Had lunch last weekend at Jean-Georges in NYC. I think this was my first visit since the downgrade to two stars. I think that’s where they should be. The service still seems disconnected and rigid. At least they didn’t ask “have you dined with us before?” like they did every other time I’ve eaten there. I would have given a really snarky response had they done so.

I had the madai sashimi, sweetbreads, and chocolate dessert. My companion had the corn ravioli, fish in broth (forgot what fish exactly), and the cherry dessert.

Overall, the food was very good. Just as good as the other times I’ve been. I also had a half bottle of white wine that was just ok, they didn’t have too big of a selection of half bottles which was a little unfortunate. But that’s to be expected. The meal was too short for me to get a full bottle ;)

I’ll continue to go back, but I don’t see them regaining the third star until the service goes up a notch.

I really don't think losing the third star had anything to do with service. I understand that it's difficult not to subconsciously factor that in but I do give the Michelin inspectors credit enough to parse out service versus food!

I also wanted to chime in that I had a marvelous meal at 3-starred Maaemo in Oslo. Probably one of my top 3 meals ever, and this was my 18th 3-star restaurant. The signature dish of oyster crème with dill emulsion and caviar might be the best thing I've ever eaten. I also loved the sour cream with reindeer heart; chicken skin tartlet with mahogany clam, truffle seaweed, and celeriac; and crab dumplings (with leek as the dumpling) with a leek and scallop roe sauce! Wine pairings were wonderful, as well, including a 2004 Volnay 1er Cru.

Any recommendations for Chicago at lunch on a Friday?

Check, but I think Roister is open for Brunch on Friday. I highly recommend both the brunch and dinner there.

More details to come, but had meals this past week in San Francisco/Oakland at:

2* Commis: a cool space but with an underwhelming overall dinner experience. A few dishes that left us confused. An overcooked sea bass course that I sent back, replaced with excellent example. Cold and detached service overall. Felt more like 1*. Wouldn’t jump to return. We all were disappointed.

1* In Situ: another great but very pricey lunch!

1* Mourad: our best dinner here ever, always delicious food but superb service and wine recommendations all around. Amazing.

3* Saison: amazingly simplified and far more approachable and yet still delicious and inventive menu since our dinner here 4 years ago, with just as incredible wine pairings and truly wonderful and yet extremely friendly service. A true winner again, just as before.