A meal at Morimoto's is an incredible experience. The food, the look, the ambience everything together makes it a great food experience.

However I would still take Batali over Morimoto for pure food taste. This is coming from a Japanese Canadian who loves Japanese food.

David Burke

Just out of idle curiosity, have all of the Batali fans on here eaten at any of his restaurants?

I don't count myself as a "Batali Fan." I have eaten at Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. It's terrific, but consider that a tribute to the genius of Nancy Silverton who was lucky enough to get Mario Batali as an investor, thus ensuring a lot of buzz when Mozza opened.

Bourdain all the way. It's a combination of factors, including his love of travel and willingness to try new things, including taking his viewers with him!

Jacques Pepin for me. I would want Julia Child, if she was still alive, working with him in the kitchen.

If I was going out to a restaurant with a celebrity chef, I think my first choice would be Martin Yan.

I have eaten at Ming Tsai's place in Wellesley (Blue Ginger) and almost nine years later, it's still the most memorable high-end meal I've experienced (I've spent more, but not enjoyed it as much). I'd also cast a vote for Rick Bayless of Topolobampo (sp?) in Chicago.

OTOH, we ate at Todd English's Olives in Charlestown and hated it--another very memorable high-end meal, but memorable for how uninspired we thought it was compared to the praise we'd heard.

tossup between Sandra Lee and Rachael Ray

:D

Seriously, Jacques Pepin gets my vote.

Well, if you fly UA and actually get food on your flight, chances are you'll probably get some of the Charlie Trotter dishes. Admittedly, he may have had a hand in creating the dishes but it loses something in the execution in the galley at 30K feet. :rolleyes:

I wonder what Giada Delaurentiis would make for dinner? Regardless, you'll find me there!

To cook my meal, Jacques Pepin. When I watch his shows, he cooks a much higher percentage of food that I actually want to eat.

For dinner conversation, Tony Bourdain, although he'd call me some choice words for my dislike of offal, intestines, pig heads, etc.

Giada can stop by after dinner for a while....

Babbo's in New York

You can't compare the two types of cooking and that's not a fair way to look at it. Let me put it this way...
If you wanted a great French meal, I'd go with Anthony. If you want great italian, Mario.

As far as my answer to the OP's question:
I'd have to say Gordon Ramsay or Mario Batali w/Anthony coming in a close second (or third).

Masaharu Morimoto for his restauruant (Morimoto)...

....Wolfgang Puck for his catering of an amazing theater after party.

Lupa and Babbo in NYC -- both very memorable!!!