Went to Gordon Ramsay last week -- had the Menu Prestige with wine pairings. I added in a cep linguine with parmesan emulsion and Alba white truffles--that was simply divine. I should also add that the lamb, prepared five ways, was the best I've ever had. The food was very good and technically flawless, but lacked the wow factor and moments of surprising flavors that I associate with some other 3-stars that I've been to: EMP, Epicure, French Laundry, La Pergola in Rome. I'm wondering how much of it is just my increased exposure to fine dining. It reminded me of how I felt after my meal at the Waterside Inn--happy but not euphoric. I enjoyed more my meals at NYC 2-stars Atera, Blanca, and The Modern, and even my food at 2-star Helene Darroze at the Connaught, where I will be returning in a few weeks.

I've got a few Michelin stars lined up in Bilbao this week (including 3 star Azurmendi), and then early next month I'll be at 3-star sushi joint The Araki, so I'll update on those after I go.