Highlight:

42-course tasting dinner at 42 grados in Barcelona, Ferran Adria's new place in Barcelona. Three month waitlist but I showed up solo and they had a cancellation! The spirit of El Bulli is alive and well!


Lowlight:

Have to agree with Masa in New York. Pretention kills even food as good as this. Plus I left hungry after paying $500!

Do you mean 41 grados? 42 courses staggers my imagination such that I had to look online but all I can find is '41 grados' in Barcelona. I would definitely like to get a detailed trip report review of that meal!!

I've already had one hit and one miss in 2012. The miss was at 'The Beach' restaurant at the Chedi in Muscat. We thought this was going to be spectacular based on the reviews but found it uninspiring and nowhere near the reputation.

The hit was at Osteria Da Fiore in Venice. Wow! Great meal in a great location. Had the seven course tasting meal, two bottles of Pinot Noir, and dessert. Could barely eat the next day, but definitely an experience to remember.

Highlights.

Casa Salvador
Madrid, Spain

Absolutely one of the best meals I have ever had. Food was great and the service was fantastic. The history was incredible.

Diverxo
Madrid, Spain

A wonderful culinary experience. Food always kept me guessing how the chef did it.

Jaleo
Washington, DC

Great Spanish tapas at a reasonable price.