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Had lunch at French Laundry yesterday. Most dishes were fantastic. Two of them I wasn’t a fan of. Service overall was good, but definitely not as good as my previous visit or up to 3* standards. My glasses were empty multiple times, for example. Also, I’m mildly annoyed that you have to pay supplements for certain things like truffles, better caviar, and wagyu beef. They also don’t take discover card, which is stupid. I wanted my 5% cash back! I think I’ll try Meadowood next time as I was a little disappointed after this lunch, and wearing a jacket in 100 degree weather wasn’t fun. |
Originally Posted by sophialite
(Post 31351497)
Gaggan - 8/10. Bo Lan - 1/10. Waste of my life. |
Originally Posted by United747
(Post 31351526)
I think I’ll try Meadowood next time as I was a little disappointed after this lunch [at French Laundry], and wearing a jacket in 100 degree weather wasn’t fun.
The other reason is that it’s just not as good as so many other options now in the Bay Area at the 3* level. Its 3* are a testament to Michelin’s catering to top tier chefs even when the the product isn’t as impressive. Jean George in NYC was a perfect example...until Michelin FINALLY demoted it to 2*. Atelier Crenn has been superior to FL for years but only this last year earned its 3rd star? I don’t think so. Meadowood is vastly better...though we weren’t as wowed for our dinner in May—felt a bit more 2* but for the one spectacular dish. But we love Meadowood anyway. It’s got it all: super service, a spectacularly beautiful dining room, casually elegant ambience appropriate to Napa Valley, incredible bar and wine program, and (usually) spectacularly delicious and inventive food. |
Originally Posted by sophialite
(Post 31351497)
Alright we are half way through the year and I've eaten at a bunch of places: Eleven Madison Park - Once in Jan and again in May. Have been going at least once per year for the last ten years. Always at least an 8/10. Gaggan - 8/10. Bo Lan - 1/10. Waste of my life. Ikoyi - 9/10. Love it. Gramercy Tavern - 9/10. I had been there only twice before and am surprised I don't go there more often. Confirmed Reservations: El Cellar, Osteria Francescana. Thinking of visiting: Pujol. I'm in NYC again for Christmas and EMP 3 times a year is a bit much, so will ask my team to get Chefs Table or Le Bernardin. Never been to Chef's Table but LB didn't wow me the last time I was there. Might also try a Sushi place but not sure where in NYC to go. Nakazawa wow'd me the first time and disappointed the second. Yasuda is always a classic but I want to try something new. |
Originally Posted by bhrubin
(Post 31352061)
The jacket requirement at French Laundry is part of the reason we’ve never returned: it’s completely ridiculous and wholly out of touch with California and the Napa Valley. |
Originally Posted by sophialite
(Post 31351497)
Osteria Francescana. |
Lung King Heen and Otto e Mezzo are definitely a must go. The vibe is more laid back than the traditional 3 star experience but the food is amazing.
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Originally Posted by United747
(Post 31351526)
I think I’ll try Meadowood next time as I was a little disappointed after this lunch, and wearing a jacket in 100 degree weather wasn’t fun. Agree completely on TFL's jacket requirement. It's not even the heat, but the pretentiousness in an agricultural community. |
Originally Posted by PsiFighter37
(Post 31352236)
Don't bother with EMP again. Chef's Table is a fantastic visit - best of the 3* places in NYC IMO. If you want to do sushi, do Sushi Ginza Onodera (2* across from Bryant Park).
While I'm posting, I'll mention I'm also a big fan of Ginza Onodera. I always wonder how much of that $400pp goes towards paying the rent though... |
Meadowood underwhelmed me tho this was around 5 years ago.
Also agree with the rec to visit Gaa - having been to Gaggan as well I thought Gaa was overall more enjoyable but maybe not quite as clever. Is Bo Lan really not all that? Been meaning to try that for a while. |
Originally Posted by sophialite
(Post 31351497)
Thinking of visiting: Pujol. I'm in NYC again for Christmas and EMP 3 times a year is a bit much, so will ask my team to get Chefs Table or Le Bernardin. Never been to Chef's Table but LB didn't wow me the last time I was there. Might also try a Sushi place but not sure where in NYC to go. Nakazawa wow'd me the first time and disappointed the second. Yasuda is always a classic but I want to try something new. + another vote for Chef's Table and Ginza Onodera. Also recommend Ichimura at Uchu. |
Originally Posted by jbeans
(Post 31360266)
If you're gonna be in CDMX, I highly recommend Quintonil, I enjoyed it much more than Pujol.
That being said, Michelin does not rate restaurants in Mexico, so this discussion is off-topic for this thread. |
Originally Posted by jbeans
(Post 31360266)
For Pujol make sure you reserve the regular dining room, not the taco omakase. I did the omakase and regretted it. If you're gonna be in CDMX, I highly recommend Quintonil, I enjoyed it much more than Pujol.
+ another vote for Chef's Table and Ginza Onodera. Also recommend Ichimura at Uchu. |
AL's Place - San Francisco. One well-deserved star.
Easy two star food but for the setting, which is a super casual and very loud atmosphere. This was some of the most creative and delicious food I've had in ages. And almost every course can be done in a "small" to allow ordering a bunch of things to try, or in a "large" if you want to be selfish. Not a single miss in the 7 things we ordered + a delicious bottle of a southern French rose. $193 before the tip. |
Oaxen Krog (2*) in Stockholm. Superb food in a wonderful location with good service. Wines are ridiculously priced by international standards (this being Sweden and all) so I had some excellent local beers. Food was solid 2* with several dishes nudging 3* in presentation and sourcing of produce. Excellent.
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Originally Posted by thelark
(Post 31282413)
When are you heading to L'Arpege? Interested to hear a recent review. We will be in town end of Sept. - have a res at AD Plaza Athénée and considering adding this to the list.
Arpege is NOT to be missed. |
Originally Posted by Yahillwe
(Post 31372546)
Arpege is NOT to be missed.
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Originally Posted by bhrubin
(Post 29786017)
Just returned Monday from our 2 weeks and 21 star extravaganza in Japan. A quick summary:
TOKYO <snip> 2* Narisawa—absolutely worthy of 3 stars and one of my 2 or 3 favorite meals in Japan. Food was stunning and delicious. Service was fabulous, and the mixed wine and sake pairings were tremendous. An amazing dinner, and yet I wasn’t stuffed like I’d normally be after such a lengthy 2.5 hr meal. I’d return in a second. Highly recommended, and agree that it’s one of the best in the world. <snip KYOTO <snip> 2* Gion Sasaki—what a lunch, a truly memorable and very fun counter experience as the only Anglos, yet the team and chefs tried to speak with us and used Google translate even a few times, and the surrounding customers all spoke with us too! Almost everyone was surprised we’d heard of this place, and most were shocked we’d been able to get booking as foreigners. Most fun meal of our two weeks as a result, with very good food and Kaiseki, some truly intriguing courses that were all quite delicious, better even than 3* Wayamamura in Nara. Was just $100 per person for an incredible lunch. Highly recommended. 1* Tempura Mizuki—wow. Truly delicious and memorable tempura bar dinner at the RC Kyoto. Decided to go a la carte so we could do as much tempura that we wanted as possible, especially since we don’t normally like fried foods, but was so delicious we over did it and bill came to $700 for the two of us! That’s how yummy it was. Paired with reasonable champagne that was a bit too pricey, but overall would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommended. <snip> We're definitely interested in trying Gion Sasaki for lunch, if we are lucky, but first we need to figure out our schedule while in Kyoto and whether it is going to be two or three of us while there. Kitcho Arashiyama is simply out of my budget. However, I may try to get a reservation at Tempura Mizuki; yes, I know it is a long shot with the tempura counter having only eight seats. |
Originally Posted by TWA884
(Post 31373384)
As I wrote in the other thread, which I intended to post here, we scored a reservation at Narisawa during our stay in Tokyo.
We're definitely interested in trying Gion Sasaki for lunch, if we are lucky, but first we need to figure out our schedule while in Kyoto and whether it is going to be two or three of us while there. Kitcho Arashiyama is simply out of my budget. However, I may try to get a reservation at Tempura Mizuki; yes, I know it is a long shot with the tempura counter having only eight seats. |
Originally Posted by bhrubin
(Post 31374606)
I also highly recommend 3* Wa Yamamura lunch in Nara for the ridiculously cheap $56 or so per person. Even if you’re not going to Nara for the temples (which you should!) the lunch is insanely good for that price! Thanks! |
Originally Posted by PsiFighter37
(Post 31372557)
YMMV. I had lunch there a couple summers back, and while most of the dishes were amazing, I was over the concept once we were 2/3 done with the meal.
I really enjoyed it, love what he does with veggies. We still had fish and fowl. I enjoyed it so much that I am going to his farm when I return from my trip. |
Originally Posted by Yahillwe
(Post 31376982)
I really enjoyed it, love what he does with veggies. We still had fish and foul.
I enjoyed it so much that I am going to his farm when I return from my trip. |
I thought I would give a report on my wonderful meal at Schwarzwaldstube in the Black Forest which has three stars. We had a shorter degustation menu of 5 courses with paired wines. Including other drinks and tip the bill came to £650 for two of us. Easily the best and most delicious meal we have ever eaten, plus excellent service and stunning views. I’m planning to go back already! |
Hi Everyone! First time posting to this thread. I have a reservation in 2 weeks at Osteria Francescana. Looking forward to reporting back on it!
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Just learned that we received permission to NOT have to wear a jacket for l'Astrance for October. Cheers!
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Originally Posted by bhrubin
(Post 31390197)
Just learned that we received permission to NOT have to wear a jacket for l'Astrance for October. Cheers!
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Since we're back on the topic of dress...
Still working on our Spain trip. So far we have Cinc Sentits (dinner) in Barcelona and Akelarre (lunch) in San Sebastian. We may add a 3rd starred restaurant, but not sure -- we actually really enjoy trying more typical local cuisine when we travel. So tapas, pinxtos, cider houses, paella, traditional Catalan etc. will be heavily visited. Setting aside people's opinions on how one SHOULD dress for Michelin restaurants (because they vary and we don't need that discussion again), how should we dress to fit in at these particular spots? Akelarre for lunch, I assume would be fairly casual, maybe khakis and a polo for me? Cinc Sentits, I assume it would be khakis and a button down shirt at a minimum. What about a sport coat? Again - we don't want to be over or under dressed, just want to fit in. I prefer casual when it doesn't stand out. Part of the question is I also don't want to have to pack a suit or a sport coat for this trip just for 1 or 2 meals. My wife can figure this out on her own, I still haven't figured out how to discuss what's appropriate dress for a female. :D |
Originally Posted by sophialite
(Post 31351497)
Gaggan - 8/10. Bo Lan - 1/10. Waste of my life.
Originally Posted by Fliar
(Post 31352029)
Agreed on Bo Lan. Nex time try Gaggan's sister restaurant (Gaa). I actually much preferred it over Gaggan.
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Originally Posted by Beltway2A
(Post 31394651)
Unfortunately it looks the closure of Gaggan has accelerated to August 24th of this year instead of sometime in 2020, sadly a few days before my reservation. Would you be able to share what you didn't like about Bo Lan? We're also looking at Gaa (subject to the restaurant continuing to stay open), but leaning towards the Thai cuisine option.
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Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 31394532)
My wife can figure this out on her own, I still haven't figured out how to discuss what's appropriate dress for a female. :D |
Originally Posted by Beltway2A
(Post 31394651)
Unfortunately it looks the closure of Gaggan has accelerated to August 24th of this year instead of sometime in 2020, sadly a few days before my reservation. Would you be able to share what you didn't like about Bo Lan? We're also looking at Gaa (subject to the restaurant continuing to stay open), but leaning towards the Thai cuisine option.
As for alternatives, I have Nahm booked as well, also looking into Saneh Jaan and Paste. |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 31394532)
Cinc Sentits, I assume it would be khakis and a button down shirt at a minimum. What about a sport coat?
Other than that, it's pretty chill and relaxed. |
Agreed that Paste is (much) better than Nahm. Once your inside Paste is a lovely place but it's not as pretty as Nahm.
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Originally Posted by Kgmm77
(Post 31395036)
For what it’s worth if you want relatively traditional Thai food executed very well I’d highly recommend Paste. It was immeasurably better than Nahm in all but ambiance (its in a shopping centre in that bizarre Asian way that seem to be an acceptable location for fine dining). |
Originally Posted by JBord
(Post 31394532)
Since we're back on the topic of dress...
Still working on our Spain trip. So far we have Cinc Sentits (dinner) in Barcelona and Akelarre (lunch) in San Sebastian. We may add a 3rd starred restaurant, but not sure -- we actually really enjoy trying more typical local cuisine when we travel. So tapas, pinxtos, cider houses, paella, traditional Catalan etc. will be heavily visited. Setting aside people's opinions on how one SHOULD dress for Michelin restaurants (because they vary and we don't need that discussion again), how should we dress to fit in at these particular spots? Akelarre for lunch, I assume would be fairly casual, maybe khakis and a polo for me? Cinc Sentits, I assume it would be khakis and a button down shirt at a minimum. What about a sport coat? Again - we don't want to be over or under dressed, just want to fit in. I prefer casual when it doesn't stand out. Part of the question is I also don't want to have to pack a suit or a sport coat for this trip just for 1 or 2 meals. My wife can figure this out on her own, I still haven't figured out how to discuss what's appropriate dress for a female. :D |
Originally Posted by PsiFighter37
(Post 31402616)
Given that I was overdressed at Azurmendi for lunch (nearby in Bilbao, also 3*) wearing your outfit plus a blazer - you should be okay as is. I'd only wear the jacket if the temperature calls for it. As for a female, I feel a typical cocktail/summer dress should be fine.
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Last month I went to Taipei and had a great dinner in Mume.
https://guide.michelin.com/en/taipei...estaurant/mume Besides we went to some Taipei night market places that are Bib Gourmand. I have very good memories of the breakfast at this place: https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Rest...Milk-1358mzgxz And of course, we went to DTF: https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Rest...Road-1358mvpvo |
Has anyone eaten recently at any of the Scottish restaurants that have or formerly had Michelin stars? Your thoughts/favorites or other suggestions in the range? The Kitchin (1*), Edinburgh Number One at Balmoral (1*), Edinburgh Martin Wishart (1*), Edinburgh 21212 (1*), Edinburgh Boath House (former 1*), Nairn The Torridon (in the range), Torridon Kinloch Lodge (former 1*), Skye Loch Bay (1*), Skye Three Chimneys (in the range), Skye Inverlochy Castle Hotel (former 1*), Ft William Isle of Eriska (former 1*), Oban Airds Hotel (in the range), Oban Martin Wishart at Cameron House (former 1*), Loch Lomond |
Originally Posted by bhrubin
(Post 31404727)
The Kitchin (1*), Edinburgh
Number One at Balmoral (1*), Edinburgh Martin Wishart (1*), Edinburgh 21212 (1*), Edinburgh It's definitely worth checking out the Balmoral hotel if you're in Edinburgh, there's a nice Scotch bar and it's all very quaint and old. Can't claim to have been to Number One though it does look good. |
Originally Posted by DeathSlam
(Post 31407941)
Edinburgh is in Lothian which is in the lowlands (wouldn't want you to unwittingly cause offence).
It's definitely worth checking out the Balmoral hotel if you're in Edinburgh, there's a nice Scotch bar and it's all very quaint and old. Can't claim to have been to Number One though it does look good. |
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