i have a friend that just got back from Tokyo - oh man, if i didn't have a few commitments right now, i'd be in Tokyo for a few weeks. he is a michelin-starred chef w/ extensive dining experience in France/Spain and he says Japan pretty much blows it out of the water.


RickBwarn - every meal in this thread will easily be 3-figures.


NK1983 - i'm not a fan of Per Se - not worth the money.


- chuck

 

I just confirmed reservations at Komi in DC on May 2...pretty damn excited about that

 

The Restaurant at Meadowood (St Helena, CA, Napa area) - it doesn't get the national attention that some of its neighbors do but The Restaurant at Meadowood might be the best restaurant in Napa (and Sonoma), aside from The French Laundry. The chef is still young and exploring his style; but the food is already quite refined with good attention to detail. A worthwhile option when visiting the Napa area - better than Redd (Yountville) or Cyrus (Healdsburg.)

The Full Review: chuckeats.com Blog » Meadowood (St Helena) - Alter and Refine

The Price: $125/person for the tasting menu

Teaser pics:




- chuck

 

please report on how you like it - that restaurant is a source of mystery to me - some people *really* love it and it sounds like it could be one of those rare special places.

- chuck

 

i took mrs mtk there last fall ...and everything was right on point!


4/5 stars tho!!! this is why

the place has a wine list the size of a bible..

i ordered an 2003 Paul Hobbs Cabernet "Beckstoffer" (nothing exotic or crazy) and it took them damn near 30mins to locate the bottle (the meadowood is a huge property w/ 3 sperate cellars)

when the wine was finally served it was waaay too cold, and they tried to convince me that it came from a temp controlled cellar and that it got cold on the 5min golf car ride over....

the food was excellent!!!!

 

we'll do, I'm really looking forward to it.

 

Just curious Chuck, have you tried Gordon Ramsays? I am not talking about the branch offs (I've eaten at his NY restaurant) I am talking about the original (his first after Aubergine.)

 

NFR - no, i haven't - the menu reads somewhat like it's from a time capsule.


Urasawa (LA) - this might be the best restaurant in the country. it doesn't have the best sushi or sashimi (but it would easily make a top 3 list in either category) but it does have the best Japanese cooking. the food is so close to perfection - no detail is left unattended. the chef will taste everything himself before serving it. if you're in LA, there's not one other restaurant you should visit before Urasawa - 10 seats at a bar - it's like having your very own chef for the night.

The Full Review: chuckeats.com Blog » Urasawa (LA) - Spring is in the Air

The Price: $300-350/pp, depending on the day's ingredients

The Teaser Pics:




- chuck

 

that place never ceases to amaze. i'm so hungry right now.

 

I am definitely trying to hit that place up this summer when I am on the left coast. Looks awesome! One of the few places I have heard NOTHING but praise for.