Absolutely flawless meal at Oaxen Krog, in Stockholm, last night.

From welcome to goodbye, the food and service were simply spectacular. About to travel, but will try and post some photos when I can.

I enjoyed Oaxen Krog when I was there last year. The only mistake that stood out was that the sea scallops were overcooked. I was disappointed that they didn't offer to remake the dish even when we mentioned it to them. Seriously, almost $300 USD per person and a two star Michelin restaurant I would expect redoing one course wouldn't be an issue.

Boka - Chicago
 

Amuse bouche of smoked eel, pickled garlic, on nori chip

Mrs Willie and I then split a couple of starters:
Roasted Spanish Octopus which had been poached in olive oil first, served with fennel, persimmon, nori and a fennel/onion jam.

then:
Alba White Truffles w/tagliolini & parmesan, not much to say, delicious.

Main course was the Whole Roasted Dry Aged Duck (for two), served with a side salad of house made foie gras sausage & frisee and roasted squash with macadamia nuts. Best duck I've had in years.

Boka
http://www.bokachicago.com/
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Thanks for the report - we're eating at Boka tomorrow night! We're going to try the tasting menu.

oh good, timely! After our experience we took my parents and brother to Boka 5 days later. Curious to hear about the tasting menu.

Wolfshöhle - Freiburg, Germany
 

We got last-minute lunch reservations at this 1-star restaurant in late November while we were visiting this tourist/college town right outside the Black Forest.

We were greeted at the door, where the hostess took our coats and ushered us to our table in one of the two dining rooms. We appeared to be some of the latest diners, arriving around 1:00 p.m. The second dining room was empty, but ours was full. Most diners were older, but a large party had some folks in the 30-40 year range along with a very well behaved baby just starting to walk.

We ordered the "chef' surprise" menu, and were never told what was coming before it arrived on our plates. Everything delicious, and lunch for two, two glasses of sparkling wine, a bottle of wine, and dessert coffees came to about 225 Euros. We would definitely be interested in returning for the expanded tasting menu at dinner, but they were all booked up.

Photos posted in order below as attachments...I'm still learning the art of photos in this forum.

The amuse bouche - pumpkin soup with pepitas, served in a shooter glass.

First course: Halibut with red cabbage, cabbage broth, and breadstick. Perfectly cooked.

Second course: Duck liver (bottom), roasted duck breast), top, pressed between two crackers and dotted with a sauce I can't remember - maybe cranberry? This was a genius dish. Loved it.

Third course: Venison saddle, salsify, whipped potatoes. I have never had venison cooked this way. This dish was filling, but I soldiered through and ate every bite.

This venison ragout topped with potato foam was served alongside the third course, and made it even better.

Dessert: chocolate cake, red wine sorbet, apples, white chocolate, savory cracker. I was skeptical about this sorbet, but it totally worked with the cake.

A++ would recommend. :)

The Freiburg region has many promising restaurants, really a gourmets paradise. Wolfshöhle was not on my radar so far but it looks like it is worth a visit. Thanks for sharing.

Looks wonderful!

Second that - fabulous looking meal.

We were extremely happy with the tasting menu, wine pairings, and service. So much so that I would argue Boka should be two stars. We also learned that if you visit just before the holidays, you benefit from the chef trying to get rid of any extra product that would go bad while their closed. Extra truffle course, shaved foie piled high, and extremely generous wine pairings. Will try to post pics when I'm back from vacation, but every single course of the 9 we were served was flawlessly executed.

Narisawa on Tuesday!

Finished up 2016 at Sushi Ginza Onodera for dinner on Friday - opened in May and has 1 Michelin star. Extremely expensive ($300 or $400 omakase options), but worth it. Easily the best sushi I've had in the U.S. (better than Ichimura, Azabu, Nakazawa, or any of the other spots). The chawanmushi (pictured below - covered in caviar and uni) is stupendously delicious to boot.

I haven't been to Masa yet, so I can't unequivocally say this is the best sushi in the country, but short of flying to Japan, it's probably the best you will get.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...D0E5C58816.jpg

Good to hear. I have a booking at Sushi Ginza BKK coming up soon and hoping it'll be the best I've ever had!

Anyone been to Maison Manesse in Zurich? Experimental gastronomy isn't normally my thing but it looks appealing. Have an upcoming reservation.

Will stay in Provence/ Cap Ferrat soon (Le Cap is closed due season).

So far I consider:
Alexandre Nimes
Atelier Rabanel Arles
Le Vivier Pres
La Maison de Bournissac Paluds-des-Noves
Louis XV Monaco
Joel Robouchon Monaco
Alcyone Marseille

Already booked Louis and will stay at IC Marseille, so Alcyone is fixed. Any thought or restaurants I miss?

I had lunch at Louis XV a few years ago. I thought it was a nice place. Beautiful dining room and surrounding areas and good food and service.