soothing peacefulness of the place.  The well spaced large bare dark wood tables are set with comfortable seats, exquisitely thin stemware and gilded flatware and chargers.  Service is friendly but totally professional, shown with their knowledge of our previous visits and orders.  You feel elegantly at home.  Everyone still has a tasting menu and the food is fantastic.  Pacing is spot on and portion controls allows you to really enjoy the meal with its amazing flavors and textures.  The spectacular visual affects (down to the presentation plates) of the food are not for show, they match the quality.  If you can, get there, you won’t be disappointed.   Continue reading →

In Situ, San Francisco, 3/16/19

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exterior
exterior

In Situ is the one Michelin star restaurant inside the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  It is a very modern large place with a separate entrance from the street, so you don’t have to be in the museum.  A couple of long wood tables with bar stools are up front opposite a painting created for In Situ.  The other tables are small blond wood and appointed with bench seating or wood chairs. It’s very bright and open and a really interesting ceiling sculpture of wood is a highlight of the decorating, as there is surprisingly little art on the walls.  Their concept is to present some of their own creations but also to feature some highlights from their ‘current collaborators’ or well-recognized chefs around the world.  We have been lucky enough to visit some of these places in their home countries and had the original take on the dish and when possible I have posted those pictures following the ones from In Situ.  The chefs do advise and approve of the version of their dishes and I thought they did a good job.  It’s a fun concept.  Service was excellent.  Our server Katerina, from Lithuania,  was most helpful and interested in seeing pictures of the corresponding dishes.  She even brought us an extra dessert, one developed by their staff, so we could get a real sample of what was going on there.  I would recommend the place for a fun lunch. Continue reading →

Birdsong, San Francisco, 3/15/19

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exterior
exterior

Birdsong is a good sized one star Michelin place that has opened in May of 2018.  Most of the space in the dining room is taken up by the large kitchen which is surrounded by a low counter and seats.  A few tables are on the outer edge of the place and we were lucky to snag a table right across from the kitchen action.  There is a comfy little reception area as well as party rooms downstairs that they were nice enough to give us a tour of after we ate.  Windows to the street are on one wall and the bare light wood tables are set with a large cloth napkin that houses the evening’s menu. Everyone receives the same tasting menu.  Clear glass ball light fixtures hang from the ceiling that add good lighting but most light comes from the glow of the kitchen which is filled with action.   Lots of plants, background rock music and wood beams soften the affect of the exposed ductwork.  Service was exceptionally friendly and helpful.  After they clear that there are no allergies or dietary restrictions the menu starts promptly and pacing continues at a good rate throughout the evening.  Portions are well done to not stuff you before the end. Continue reading →

Nico, San Francisco, 3/15/19

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exterior
exterior

Nico opened in May of last year at this new location.  It is a fairly small place with one Michelin star rating.  Windows to the street make up one end of the place and the open kitchen is opposite that side.  One wall has a bench seat with a line of small light wood tables opposite it.  Exposed brick is on the walls, rock music plays in the background, a wide plank wood floor are all the backdrop for a friendly staff.   The small menu has  series of smaller plates to share or snack on and 3 larger plates for main courses.  From talking to the waiter it sounded like a lot people just come to the 5 seats at the bar and enjoy the snacks with drinks rather than come in for a meal.   It was a nice place but the food had mixed results. Continue reading →

Atelier Crenn, San Francisco, 3/14/19

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exterior
exterior

Atelier Crenn is a small restaurant with only 8 tables.   It’s been several years (pre Frankie site) since we were there and since then Chef Dominique Crenn has become the first female chef in the U.S to attain a  3 star Michelin rating.  It is a warm setting with paintings by chef’s father Allain decorating the walls.  They re-modeled 2 years ago and now round polished wood tables are set off with dampened lighting and music playing softly in the background.  The presence from the street is very discreet with no name, just the number marking the place.  They have 2 seatings for a multi course tasting menu, for which wine pairings are offered.  The evening we were there it was a spring menu that featured many items now grown on their own farm and locally sourced other ingredients.  Dishes are complex yet simple with a depth of flavor and texture in each dish that is amazing.   Many had a tableside finish that was a nice show and added to the information about the dish.  A poem greets you at the table with each line symbolizing a part of the meal to come.  Afterward you are presented with a summary of your courses. Service is friendly and helpful and pacing and portion control of the meal are good.  Chef Crenn did come out and greet each of her guests and allowed time for a bit of conversation.  Continue reading →

Guy Lassausaie Meilleur Ouvrier de France 1993, Lyon, 12/15/18

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exrterior
exterior

Guy Lassausaie, located 13 miles from Lyon, is a large modern building with a good sized parking lot across the street.  It seemed to have been built in a circular design with various size dining rooms off the center circular hallway surrounding the kitchen.  A large comfortable waiting area holds small tables, deep chairs and wood floor whereas the dining rooms have large widely spaced tables on carpet.  No music  is in the background, tables are set with white clothes and napkins, some display cases and art decorate the rooms.  Noise level is non existent and yet your conversation feels private. It is well lit with a combination of ceiling lights and wall fixtures.  One large table is in the center of the room for service and ours was decorated with beautiful large red flowers.  Our room had two mantels but no fireplaces underneath.  The windows to the outside were covered with shades.  Service was good and the greeters even came out to the car with umbrellas as it was raining.  The menu offered 4 tastings as well as an a la carte section.  We chose the Discovery Menu which was a surprise tasting of 5 seasonal courses chosen by the chef, not necessarily on the menu.  Pacing was a little slow and the portions size was variable.  They have a 2 Star rating with Michelin.   Continue reading →

Paul Bocuse – Le Restaurant Gastronomique, Lyon, 12/14/18

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exterior
exterior

Paul Bocuse Restaurant is located a few miles out of town in colorful and well lit building on top of a small hill.   Doormen in red hats and coats (who also come in with the happy birthday cart where they grind out your tune) greet you as you look around a large patio painted with murals of other famous chefs (photos at end) and a large window into part of the huge kitchen.  It has 3 Michelin Stars, which they have had since 1965, but on our visit neither the service or food would merit that rating.  Mostly the staff seemed to be ‘cranking’ it out as fast as possible with little personalization.  It had more the feel of a business rather than an elegant dining experience.  The food is made with good ingredients and has lovely presentations but doesn’t sing at all and the place felt sterile.  The place is divided into several rooms that have wall paper, mirrors and lots of art on the walls.  One had a beautiful terrazzo floor another had marble (floors had to be smooth since their cheese/dessert carts don’t have wheels).  The ceilings are hung with chandeliers and with the additional lighting on the walls the place is well lit.  Well padded chairs and purse stools are set for you but no music is in the background.  The large widely spaced tables are covered with long white clothes and set with huge napkins in a paper ring covered with “PAUL BOCUSE”.  In fact, everything is well labeled with the ‘Paul Bocuse’ name – you won’t forget where you are.    The menu offers a la carte options and 3 different tasting menus.  We chose the Paul Bocuse menu that offered some of his best known dishes.  Pacing was good and portion control on the large side. Continue reading →

Restaurant La Mère Brazier, Lyon, 12/13/18

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exterior
exterior

Restaurant La Mère Brazier is made up of a number of small rooms on a couple levels. Heavy drapes and carpet provide much sound dampening in the rooms decorated in 2 shades of gray, white and cream.  The nice sized tables are well spaced, covered with white clothes and set with very starched napkins and set with alternating dark charger with light bread plate or the opposite combination, all with silver accents.    The comfortable chairs are a swivel type.  They offer 2 tasting menus, with optional wine pairings and an a la carte menu.  We chose the 3 course Classical Menu and got our own bottle of white and half bottle of red.  The “3” course tasting also had a cheese course and choice of dessert.  The pacing and portion control were great as was the service.  The staff were all very friendly and helpful, along with speaking good English.  Chef Mathieu Viannay, who also became the owner in 2008, was in the house and came out to visit with his guests.  They did a re-model of the restaurant a couple years ago.  The restaurant has been awarded 2 Michelin Stars. Continue reading →

Takao Takano, Lyon, 12/13/18

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building
building

Takao Takano has about 9 tables, interesting light fixtures with embossing on the interior, old wood on the floor, nicely spaced small bare pedestal tables with good quality cloth napkins, wood decorations on the wall, no music in the background and windows to the street on two sides.  It has been recognized with two Michelin Stars.  They offered 3 tasting menus – one for a lunch special and 2 longer tasting menus.  We actually found the lunch tasting most appealing and so ordered it.  Interestingly, my menu had no prices.  Pacing and portion control were good as was the service, although not engaging. Continue reading →

Restaurant Le Neuvième Art, Lyon, 12/12/18

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entrance
entrance

Restaurant Le Neuvième Art is a 2 Star Michelin with about 10 widely spaced pedestal tables with a large staging area in the middle of the dining area.  Some of the tables are in two pieces where the smaller one serves as a staging table.  The lighting is lowered as is the ceiling, gauzy curtains cover large windows on two sides of the room, an automatic sliding door opens to allow quick looks into the kitchen, “crumpled paper” covers are on the overhead and wall light fixtures, a box on the table turns into a flame for each table, no music is in the background, the purse stools are topped with cork and lots of friendly staff speak good English  in this comfortable yet elegant dining room.  Chef Chrisophe Roure was in the house and made the rounds of the tables.  He and his wife opened their restaurant in June 2014 and offer a couple tasting menus, with optional wine pairings, as well as a la carte options. We had the 5 course tasting that also includes cheese and dessert and ordered our own wines.  Pacing and portion control of the tasting were good and the food was really tasty. Continue reading →

SingleThread Restaurant, Healdsburg, CA, 12/5/18

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building
building

SingleThread Farm, Restaurant and Inn opened in December 2016 and is a large corner building in Healdsburg, an hour and a half drive from San Francisco.  Upstairs they have some elegant rooms to stay in and downstairs they have a large kitchen and several dining areas.  There is a roof top terrance for some courses but it was not in use the night we were there.  The building is quite modern, with soft lighting  and music, set with large bare wood tables, a wood ceiling, gold wood tiles on some walls, some faux fire places, a bouquet of flowers and herbs from their garden on top of your napkin and lots of bench seating filled with extra cushions for back support.  They only seat about 52 people but some early diners’ tables were turned.  The reservation system is a pre-pay one with no refunds but you can try and re-sell tickets if you can’t use them.  Service was wonderful with most every person who approached our table addressing us by name.  Pacing is at a good rate and portion controls allows you to easily get through the surprise tasting (pairings are available) but will not leave you hungry.  At the end of the meal they do present you with a copy of the menu. Continue reading →

Restaurant PAGES, Paris, 12/1/18

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entrance
entrance

Restaurant PAGES only has 7 or 8 tables with much of the room being taken up with the open kitchen.   They have one Michelin star.  White clothed tables are widely spaced and set with a wooden container of potato chips.  Pale walls with some exposed brick, a stone floor, and lots of stainless around the kitchen and on some of the walls and ceiling, set the tone of the room.  A display case is in the back with meats they are aging and soft music played in the background.  It felt very modern but I wouldn’t call it a fun ambiance.  They have been open 4 years and offer only a tasting of 8 courses.  There were 3 supplements available the night we were there, caviar, truffle and/or Wagyu beef.  We opted to include the last one.  There are no menus before or when you finish.  They did bring a nice warm cloth to wash off before you started. Continue reading →

Cobéa, Paris, 11/30/18

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exterior
exterior

Cobéa is a smallish place that was really busy.  The setting is white clothes and napkins covering the small close tables, lowered lighting, no music, a wall of barred windows overlooking the garden and a small window serving as a pass through area for the kitchen.  The staff kept a frantic pace but seemed to be fairly inefficient in their service in spite of that, however it did leave me feeling rushed and yet I wasn’t.  There was lots of carrying things to and from the kitchen and the pacing quite variable, in addition the explanations of the dishes was poor.  The menu lists the items and you pick 4, 6, or 8 courses with the items already selected for the number of courses you pick.  There was little price difference in the tastings.  We chose the 8 course menu which featured both of the protein options.  Portion control was all right.  They have a one Michelin star rating. Continue reading →

Le Clarence, Paris, 11/30/18

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exterior
exterior

Le Clarence has been around about 3 years and is in the private mansion of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, who is also President of a wine estate in Bordeaux, Domaine Clarence Dillon.   The building has been meticuously restored and decorated to provide a ‘lived-in’ feel while still being quite elegant.  There are three small dining rooms, each with a different decor, and a large area upstairs lounge to relax and have cocktails or after dinner drinks if you prefer that to sitting at the table.    There are also some private party rooms.  Some rooms have windows to the street and other have windows looking over the courtyard toward the glassed in kitchen area.  Beautiful carpet is on the floors topped with large widely spaced tables draped with pale green satin underskirts topped with white cloths whose color scheme perfectly mimics the charger plates on the table (marked with the CD logo).  Chef Christophe Pelé works some 2 star Michelin magic on the 3 different tasting menus that are offered.  Wine pairings are available.  There was also a truffle supplement offered the day we were there but we opted to just have their longer tasting, Menu Le Clarence. Pacing and portion control were great as was the service.  Every need was happily attended to and afterwards they showed us around some of the other rooms as well as having a printed menu of what we had for me. Continue reading →

Guy Savoy (update), Paris, 11/29/18

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entrance
entrance

It’s been 3 years since we were at Guy Savoy, a large 3 star Michelin restaurant.  Not much had changed in the physical structure but the feel was definitely of a tourist driven  machine.  We were in a room with mostly non-French speaking people and it was unsettling to hear the same “witty” remarks delivered to each table, like they were something new and personal.  Nevertheless service is well done with no need is too much to ask for.  The lunch special is not as good a deal now.  You are limited in your choices with it and the various lunch compilations did not appeal either, so we ordered from the regular menu.  Interesting enough the menu is printed in about 6 languages.  Chef Guy Savoy is still in house and makes the rounds of the tables but leaves early enough that I seriously doubt he was doing any cooking –  he is there just to be seen.  If you need to see him then I urge you to go but even though the food is really good you can eat better at a better price any number of other places. Continue reading →

L’Arcane (update), Paris, 11/28/18

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exterior
exterior

We visited L’Arcane for the first time about 18 months ago and they hadn’t been open long (opened June 2016).  On this re-visit pretty much every thing that bothered me about the place has been corrected and food remains outstanding.  Get it on your list as soon as you can.  The tables are still small but well spaced and the lighting is at a good level.  Soft music is in the background and some decorative changes, like wide planked wood floors and nice artwork, have been made that are all for the better.  They now have a well deserved one Michelin star rating.  Chef Laurent Magnin is now married to Sophie Keller who runs the front of the house.  They offer a tasting menu only with the option of 3, 4 or 5 different courses, but there are a couple of amuse bouche to add to it.  There is no printed menu.   Portion control was good and pacing on the slower side but nicely regular as opposed to having long gaps. Continue reading →

Smyth, Chicago, 11/17/18

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exterior
exterior

Smyth has a large open kitchen (with a wood fire), a small waiting area and 2 Michelin stars.  Upstairs from it is a ‘sister’ restaurant with a more casual mode.  Lighting is lower with plenty of candles in the room.  A variety of music plays in the background, including rap, on a real turntable.   The polished wood bare tabes were well spaced and set on a concrete floor with a wood ceiling overhead.  A couple of large wood columns are in the room, but they appeared to be structural.  It serves only a tasting menu which you designate the length of when you make your reservation.  Ours was the Omaha tasting.  Wine pairings were available, as are non-alcoholic pairings, but we ordered our own wines.  Service was excellent and friendly and pacing was good.  This meal started strong and never let up the quality – put it on your list if you’re in Chicago. Continue reading →

Oriole, Chicago, 11/16/18

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entrance
entrance

Oriole is located on an alley that the Uber driver didn’t want to go down because he was sure that a 2 star Michelin restaurant wouldn’t be ‘down that little alley’.  However it was and worth walking those extra 20 feet to the subtly lit door.  Once inside there is a small waiting area where we were served a warmed spiced drink.  They actually sent us home with the herbs and recipe to recreate at home if desired.  After we had chatted with the hostess and checked out coats she opened what looked like an old elevator door and we were led into the nice dining room.  There were only about ten 2-top and two 4-top tables, so I wouldn’t call it large, but the tables were well spread out and good sized.  The lighting was lowered and the exposed brick walls were lined with bench seating equipped with pillows.  From the wood ceiling with exposed ductwork,  a number of  light fixtures hung that came in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Some glass bricked windows, jazzy music in the background, an open kitchen, lots of candles, some  interesting art work and wood columns completed the decorative elements.  There was a definite hum in the room but no noise problem.  They have been here for 3 years and offer one tasting menu that is full of wonderful flavors for all guests.  Wine pairings are offered (2 levels as well as non-alcoholic) but we chose to order our own wines.  Pacing was great and portion control perfect. Continue reading →

Roister, Chicago, 11/16/18

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entrance
entrance

Roister is a good sized place that opened in 2016 with a large bar surrounding the open kitchen that also has seating in addition to the dining room. It has been awarded one Michelin star.  It is a part of the Alinea group but the food is under the supervision of Chef Brochu.  We were there for lunch/brunch and I noticed the dinner menu offers some different  options.  The casual atmosphere had fairly loud background music and comfortable bar seating.  In the back was a pile of wood that is used in some cooking.  The lighting is subdued but spot lights provide plenty of light at each seat.  The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful, however the prep people that stood right in front of us seemed to have no interest in interaction with guests.  The menu had a number of interesting sounding dishes so we ordered a series of plates to split. Continue reading →

Alinea, Chicago, 11/15/18

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Entrance
entrance

Alinea opened in 2005 and is Chicago’s only 3 star Michelin restaurant.  This is a second visit for us, but we read about their big redo around 2015 and thought maybe things had changed, especially since Alinea means “the beginning of a new train of though.”  Grant Achatz is still the chef and he is no more personable than he was before, however most of the staff were very friendly and exceptionally attentive.  What I objected to before has just become even  more prominent.  If you’ve read many of my write ups, you know flavor is most important to my dining experience.  This place is all about the theater and show of your dinner.  You move around, lots of props are in play (music, smoke, ceiling art, etc.) and there is really a show of all the staff moving about servicing the tables.  Flavor is too far down on their list of priorities for me, but if you’ve never been to a place with so much show and innovative cuisine, it is worth one visit.  But be forewarned, you will leave with a lot less money and still hungry. Continue reading →

Werneckhof by Geisel, Munich, 10/27/18

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building
building

Werneckhof is a good sized place that spreads over 2 rooms.  Marble tile is on the floor and the lots of dark wood makes up the walls and seating.  Benches line most of the walls that match up with comfortable chairs at the well spaced large tables.  Low lighting, white tablecloths and napkins, no background music, leaded glass windows on one wall and an enormous chandelier are other features to the room.  They have achieved a 2 Michelin star rating because of their great food and superior service.  Twin brothers fill the rolls of sommelier, Toby Klaas, and manager, Markus Klaas.   They were both totally welcoming and helpful as well as keeping the pacing spot on while attending to your every need.  In fact all the service people we dealt with there were outstanding.  Chef Tohru Nakamura has been here since 2013 and was also very personable.  If you get the opportunity to go, do so cause he makes food you don’t want to miss.  The menu offered 2 tastings with 5 or 7 course options with optional wine pairings.  The table didn’t all have to get the same thing so we opted to have both of the 7 course options and order our own wines.  Some of the courses did overlap.   Continue reading →

Schuhbecks Fine Dining, Munich, 10/27/18

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building
building

Schuhbeck’s Fine Dining is made up of 2 rooms with shiny wood tables and windows along one wall looking out on the street.   An elegant atmosphere with plush banquette seating along the walls and arm chairs for those facing.  Paintings, mirrors and fancy plaster work decorate the walls and reflect the elaborate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  The bar area in one room is gold material behind the lighting reflecting the glassware.  Music in the background is 60’s American songs,  They opened 2 years ago and already have one Michelin star.  For lunch they offered an a la carte menu or a 2, 3, 4 or 5 course menu with wine pairings available for the 3 – 5 course options.   There were at least 3 choices to pick from for each of the courses and I’m guessing for the 5 course you just chose 2 from one section.  Service was attentive and super friendly and welcoming.  We chose the 3 course menu and ordered our own wine. Continue reading →

Restaurant Atelier, Munich, 10/26/18

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hotel
hotel

Restaurant Atelier is located in the Bayerischer Hof Hotel.   The chef has been here only 4 years but already has 3 Michelin stars, a very quick attainment of that rating.  There were only 8 large tables and a larger party table in the back portion of the room.  Each of the well spaced tables had its own service table and were covered in a single beige cloth with a matching napkin.  Places were set with really heavy, large charger plates made of stone.  Lights were lowered and faint music played in the background. The staff all wore wrap coats, with the colors seeming to identify them.  (The sommelier was the only one in red).  Two tasting menus were offered with varying numbers of courses for each.  They offered to move or delete things as we would want.  We chose the Atelier Seven course menu and ordered our own bottles of wine.  At the end of the meal they nicely brought a copy of our menu with the names of the wines included.  Service was moderately friendly, portion control was good but pacing was too slow.  Service also was a bit unattentive, like not re-filling wine and water glasses and it took forever to deliver the ordered cocktails. Continue reading →

Les Deux, Munich, 10/26/18

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building
building

Les Deux Restaurant, a one Michelin star place, is upstairs over the Les Deux Brasserie.  The building is in the shape of a triangle in a shopping area, with the restaurant benefitting from the second story windows on two sides.   The great view of the people moving about was pretty entertaining.   The good sized room has a much more formal tone than the downstairs.  The various sized pedestal tables were covered with a beige cloth and set with a cream colored napkin and comfortable swivel chairs.  A large center service table was set with wonderful flowers and the floor was composed of really narrow wood slats.  No music was in the background but the soft rumble of voices provided a good ambiance.  At lunch they offered a tasting menu, a la carte option and a 3 course business lunch that included coffee and water.  We chose the latter and the portions were generous but the pacing was irregular.  Service was friendly and efficient. Continue reading →

Restaurant Tantris, Munich, 10/25/18

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building
building

Tantris is a large restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.  The interior and exterior feature dragons and plays on their logo.  The dominant color is orange with waitstaff even wearing coordinating floral prints.  The large tables are well spaced on a gray carpet with a reddish orange carpet-like covering on the ceiling.  Along with the well padded chairs noise level is not a problem even though there is music in the background.  Each cloth covered table is equipped with a service table and set with a dragon and really narrow flatware.  It is a striking place and one you’ll remember, especially the large gold light fixture that hangs near the entrance, between the bar and dining areas, and the large lighted replica of their logo on one wall.  Don’t miss a trip to the bathroom, both are  impactful in their design.   Service was excellent, friendly and insightful.  Pacing and portion control were terrific. Continue reading →

Alois Dallmayr, Munich, 10/25/18

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entrance
building

Alois is upstairs over a busy delicatessen – the Dallmayr.  The entrance was a little hard to find in the busy store.  The red carpeted stairs were at one end without much marking.  The restaurant was made up of two rooms both with the same bird wall paper, but in different colors.  The bird motif was also used on their menu cover. The small stone tables have a metal binding around the edge and are widely spaced.  The windows along one wall overlook the busy street below and the color scheme is pink and purple.  All the chairs are set with an extra pillow and extra lamps in the windowsills have fringed shades.  Wall sconces had a mirrored reflector and music was in the background.  It was very stylized but with the lower ceiling and carpet noise level was not a problem.  They have been awarded 2 Michelin stars.  For lunch they only offered a 3 course menu, that did have 2 options for the first course.   Pacing was okay and portions were fairly small.  We ordered a glass of their rose champagne which was nice but 24 euros a glass.  They did start off each table with a warm moist cloth.  Continue reading →

Gourmet Restaurant Königshof, Munich, 10/24/18

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entranceThe Gourmet Restaurant has one Michelin star and is in the Hotel Königshof.  The hotel is over 200 years old and was given a new facade in the 70’s.  Unfortunately my understanding is that the restaurant will be closed soon for a couple years while the hotel undergoes a major renovation.  Wines were being moved to a storage area and some of the staff are moving to other places.  The large dining room is on the second level and has a long row of windows that overlook the busy street and buildings around it.  A lowered ceiling and very low lighting set the atmosphere along with double clothed tables, heavily starched napkins and very attentive and friendly staff.  They offered 2 tasting menus and an optional truffle special.  Wine pairings are available for the tasting menus.  We chose the Martin Fauster Menu and ordered our own red and white wines.  The pacing and portion control of the tasting were excellent. Continue reading →

Acquarello, Munich,10/24/18

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building
building

Acquarello is a  fairly large restaurant that opened in 1994 and received a Michelin star in 2000.  The dining room is in shades of aqua and cream and Italian music plays in the background.  The large tables are nicely spaced and one wall is windows overlooking the outdoor patio.   Canvas is stretched across the ceiling which dampened the lighting and  kept the noise level down, but with the windows in the daytime there is plenty of light.  At lunch they offered 2 tasting menus, an a la carte menu and a 3 course lunch special.  They offer wine pairings but we chose our own bottle of wine.  Chef Mario Gamba was in the house and recommended the Classic Tasting menu which is composed of his hits of the last 24 years.   Pacing and portion control were spot on.  It turned out that the wonderful and friendly server we had was chef’s son Massi.  He was incredibly patient when giving descriptions and with my questions.  Service was well matched to the wonderful food.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Francais, Frankfurt, 9/29/18

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entrance from hotel lobby
entrance from the hotel lobby

Restaurant Francais is the one Michelin star restaurant in the Steignberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel.  It has 2 good sized rooms, one that directly opens to the hotel lobby and the other that looks out on the patio and then the street.  Both are elegantly appointed with parquet floor, lots of orchids, a rose colored under cloth that matches the upholstry of the seating topped with a white cloth and napkin, candlelight on each table, lowered lighting and soft background music.  They offer a 5 or 7 course tasting menu or any of the items can be purchased a la carte.  Wine pairings are available.  The menu doesn’t specify what you get in the tastings, you simply pick the courses you want to include.   We opted for a 7 course menu that skipped one of the savory courses but included both cheese and dessert.  The server was nice enough to bring us a sampling of the course we excluded so we could sample everything.  Service is helpful and friendly and pacing and portion control of the tasting was excellent.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Lafleur, Frankfurt, 9/28/18

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building
building

Restaurant Lafleur is a 2 star Michelin place located in the southern edge of the Palmengarten.  It is a medium sized place with about 14 tables, a combination of rounded booths and free standing tables, all with white tableclothes on top of floor length beige ones.  There was some background music but the noise level was good even though the tables were fairly closely spaced on a wood floor.  A lowered ceiling probably helped.  Windows to the outside lined one wall and a semi-circle of them made up the end of the space.  Some modern art was on the walls and a few interesting sculptures were in the deep windowsills.  They offered an a la carte menu as well as two tasting options of various numbers of courses.  In 2014 the chef offered a totally vegan tasting menu, the first Michelin starred chef to offer one.  We chose the 7 course Degustation Menu.  Service was helpful, fun and friendly but the food was mixed in quality.  Pacing of the meal started nicely but then slowed to a crawl and stayed really slow.   Continue reading →

Gustav Restaurant, Frankfurt, 9/28/18

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view to the street
view to the street

Gustav is a medium sized place with small tables moderately spaced and gray walls covered with modern art.  It is on the corner of a building so 2 sides have windows to the street.  They have been there 5 years and have one Michelin star.  Service was friendly and efficient.  At lunch they offered a 2, 3 or 4 course menu with a couple choices on 2 of the courses and it changes every two weeks.  We chose the 4 course option.  Service was efficient and friendly.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Bareiss, Baiersbronn, 9/27/18

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hotel
hotel

The Restaurant Bareiss is in the hotel of the same name, Hotel Bareiss – a resort in Baiersbronn-Mitteltal (Schwarzwald).  They received their  3rd Michelin star in 2007 and the hotel offers car service back to the other resort  (Traube Tonbach) a couple miles away with the other 3 star restaurant, which offers the same service.  This place is only 50 years old, so a tad newer but just as elegant.  The restaurant didn’t open till 7:00 and as we were a few minutes early we hung out in the large busy bar area.  They had live music and a huge list of cocktails.  The dining room had 8 large tables draped with a white embossed cloth as well as a longer gray/taupe cloth underneath.   Matching napkins featured the gold piping that accented the top cloth.  A large floral arrangement in white and green shades was in the center of the room right under the huge crystal light fixture, that featured tons of hanging crystal tendrils.  Each dining table was set with well padded chairs and had its own service table next to it.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube, Baiersbronn, 9/26/18

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building
building

Restaurant Schwarzwaldstube is a 3 star Michelin restaurant in the Traube Tonbach hotel in the Black Forest of Germany.  It can be reached by car or train from Frankfurt. The hotel has been in the same family for 9 generations and the current owner made the rounds of the room during meal service.  His great, great grandfather had been a baker in the restaurant.  The room has windows with granite counters below that look at the beautiful scenery outside, a deeply recessed wood ceiling, plush carpet,  12 white clothed widely spaced large tables set with gray-brown napkins had little chandeliers on the side, nice padded chairs and faint background music. The excellent service is provided by formally dressed males and females in traditional clothing. Head chef Torsten Michel took over in 2017, having started there in 2004, and he changes the menu every 7 weeks and offers a la carte as well as 3 tasting menus, one being vegetarian and the others, long and short versions of the degustation menu.  We chose the longer of the degustation menu with one substitution on the first course where I had a tuna dish instead of the mackerel on the menu.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Vinkeles, Amsterdam, 7/7/18

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entrance
entrance

Vinkeles is a one star restaurant in the boutique Dylan hotel.  The hotel faces a canal but you can’t see it from the restaurant. The small indoor dining room has an enclosed patio with closely set  2-top tables in it.  The glass roof is shaded by trees and buildings and some kind of garden area is behind it. Music is in the background but it might have bled in from the bar area you walk though to get to the restaurant.  There also happened to be a wedding there in the large center court of the hotel.  It’s noise level permeated the patio space but I’m guessing they seated most of the guests there as the inside dining room was even more affected.  However it was a warm night and we asked twice to have some more air conditioning which had the slightest affect. Being hot, cramped with a thumping background noise did not seem to be the experience they were going for but hopefully it didn’t color my impressions of the food that seemed to decline in flavor as the evening went on. Continue reading →

Ron Gastrobars, Amsterdam, 7/7/18

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entrance
entrance

Ron Gastrobars is a large place with one Michelin star.  There are several locations, all with different themes.  Here there was a large indoor dining room that was not being used as everyone was seated on the huge covered patio that looked out on a busy street.  Soft rock music played in the background and the small tables were set with salt and pepper grinders.  A very casual crowd was there, many as family units.  The menu offered a number of small dishes which they suggested you get several per person and split them.  We opted to order the Tomahawk beef chop for 2.  The problem we had was that they told us it would take 45 minutes to cook but it ended up being twice that long.  I wasn’t sure what the problem was but worried that it might have tainted my experience here – which did not leave me satisfied or anxious to ever return.   Continue reading →

Ciel Bleu, Amsterdam, 7/6/18

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restaurant entrance
restaurant entrance

Ciel Bleu was a 2 star Michelin restaurant on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam.  The good sized formal dining room offered a spectacular view of the city as the room’s walls on 3 sides were windows.  Even tables in the middle of the room could enjoy the view but they were nice enough to move us to window table as its occupants left shortly after we arrived.  Music plays in the background, purse stools are available, the large tables are well spaced, all tables except those next to the wall (where guests sit side by side so both can enjoy the view) are covered with white linen and each place is set with small salt and pepper wells and a dish for olive oil.   There were a couple larger tables for parties on one end of the room.  They offered 3 tasting menus with one being vegetarian.  We chose the Ciel Bleu Guestronomy.  Service was attentive and friendly.   Continue reading →

The White Room, Amsterdam, 7/6/18

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hotel building
hotel building

The White Room was a large one star Michelin restaurant located in the NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. The lovely room re-opened in April 2016 after extensive restoration of the room and paintings.  Gold and white dominated the very ornate room with white upholstered chairs and banquettes, white walls with gold trim, white table clothes and frilly chandeliers.  The panel paintings in the walls date back to 1885. Windows look out onto the street but have opaque sections at head level whereas the windows facing the hotel have gold stained glass patterns.  The menu offered 4, 6, and 8 course tastings, a la carte options and 2 and 3 course surprise lunch menu with wine pairings available.  The lunch is interesting because different tables will get different things.  We chose the lunch menu with the wine pairing and portion control was good and the wine pairings a generous pour.  I would call it technically perfect food served with some flavor.  Service was friendly and timing was good.   Continue reading →

Calla’s, The Hague, 7/5/18

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building
building

Calla’s was in The Hague, just a short train ride from Amsterdam.  It has been in business for 20 years and has a one star Michelin rating.  The red brick exterior did not prepare me for a very modern interior.  The white interior and linens were highlighted by a number of different red blooms and all of the nine dining tables, except for the chef’s table, were located upstairs.  Downstairs were the kitchen, waiting area and bathrooms.  Windows to the exterior let in natural light in the daytime and the windows within allowed you to catch glimpses of the action and plates coming out of the kitchen.   Some modern music played in the background but the tables were well spaced enough that noise was not an issue.  The menu included an a la carte section, 2 tasting menus and a lunch special.  The special’s options sounded best to us and so we chose it.   Continue reading →

Librije’s Zusje, Amsterdam, 7/4/18

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hotel
hotel

Librije’s Zusje is a 2 star Michelin restaurant located in the lovely Waldorf Astoria hotel.   Chef Sidney Schutte has been in this location for 3 – 4 years having  worked at Zwolle Librije for 10 years.   The medium sized, well-spaced tables were fully draped with nice linens and set with comfortable leather chairs and purse stools, rhythmic music was in the background and the lighting is lowered.  Smaller velvet chairs match the banquette seating along one wall.  Windows look out to the beautiful grounds,  paintings and mirrors tastefully decorate the walls and a huge arrangement of gorgeous flowers graces the center staging table.  The room has a wonderfully elegant feel.   Continue reading →

Rico’s Restaurant, Zürich, 6/2/18

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building
building

The evening we visited Rico’s, a 2 star Michelin restaurant, a sign on the front door indicated that they were seating people on the patio rather than the inside dining area.  It is a heavily decorated place with lots of quirky objects both inside and out.  The small tables are set closely on the patio that was covered with a straw/wood  roof.  Lots of plants surround the cloth covered tables that sit on a stone floor.  The servers are dressed in casual black clothing and wear red spiked sneakers on their feet.  There is soft music in the background and lighting is natural then gradually blends into candle light.   They offer an a la carte menu as well as a 3 – 7 course tasting menu.  We chose the 7 course menu and while service was friendly the pacing of the courses was off.  It slowed to a crawl at one point, however the portion size was well done.  The chef was in house and came out to visit with some friends but did not make it around the room. Continue reading →

The Restaurant at The Dolder Grand Hotel, Zürich, 6/1/18

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dining room
dining room

The Restaurant has two Michelin stars and is in the elegant Dolder Grand Hotel.  The hotel was built in the late 1800’s and has been visited by many celebrities.  In 2004 it was closed for 4 years and completely renovated to restore and expand the structure.  It is accessible by car or you can ride the Dolderbahn up the hill to it.  The dining room is separated from the bar area by a floor to ceiling climate controlled wine storage unit.  The ceiling dated to 1899 and huge lighting structures hung from it.  Tables are nicely spaced and draped with nice white clothes and set with large rectangle napkins.  Some of the tables had a center circle of light which was an odd touch, not troublesome but striking.  There is faint background music.   They offer two tasting menus, one vegetarian, of 6 or 10 courses.  Wine pairings are available for each option.  The portion control of the menu was good but the pacing lagged in the second half of the menu.   Continue reading →

Ecco Zürich, Zürich, 5/31/18

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hotel
hotel

Ecco is the two star Michelin restaurant in the Hotel Atlantis at the foot of the Uetliberg Mountain.  The interior is elegant and an upstairs terrace overlooking some of the grounds is also available for dining.  We started on the terrace but threatening rain and the accompanying wind made us move inside after the first set of snacks.  That way we got to experience both options – and they were both nice – but inside had an elegance hard to achieve in outdoor dining.  Inside the cloth-covered tables are widely spaced and most have a combination of banquette seating and chairs.  The room is divided into thirds by large candles on pedestals and the back of the banquette that is topped with lovely flowers that meet glass sticks from the ceiling that form a light fixture.  One side of the room’s walls is covered with large paintings that are opposite the wall that is the open part of the kitchen.  Another wall looks out onto the terrace and its opposite wall has large windows looking into the hotel.   Continue reading →

Restaurant mesa, Zürich, 5/31/18

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EXTERIOR
exterior

Mesa was a medium sized one star Michelin restaurant in a fairly residential neighborhood that has been open since 2003.  It is conveniently located right across from a tram stop and looks like an old house inside.  At lunch they offer 2 or 3 course menu where you pick your courses or a Surprise menu of 3, 4 or 5 courses where they pick the courses, many of which are also offered on the dinner menu.  We chose the 5 course surprise menu.   Tables are nicely spaced and covered set with white clothes and napkins.  Windows were on 3 sides, which let in lots of natural light during the daytime.  There was some outdoor seating, while inside there was a lowered ceiling, wood floor, black and white photos on the walls, purse stools and books in the windowsills.  Service was efficient but not overly friendly and they told me that all the food is made in house except the bread.  Courses were well spaced and portioned.   Continue reading →

Restaurant Pavillon, Zürich, 5/30/18

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hotel entrance
hotel entrance

The Pavillion is in the 175 year old Baur au Lac Hotel. The round dining room underwent a major remodel in the early 2000s and is filled with gorgeous fresh flowers as is the hotel. Windows to the manicured grounds provide a lovely backdrop to the huge centerpiece that dominates the room.  It is a huge arrangement with lots of orchids on top of a round banquette seat that provides part of the seating for a couple of tables.  Nice carpeting compliments the light gray tablecloths and matching napkins set on the well spaced large tables.  It is an elegant room with very little noise level but your conversation stays private except for some weird effects brought on by the shape of the room.  They offer a tasting menu of 7 or 9 courses as well as an a la carte menu.  Wine pairings are available with Swiss or international wines. Service is friendly and helpful.   Continue reading →

Eleven Madison Park (update), New York City, 5/19/18

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exterior
exterior

It’s been several years since we visited Eleven Madison Park, a 3 star Michelin, because their focus seemed to shift to an emphasis on theater over taste.  Recent reviews indicated that there had been a new change in philosophy and I agree that that is the case.  There’s a lot more taste and less gimmick to their meal.  It’s not all gone but what’s left is okay because underneath is a foundation of flavor.  Also they re-did the dining room about 4 months ago and it is brighter with much more comfortable seating in a rich blue velvet.  They changed the bar set up also, so the staff no longer line up on the wall and watch your every move, which I found off-putting.  There is some nice background music, high ceilings and lovely large flower arrangements to enhance your experience.  Tables have good space between them and are set with fine linens.  Service is friendly and not too formal but very attentive, now without being intrusive.  It is an 8 course tasting menu only with choices on several of the courses (same at lunch and dinner).  There are no supplements but they do offer wine pairings and do give you a printed version of your menu when you are through.  The pacing and portion control of the menu are very good.   Continue reading →

Atera, New York City, 5/18/18

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entrance
entrance

Atera is made up of 12 seats at a u-shaped bar surrounding an open kitchen.  There is an additional table in the back for a group of 6.  Chef Ronny Emborg was in the kitchen with several other chefs but most of the interaction is with the service staff who are a delightful bunch.  The chefs presented and described the dishes but the kitchen doesn’t have much banter.   Lots of good smells greet you when you enter the room as well as old rock music and lowered lighting.  Wood walls and ceiling are matched with dark curtains – all of which help dampen sound – give the room a cozy yet elegant feel.  There is very little noise in the room and conversations tended to be hushed and private throughout the evening.   It is a surprise tasting menu only, a copy of which is given to you when you leave.   Two seatings are offered every night at this 2 star Michelin restaurant which nicely scales the portion sizes of the 18 course menu.   Continue reading →

Momofuku Ko (update), New York City, 5/5/18

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entrance
entrance

It’s been a couple years since Frankie and I visited Ko, a 2 Star Michelin restaurant and they are still a place worth a visit if you’re in town.   A few cosmetic changes include the entry now being a different door so that you enter into a segregated bar area and then walk through to the dining room.  Still a large U-shaped bar around an open kitchen. The glassed in cabinets on one side seemed fuller, holding lots of aging meats and vegetables. Fairly loud rock music plays in the background and service is friendly and helpful, but there is limited interaction with the cooking staff.  No menu is given for the surprise tasting that all guests have, but one is presented at the end of the meal. They nicely offer a warm wet cloth before you start your meal which is thoughtful as several first bites are finger food.   Continue reading →

LYLE’S, London, 4/28/18

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building
building

LYLE’S is a medium sized one star Michelin restaurant that served only a la carte when we were there for lunch.  At night they do a tasting menu.  They opened in April 2014 and the restaurant was named after the chef’s mother’s maiden name.  It has a large open kitchen on one side of the space and windows to the street on the opposite side.  Pop/rock music plays in the background and the bare wood tables are set with un-cushioned chairs.  It’s a casual atmosphere with white brick and tile walls, concrete floor, exposed ductwork and some seating at the bar.  The menu changes daily.  The kitchen was happy to split dishes or have you do so at the table and portion sizes lended itself to sharing.  Service was friendly and helpful.   Continue reading →

Pollen Street Social, London, 4/27/18

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building
building

Pollen Street Social is a large one star Michelin restaurant that spans several rooms.  You enter in the bar area where there is a long counter and a few tables and the main dining rooms are just behind there.  The lighting is fairly dim, jazz music plays in the background, there’s lots of art on the walls, the main kitchen is seen through a glass and the dessert kitchen is open to the dining rooms.  It has some stools at the counter where one can come just for dessert.  Lots of windows look out to the street and the small tables are fairly well spaced, with some utilizing bench seating along the wall.  There is a hum of conversation in the room with noise making conversation sometimes difficult.  They have been open 7 years but service is still plenty attentive, helpful and friendly.  Pacing of the meal was nicely done.  They have a large a la carte menu as well as a tasting one.   We chose to order a la carte and split some of the dishes.   Continue reading →

The Ledbury (update), London, 4/26/18

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entrance
entrance

This was our third visit to Ledbury, a 2 star Michelin that opened around 2005, but the first visit for lunch.  At lunch they offer a full tasting menu of 6 courses as well as a set lunch of 4 items or a 4 course menu with choices for each course.  There are just 18 nicely spaced tables set with lovely white clothes and napkins along with a different object of art.  The wood floor and columns add to the serene room that has lots of windows and mirrors.  Fancy chandeliers add lighting but in the day the windows bring in plenty of natural light.  The noise level is non-existent but conversations still feel private.  There are a huge number of service people that are helpful, friendly and often smiling.  We chose the four course tasting where we picked our options and of course they added more to it.  Brett Graham is the The Chef but on our visit Greg Austin, Head Chef who has been the there for 9 1/2 years, was running the kitchen.  Regardless of which is there, this place is worth putting on your list. Continue reading →

The Clove Club (update), London, 4/25/18

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entrance
entrance

Clove Club is a large for a one star Michelin restaurant.  It has a main dining room that serves only the longer of two tasting menu options. We sat in the bar area that requires you to prepay for the shorter tasting menu but offers the option to upgrade to the longer menu when you arrive. Both menus are available in printed form. Bare wood tables and no clothes add to the noise level issues however when we last ate here we were in the main dining room and it was also noisy. Service is friendly and helpful and pacing and portions of the menu are nicely done. Wine pairings are available. We chose the longer tasting menu and ordered our own bottles of wine. Continue reading →

Claude Bosi at Bibendum Restaurant, London, 4/25/18

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building
building

Bibendum has been open for about a year and Chef Claude Bosi, previously with Hibiscus, already has two Michelin stars.  Fitting, in that the restaurant is on the second level of the Michelin building and heavily decorated with Michelin paraphernalia.  Even the exterior of the building has tires and the Michelin man incorporated into its design.  The first level is a casual seafood bar and has a tiled car mural around the ceiling.  The elevator lets you off into a far more formal dining area with 2 huge stained glass Michelin man windows.  The club chairs are comfy and set at tables draped with long gray clothes and huge matching gray napkins. American music plays softly in the background and dies out as the room becomes filled.  Natural light from lots of windows fills the room but some of the light coming through the stained glass can cast some different colors on your food.  The room has a nice feel and service is friendly and helpful.  The kitchen offers a set lunch option as well as a la carte service.  Most of the food was in a lovely French style.  We ordered a la carte.   Continue reading →

Pipero Roma, Rome (update), 4/14/18

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building
building

Pipero has moved to a new location since we were last there.  This new place covers 3 levels and is quite elegant and modern looking.  Lots of art and photos decorate the spaces and classical music plays in the background.  Spot lighting makes the area for food well lit and arty light fixtures add additional lighting.  There are a couple of small windows.  The large tables are widely spaced and set with long white clothes and large white napkins.  Service is attentive and helpful and makes you feel like they are glad to have you in their one star Michelin restaurant.  We sat upstairs where we could see some of the main floor action and look out the window to the night lights.  The floor below street level contains the bathroom, a room with a large table and some wine storage.  I saw Chef Luciano Monosilio come out of the kitchen to observe the floor but he didn’t make the rounds of the tables.   That is left to owner Alessandro Pipero and he is the consummate host.  The menu contains 6 or 10 course surprise tasting options and a la carte options.  Pipero invited us to put our meal in his hands and we did just that.  This place should be on your list to visit when in Rome.   Continue reading →

Ristorante Antonello Colonna, Rome, 4/12/18

~ hsnixon ~ 1 Comment

building
building

Ristorante Antonello Colonna is an unhandy location to get to, located on top of a building that has its entrance below street level.  There is a sign outside the building entrance but then you have to go up an elevator and then up another flight of stairs.  The level below is the large room where they serve lunch and it’s a nice room but huge with a high ceiling.  The evening dining room has part of it set with lounge and bar seating.   There is also a adjacent outside patio that would be nice when weather permits. Windows surround the large, well spaced tables and instrumental music plays in the background.  Tables are draped with floor length clothes and set with large white napkins.  Purse stools are provided but they are very small and the first thing my purse did was fall off of it and spill its contents.  They also are quite low to the ground.   Continue reading →

Per Me Giulio Terrinoni, Rome, 4/11/18

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exterior
exterior

Per Me Giulio Terrinoni is a one star Michelin restaurant with a modern motif that opened in November of 2015.  The front door is locked so you need to ring the bell to get ushered inside.  It is dimly lit with dark wood small tables and dark bench and chair seating.  There were only 7 tables in our room but I saw another room toward the back.  Nice background music plays and small lights are behind the walls with small holes to let light through.  The light walls are sparsely adorned and the only windows are in the front tables.  The nicely spaced tables have a drawer on the sides that contain the good sized cloth napkin and an extra utensil but these were not replenished during the evening.  A single bloom flower decorates each table.  There is a large a la carte menu or 2 tasting options.  The four course is your choice and the 10 course is determined by the chef.  Both have wine pairings offered.  We chose the longer tasting and ordered our own bottles of wine.   Continue reading →

Comice, Paris, 3/24/18

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exterior
exterior

Comice is a one star Michelin restaurant appointed with nice linens, comfortable chairs, pretty flowers, wood floors and purse stools in a leather that matches the chairs.  It is run by a couple with the wife, Etheliya Hananova serving as sommelier and front end manager and the husband, Chef Noam Gedalof running the kitchen.  She is from Canada which may be why American music plays in the background.  It is a lovely room that is nicely lit and noise level is not a problem as the tables are well spaced.  It is a very comfortable atmosphere that offers a la carte options or a tasting menu of 5 courses (4 at lunch).   Continue reading →

Quinsou, Paris, 3/24/18

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exterior
exterior

Quinsou is a small one star Michelin restaurant with about 30 seats that has been in business a year and a half.  A pop out window on the street wall lets in lots of light during the day and accommodates a couple of tables.  Otherwise there is long narrow bench seat along one of the walls topped with an aged mirror.  Light music plays in the background.  The menu changes slightly every day with major changes around every 3 months.   Chef Antonin Bonnet is in charge of the kitchen and a master of sauces, which were a highlight of each plate.  At lunch they offer a 3 course menu or a 6 course discovery menu that is basically a taste of everything on the menu.  We chose the discovery menu.  Service was excellent and proficient in English and portion control and pacing of the meal were good.   Continue reading →

Ken Kawasaki, Paris, 3/23/18

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exteriorKen Kawasaki is a small place with just 13 seats around a low u-shaped counter that frames the kitchen.  Ken Kawasaki is the Japanese chef that opened the place and still is in charge of the menu but he is rarely there in person as he is usually in Japan.  Staffing is sparse, as it appeared that the assistant chef also was responsible for washing dishes and helping serve.  The greeter/waiter also helped with serving and clearing.  It was impressive what they could accomplish with so little staff, but it felt odd that they still merited  receiving one Michelin star.  The service was helpful, efficient and provided good pacing for the menu however their command of English was variable.   Continue reading →

Table Restaurant, Paris, 3/22/18

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exterior
exterior

Table is a one star Michelin restaurant that is run by Chef Bruno Verjus who started out as a food writer.  It has been in business 4 years and 9 months and is a good sized place that doesn’t seat many people, as seats are nicely spaced.  We were fortunate to get some prime seats at the bar counter where we could watch the kitchen action.  Other seats are in cozy booths and various sized tables.  Service is efficient and super friendly – they really aim to please. The menu is a la carte but they were willing to have the chef design a degustation menu for us and the sommelier helped chose 2 wines that complimented the many dishes.  The food here is fairly simply done but it uses only the best of ingredients that are available.  It seemed to stress flavor and that’s right up my alley. Continue reading →

Acquerello, San Francisco, 3/10/18

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exterior
exterior in daylight

Acquerello is a two star Michelin restaurant in a medium sized room that was an old church.  The high ceiling is lined with beams etched in gold and the walls have no windows just modern art. Lighting is subdued with spots for each table.  Floor length tablecloths and lots of flowers add to the elegant ambiance that still requires men to wear jackets.   Attention to detail is obvious immediately when the hostess offers you a black napkin instead of having a white one on dark slacks.  It opened in 1989 and the same co-owners are still running the place, Suzette Greshen is the chef and Giancarlo Paterlini is the front end manager.  Service is exemplary and pacing is spot on.  They offer two tasting menus as well as an a la carte menu.  Wine pairings are available.  A good mix of people filled the room with a number of special occasions being celebrated. We chose the seasonal Tasting Menu and ordered our own wines.   Continue reading →

Commis, Oakland, 3/9/18

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entrance
entrance

Commis is  a 2 star Michelin restaurant that is located a short BART ride from San Francisco.  It is a long rectangle of a place that is mirrored on the other side by a bar (CDP) that offers some snacks and can serve as a waiting area for your restaurant table.  When you enter the restaurant the first thing you see is the open kitchen and the bar seats surrounding it, which are available for reservation.  Two small tables are across from the bar and the rest are toward the back. It is a small place made more spacious by the open slit in the wall between the bar and the restaurant.  They serve only an 8 course tasting menu, with a few extras thrown in and offer wine pairings.  We enjoyed the company of friends the evening we were there and they generously provided the wines we drank.  You get a copy of the evening’s menu when you finish the meal.  The noise level is good, even with music in the background, and service was attentive and efficient.   Continue reading →

Californios, San Francisco, 3/8/18

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building
building

Californios is a small place that has been around just 3 years but already has 2 Michelin stars.  They serve only a surprise tasting menu of around 16 courses, and they will give you a list of what you had at the end.  Portion control is outstanding – there’s enough to taste but no one course fills you up so you don’t want the others and you are satiated at the end of the meal.  There are a few seats at the bar and a number of small tables.  We were lucky to get some counter seats where you get to watch the cooking and have a chance to interact with the chefs, but it’s best to ask for these seats when you make your reservation if you want them.  It is a lively, fun vibe with all the staff being really friendly and helpful.   Continue reading →

Spruce, San Francisco, 3/8/18

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building
building

Spruce is a large place and a one star Michelin restaurant.  There is a long bar with lots of seats as well as a good sized dining room with lots of interesting art and mirrors.  They also have a large party room in front and a substantial wine cellar.  Nice white clothes cover the tables that are set with matching napkins.  Some music is in the background and the lighting is lowered with the vibe being subdued and elegant.  At lunch they have an a la carte menu but also a pretty good deal in a fixed price Harvest Menu which is a three course menu for just $38 and wine pairings are available for $15, which include a small glass of quality wine with each course.  We chose for this options.   Continue reading →