The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2012
#31
Most people don't... fine dining is an acquired taste. My first time ever eating a fine dining tasting menu, I was so disappointed. I wanted to know where my steak and potatoes were. I was starving at the end of the meal. I did not know why I was spending $$$$ on a meal with bird size portions.
But over time and after numerous more tastings it finally clicked and I understood it wasn't just about the portions and price.. it was an experience.. an art form. I grew to appreciate it more and more and now I enjoy traveling all over trying and experienceing the creativity and passion of world renowned chefs, just like watching Roger Federer, Tiger Woods (back in the day), Jordan (in his prime) etc., a completely different level than everyone else that so few can ever dream to achieve. Now, I enjoy introducing friends, colleagues etc. to dine with me for their first time as I love to see their reactions and opinions that initial first experience.
But over time and after numerous more tastings it finally clicked and I understood it wasn't just about the portions and price.. it was an experience.. an art form. I grew to appreciate it more and more and now I enjoy traveling all over trying and experienceing the creativity and passion of world renowned chefs, just like watching Roger Federer, Tiger Woods (back in the day), Jordan (in his prime) etc., a completely different level than everyone else that so few can ever dream to achieve. Now, I enjoy introducing friends, colleagues etc. to dine with me for their first time as I love to see their reactions and opinions that initial first experience.
and as I posted I already thought that it was more for the experience and tasting rather than actual eating for the sake of satisfying your body and mind with great food

Personally I think Japanese cuísine is one of the finest of all...so I`m suprised there are not too many listed in the rankings
#32
The food is incredible. Portions small.. yes. But, the quality of each and every ingredient on the plate is of the finest available.
#35
i've been to
#1, 2, 3 x 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 47, 48, 49,
58, 64, 66, 72, 73, 81, 90, 92, 98
and i completely disagree w/ most of the list.
#92 was the best meal i had last year. my 2nd best meal is not on the list.
the fact that there are no Japanese sushi restaurants, and just 2 restos from Japan, make this list dead wrong. Masa @ #90 is wrong - it's one of the top 3 restaurants in the US. Urasawa (LA) should be on this list.
#40 is arguably the most influential chef in the world w/r/t technique right now. it should be in the top 5.
#1 noma is deserved - it is a special place - and his influence can't be discounted either.
Jon - San Sebastian is an awesome time - eat, drink, sleep, eat, drink, pass out.
- chuck
#1, 2, 3 x 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 47, 48, 49,
58, 64, 66, 72, 73, 81, 90, 92, 98
and i completely disagree w/ most of the list.
#92 was the best meal i had last year. my 2nd best meal is not on the list.
the fact that there are no Japanese sushi restaurants, and just 2 restos from Japan, make this list dead wrong. Masa @ #90 is wrong - it's one of the top 3 restaurants in the US. Urasawa (LA) should be on this list.
#40 is arguably the most influential chef in the world w/r/t technique right now. it should be in the top 5.
#1 noma is deserved - it is a special place - and his influence can't be discounted either.
Jon - San Sebastian is an awesome time - eat, drink, sleep, eat, drink, pass out.
- chuck
#37
i think it's more that the menu hardly changes. personally, i think Sportsman runs circles around it (which should be on this list.)
- chuck
#38
i've been to
#1, 2, 3 x 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 47, 48, 49,
58, 64, 66, 72, 73, 81, 90, 92, 98
and i completely disagree w/ most of the list.
#92 was the best meal i had last year. my 2nd best meal is not on the list.
the fact that there are no Japanese sushi restaurants, and just 2 restos from Japan, make this list dead wrong. Masa @ #90 is wrong - it's one of the top 3 restaurants in the US. Urasawa (LA) should be on this list.
#40 is arguably the most influential chef in the world w/r/t technique right now. it should be in the top 5.
#1 noma is deserved - it is a special place - and his influence can't be discounted either.
Jon - San Sebastian is an awesome time - eat, drink, sleep, eat, drink, pass out.
- chuck
#1, 2, 3 x 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 47, 48, 49,
58, 64, 66, 72, 73, 81, 90, 92, 98
and i completely disagree w/ most of the list.
#92 was the best meal i had last year. my 2nd best meal is not on the list.
the fact that there are no Japanese sushi restaurants, and just 2 restos from Japan, make this list dead wrong. Masa @ #90 is wrong - it's one of the top 3 restaurants in the US. Urasawa (LA) should be on this list.
#40 is arguably the most influential chef in the world w/r/t technique right now. it should be in the top 5.
#1 noma is deserved - it is a special place - and his influence can't be discounted either.
Jon - San Sebastian is an awesome time - eat, drink, sleep, eat, drink, pass out.
- chuck
#39
I have never been but have heard great things about San Sebastian. Next year I am planning a lengthy Europe trip and will try to experience as many of the top 100 restaurants that I can. I will definitely spend a few days there so I can try Mugaritz and Arzak.




