— Eating Out, Travel —

A Dreamy Garden Dinner at Epicure Le Bristol – Paris, France

October 14, 2018
Epicure - Cheese cart

One of my favorite meals this year took place in the manicured gardens of Epicure Paris in Le Bristol Hotel. This was the perfect trifecta of ambiance, excellent food, and the best(!) service I’ve experienced thus far. The staff absolutely nailed my core service checklist – timing, knowledge of ingredients, a clear passion for their… Read More A Dreamy Garden Dinner at Epicure Le Bristol – Paris, France

— Eating Out —

Maum – A Modern Korean Tasting Menu in Palo Alto

August 22, 2018
Maum - Duck “Dduckgalbi”, scallion salad

Maum continues the trend of tasting menus that incorporate traditional Asian flavors in a modern and elevated dining experience. In contrast to other SF Bay Area spots like SingleThread Farms or Manresa that draw inspiration from Asian ingredients and techniques, I would consider Maum to be more similar to Benu, Hiroshi, Eight Tables, or the now-shuttered Mosu SF.… Read More Maum – A Modern Korean Tasting Menu in Palo Alto

— Eating Out, Travel —

Dining Inside the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne – Paris, France

August 7, 2018
Le Jules Verne - Fin velouté de petits pois, royale d’oursin (Delicate green pea velouté, sea urchin royale, langoustine)

A great way to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower? Make reservations at Le Jules Verne, Chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower! Be prepared to pay though, because this was rather pricey for a one Michelin Star spot. Tasting menus start at 105€ for three courses (weekday lunch only) and climb to… Read More Dining Inside the Eiffel Tower at Le Jules Verne – Paris, France

— Eating Out, Travel —

The Futuristic Menu at Enigma Concept – Barcelona, Spain

July 4, 2018
Enigma Concept - Mullet paté lollipop. Cured red mullet, mullet head oil, fried scales. Ikura roe.

And the longest tasting menu award goes to…Enigma Concept for their 40+ courses, but after 20 or so who’s counting anymore? From the creative mind of Albert Adrià (of the elBarri restaurant empire and elBulli fame), Enigma Concept is a culinary journey into a futuristic dream world. While I did enjoy the experience, I felt… Read More The Futuristic Menu at Enigma Concept – Barcelona, Spain

— Eating Out, Travel —

The Disfrutar Especial Tasting Menu – Barcelona, Spain

June 19, 2018
Disfrutar - Multi spherical tatin of foie gras and corn

Disfrutar means “enjoy” in Spanish, and true to its name, the lunch experience here was one of the more enjoyable meals I’ve had. With a delightful combo of whimsical table-side presentations, our extra cheerful server, and a zen dining space, there was much to love about Disfrutar. I found myself smiling and feeling especially carefree during a… Read More The Disfrutar Especial Tasting Menu – Barcelona, Spain