A bit surreal to actually make it here. Perfect in its simplicity and one of my favorite days of 2019.
A lovely first stop on another fabulous trip.
A perfect birthday.
Kjolle
I had no expectations and this ended up being my favorite meal in Lima. There are evident ties to Central downstairs but with more delicious dishes that I still think about.
Astrid & Gaston
Of course a must do when in Lima.
It now seems like a lifetime ago!
La Mar
La Mar is one of those places that I could happily eat at every day. A perfect choice for the first meal when arriving in Lima.
Maido
Mashua, chicken liver, duck heart, chalaca
ocopa
ahi negro chawanmushi
poda cebiche – sabandija cream, catch of the day, shallots, ahi limo, chulpi corn, nikkei leche de tigre 
sudado – catch of the day, sudado reduction, seaweed 
cuy-san – cauliflower cream, garlic and rocoto cream, torikara sauce, Pachacamac greens 
Nigiris 
gindara misoyaki – cod marinated in miso, crispy Bahuaja nuts, apple gel, Procon mushrooms powder 
Cabrito dumpling – baby lamb, beans foam, creole sauce with loche, northern style cilantro and chichi de hora sauce 
beef rostra rib 50 hours, native potato cream, crispy rice, cushuro 
sea urchin rice – chiclayo rice, attic sea urchins, avocado cream, wan yi, baby corn 
theobroma cacao – granadilla with mandarin sorbet, mucilage foam, cacao nibs, lucuma ice cream, raspberries 
Theobroma bicolor – smoked ice cream made from macambo seeds with shoe, crunchy nibs, sugar coated macambo, camu camu, goldenberry and mucilage 
Yes it is expensive but everything I have had at Angler has been perfect as are service and the setting. If the world ever returns to normal I would so love to have a repeat of this meal.
Tuxedo #3
Amberjack, cultured cabbage & pear
Parker House Rolls 
Sweet Chicory Caesar 
Grilled Asparagus
Whole artichoke with swarnadwipa spices 
Hot fried quail 
Sundae 
I had wanted to visit Post Ranch Inn for quite a while and was so disappointed on this particular morning when I realized that the may gray was not going to burn off. However even without a sunset (which I hope to get back for some day) the view is amazing. And even when the fog rolled in limiting visibility to about a foot, the effect was still worth experiencing. View aside, this was a really great meal with impeccable hospitality. And I have been craving smelt ever since.
Morro bay oysters, rhubarb, sweet William, tarragon
beer battered smelt, anton’s borage, remoulade, meyer lemon
monterey abalone, post ranch mushrooms, fava bean, green garlic
romanesco cauliflower, nasturtium gremolata, meyer lemon confit, pine nut
farm egg, white anchovy, leeks, pencil asparagus
lone mountain wagyu beef ribeye, beets, spring onion, bone marrow jus
cheese
hazelnut & chocolate, hazelnut meringue, garden lemon curd
seared apricot, rosemary, buckwheat, local honey
A fantastic ending to this trip and timely as Chambre Separee had a temporary existence.
The Jane is housed in a repurposed chapel of a military hospital which makes for stunning setting for this lover of architecture and food. The restaurant suffered a fire after I booked and was closed for several weeks. I was afraid that our reservation would be cancelled but the stars aligned. This lunch was delightful.
we got burnt
chu-torro, scrambled egg
sea urchin spaghetti
langoustine, quinoa, carrot, vadouvan
foie gras, rhubarb, hazelnut, nano-hoshiko
white asparagus from stephanie longiune, smoked eel, teardrop peas
perte blanche from bourcefranc-le-chapus, plankton, kaffir
pollock, grey north sea shrimp, chateau-halon
pollock, grey north sea shrimp, chateau-chalon
suffolk lamb, ramsons, morille, black truffle
pigeon from steenvoorde, cassis, bbq-cabbage
Willem Hiele
While it is a bit of a drive, Willem Hiele made for a perfect lunch stop. An adorable setting, lovely hosts, and delicious food.
Pure C
I would love to return during the day or for an early dinner in summer to properly enjoy this seaside setting.
Noma
I’m not sure how my next visit will possibly top this one. However I said that the last 2 times! Lunch is definitely the best time to visit Noma 2.0.
Iluka
We only had room for a few bites after Noma but they were great and I am looking forward to going back very soon.
langoustine and pink pepper
queen scallop
cured and smoked salmon
hart bakery bread & butter
Barr
lumpfish roe, grilled belgian waffle and soured cream
tartar – raw beef with damson and pickles
I absolutely loved Kadeau Bornhom but the stunning setting certainly adds to the overall experience. So I was a bit skeptical about how the city version would compare. It is equally lovely and certainly feels the same yet different. The menu is in danish and I am a bit too lazy to translate so I will let the photos speak for themselves.
Now one of my favorite places in Chicago. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?
eggplant – miso, lots of herbs and rice crackers
steam buns, berkshire pork belly, spicy pickles and an herb bouquet
tempura prawn – head mayonnaise, yuzu and mint
short rib – braised with pickled plum, puffed beef tendon and beef fat hollandaise
Loup de mer – grilled with bok choy, furikake and ponzu
japanese milk bread – fermented honey ice cream and perigord truffle
gianduja – crémeux with genmaicha, coconut and lime
Oh Alinea it has been far too long. Still one of my absolute favorite places.
Always the first stop when I come to Copenhagen,
beef tartare
beets, apple, skyr
warm grains & herbs
I love all things Momofuku!!
bigeye tuna crudo
cucumber salad
roasted carrots, scallion, pumpkin seed
spicy oxtail, rice cakes, daikon, buttered rice
caramelized shiitake buns, hoisin, cucumber
Horribly I did not take a photo of the menu and months later my recollection of all ingredients of these dishes is sketchy, They were all delicious and we loved everything about Leonti. If I lived in this neighborhood you would find me at the bar at least once a week.
I wish that I had come to El Chato more than once on this trip. Absolutely loved every dish and the atmosphere. If I lived in this neighborhood I would be a regular.
I am still a bit conflicted about Leo. This is a very interesting and educational experience and I would never otherwise have a chance to experience most of these ingredients and the beverages that were a part of the pairing. There was a table next to me that did not want to even try some of the more exotic ingredients and they missed out. However I didn’t find any of these dishes to be delicious and there was not one that I would choose to have again. And there was more than one that I really struggled with which rarely had happened to me. Perhaps go for the experience because it is one that you won’t otherwise have.
A surprisingly completely excellent meal in Bogota. Forget Leo and go here.
Such a great spot that I wish was in my neighborhood.
If you like Kitty Fisher’s you will love the team’s newer place Cora Pearl.
Hoppers
I think I will be visiting Hoppers on every trip to London going forward.
Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs
My absolute favorite in London.
Loved so much I almost went twice.
Unfortunately I now only remember what 2 of these dishes were however they were all fabulous. A must go in London.
soused scallops
Always a ton of fun and it had been too long since my last visit.
A solid new italian option in DC, although very loud.
arancini
carciofi – artichoke, white wine, nepitella, olive oil
All of the pasta!
costolette alla milanese
Always a favorite stop in DC!
grilled scallops – buttermilk consomme, country ham, turnips & cider
grilled brassicas – n’juba hollandaise, mint chimichurri & fried shallots
winter squash cooked in the fire – bitter greens, pecan, virginia maple & brown butter vinaigrette
Carlo e Camilla has perhaps the coolest dining room I was in last year. The photos don’t really do the space justice so just go!
A lovely dinner in a very cool dining room. Very much worth the visit to the outer limits of Vienna. Congrats on the 3rd star!
While I am sure that the setting is more beautiful during the day, darkness did nothing to diminish this fantastic experience. It certainly should be much higher on the World’s 50 Best list. And for anybody who loves a cart, the bread, cheese and tea carts are not to be missed.
Dinner at Onyx is a perfect 2 michelin star experience. Service was very welcoming and friendly despite the fairly formal space and all dishes quite good. The bread basket is perhaps the best one I’ve had and its truly a shame that I couldn’t put more of a dent in it. Definitely a do not miss when in Budapest.
water buffalo tartare, shallot, mushroom
goose liver, coffee, almond
catfish, bacon, fish soup
oxtail consomme
venison “montage,” duck ravioli, celeriac, chervil
turo rudi, forest fruits
I highly recommend this great spot in Budapest which is the sister restaurant to the original Costes.
scallop, pan fried, sweet potato, orange
jerusalem artichoke, soup, cheese mousse, walnut
venison, caramelized onion, truffle, potato
cheese
Clown Bar
Clown Bar is easily one of my favorite places in Paris and lately has been my first stop for lunch after arriving.
mackerel tempura/piquillos
radicchio/beets/black olive
milk-fed veal tartare/paris mushroom
Chez la Vieille
Another of my absolute favorites. I would be quite happy eating here at least once a week. Always at the bar.
blanquette de veau
herring and potato salad
Somehow I unfortunately misplaced the menu. However Smyth gets better and better with each visit. A definite must do in Chicago.
My favorite spot in NYC. Fabulous as always.
pomme soufflée
lobster paioise
chicken oyster
striped bass, mustard greens, rye bonji
lobster, blood orange, chili
ko egg
beef au poivre
razor clam, pineapple, basil
tomato, broken rice, sea urchin
pork, shishito, cabbage
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling
mandarin tarte tatin, cheese
I don’t think that I can add too much to all of the existing stellar reviews of Atomix. They are all spot on and so well deserved. Atomix is such a great addition to the NYC dining scene.
My absolute perfect kind of brunch with no traditional brunch foods.
papaya salad
fried shrimp wraps
lotus stem salad, pickled carrots and daikon
vietnamese omelette, papaya salad
grilled octopus and rice noodle salad, lettuce, herbs
Bavel
I can’t quite believe I haven’t been back yet. My only criticism is that these fantastic dishes that stood out to us on the menu collectively came with too much bread. If you haven’t been yet, a definite must-do in LA.
Josef – clove infused gin, apple brandy, almond, fennel, lemon
hummus!
lamb tartare – burnt onion creme fraiche, pickled chive blossom, mint, cinnamon
grilled octopus – orange infused yogurt, sumac, dried bell pepper, sun golds, chervil
slow roasted lamb neck shawarma – tahini, pickled turnips, fermented cabbage, laffa
Simone
Simone was highly anticipated after a very delayed opening. But after being plagued by a host of ownership and management issues, and without food that compensated, it is now closed.
seasonal pickles
tomatoes, mustards, sorrel, whipped tahini
red lentil hummus, smashed cucumbers, nasturtium
pole beans, urfa chili creme fraiche, purple tomatillo, almond
ricotta gnudi, grated tomato, guanciale, basil
charred squash, nectarines macadamia salsa macha
hoja santa sturgeon, roasted corn, blistered shishitos
The last dinner of a whirlwind trip to Seoul was really quite good. The theme of the menu was “Stamina Food” which reflects the Korean philosophy of food in the sense that it is not nearly a means of indulging in the pleasure of eating but as medicine for protecting and recovering one’s health. The very detailed dish descriptions provided described how each dish was chosen and how it was cooked. Very thoughtful even if too long to post here.
In 2017 Sung Anh moved Mosu from San Francisco to Seoul. It is definitely Korea’s gain as this was an absolutely lovely dinner with fantastic service and delicious dishes, especially the abalone “taco.”
burdock bark
small bites
sea perch, white kelp, habanero
mackerel, pine cone, grilled carrot
black truffle, hog fennel, rice
short rib, shiitake, shaoxing wine
quail, ground cherry, pearl onion
black raspberry, kombu, almond
caramelized milk, amaranth, cognac
A great first night in Seoul. Delicious dishes.
Taco Maria
The pork belly taco was the best taco I have had anywhere.
Paloma
Aguachile – Hokkaido scallop, cucumber, jalapeno, avocado, cilantro oil
Arrachera – hanger steak, roasted chilis, applewood bacon, queso
Tocino – pork belly, piloncillo glaze, plums, salsa de aguacate
Vespertine
I’m still not quite sure what I think about Vespertine. The building is fantastic. Photos really do not do it justice as you need to see it within its neighborhood. I loved the outdoor space where we started and finished as well as the rooftop. But the dining room just felt odd and dark and cold and the music was mind numbing. I can’t say that any of the dishes were memorable but were all just good. At the very least it makes you think.
V E S P E R T I N E – Menu – 08.18.18
I could eat at Kismet every time I am in LA. If you haven’t been, go.
spiced cashews with kaffir lime leaf
tahini with spicy cranberry beans
persian cucumbers & melon with rosewater labneh & parsley seed za’atar
spiced carrots with chickpeas, cilantro & almond broth
jeweled crispy rice with egg yolk
Sanchez
A lovely bike ride to a lovely brunch at Sanchez.
tuna tostada
rice bowl – eggs, avocado, kale with spicy mocha salsa
108
A great last meal in Copenhagen. Beautiful and vibrant dishes that I have come to expect in this city ending with a surprising and great combination of ice cream and caviar.
green peas with last year’s ceps
greens and herbs from kroger up with roasted seaweed
lobster claw with white currants
marinated courgettes with smoked egg yolks
raw grilled lobster tail with summer flowers
grilled quail with beetroot and spices
raspberries from Rokkedyssegaard with hazelnut milk
raise kombu ice cream with royal belgian caviar
It was definitely a weird experience to be at the new Noma. But it was perfect and still feels like Noma. After so much anticipation it went far far too quickly and was all a bit of a blur. Going back through my photos and the menu it seems that some dishes were out of order so after so many month I have given up on a few of the descriptions.
potato magma
nasturtium tart, sea buckthorn and blackcurrant butterfly
seasonal pickles
just cooked peas with whipped cream
berries and lava beans
umami flatbread
marigold flowers with a whisky egg-nog
shawarma of celeriac and truffle
caramelized milk and cheese
pumpkin seed curd and grilled roses
shawarma
artichokes
berries and cream
mold pancake
rose scented terracotta
Manfreds
In a city of great restaurants Manfreds is my favorite casual spot. Perfect for lunch, dinner or a glass of wine. The food is always fantastic and I can’t imagine ever going to Copenhagen and not coming here. I forgot to take a photo of the menu but the XL beef tartare I can’t forget.
Baest
Yes there is really good pizza in Copenhagen (and charcuterie too)! I unfortunately don’t remember what pizzas we had but they were all quite good.
charcuterie and cheeses
salad from Farm of Ideas, parmesan and cured egg yolk
It was very weird to be back in the old Noma space and it not be Noma. Restaurant Barr was absolutely lovely and far exceeded my expectations.
hot smoked mackerel, tomatoes and hip roses
cured ribeye, green asparagus and parsley
cucumber salad
chicken with creamed and grilled leeks, wild salad and chicken jus
fish frikadelle
rhubarb, creme fraiche parfait and vanilla
I didn’t get much sleep the night before traveling to Faviken as with limited flights, and airports quite a distance away, everything had to work out perfectly in order to arrive in time for dinner. As I was making the very long drive from Trondheim, Norway to Jarpen I was questioning whether any restaurant could meet my expectations after putting forth so much effort to get there. But the entire experience was even better than I had thought possible. It was so much fun and went by far too quickly. Also a bit surreal to finally be there.
snacks in the gardening shed
linseed and vinegar crisps, mussel dip
mycelium broth
wholegrain wheat cracker with swede salad
wild trout roe served in a crust of dried pig’s blood
pig’s head, dipped in sourdough and deep fried, rhubarb, tarragon salt
bird’s liver custard, malted cabbage and gooseberries
slices of “spickeskinka’
scallop “i skalet ur elden” cooked over burning juniper branches
king crab and almost burnt cream
perch steamed with wild leaves and flowers from around Faviken, a disk of butter flavored with garum, cooking juices
grilled oyster
sourdough pancake, seaweed, beef butter
lupin curd gratin
mahogany clam with frozen lingonberries
a small egg coated in ash, sauce made from dried trout and pickled marigold
steamed swiss chard, oat sauce
pork chop and “tasty paste”
liver toast
colostrum with meadowsweet
raw jerusalem artichoke, darkly roasted cereals
potato dream
silage ice cream
strawberries baked in pearl sugar, very fresh cottage cheese
raspberry ice
bone marrow pudding, frozen milk
pickled semi-dried root vegetables
reindeer and birch pie
a wooden box filled with tar pastilles, meadowsweet candy, dried rowan berries, smoked caramel, sunflower nougat and dried black currants
aromatic seeds
snus fermented in a used bitters barrel
negroni variation
Looking into the kitchen at almost midnight
after dinner views
inside the tent
It was quite a trek to get to Bornholm. An early flight to Copenhagen, a rental car, a long drive and a ferry ride. I was starting to think that I was crazy but then you arrive at Kadeau, sit down and look at the water and it is so peaceful that the trek seems long ago. So many absolutely beautiful and delicious dishes with my favorites having been the palthasta and shawarma chicken.
zucchini, green juniper, Korean fir
cured duck breast, cherry blossom
kohlrabi, green strawberries, fermented pea juice
Baltic prawns, green rhubarb, dried cep mushroom
oyster, sauerkraut, hazelnuts, blackcurrant leaves
palthasta, aged cheese, flowers
scallop, roasted yeast, broccoli, rhubarb root
preserved tomatoes, onions, tomato water
potatoes, blueberry kombucha, lovage, Havgus cheese
carrots, wild horseradish, lyme grass, reduced cream
herring, pickles and fresh cheese
shawarma chicken, beef fat, sea buckthorn and rosehip BBQ
rhubarb, caramelized buttermilk, nobilis
creme fraiche, black currant, beet root, sugar kelp
Perhaps the most perfect lunch I have ever had. A gorgeous day and an amazing table with a view of the kitchen. The brioche was one of my favorite dishes of the year and the smoked reindeer heart was a close runner up. While Oslo wasn’t my favorite city, I will have to go back.
chilled cherry blossom tea
potato flatbread, smoked mountain trout and fermented turnip
brioche with bone marrow and sage
oysters and aged caviar with salt from the west coast, warm sauce of mussels and dill
smoked mackerel from the Oslo fjord, dried and fresh flowers
fresh scallop from Steigen in two servings, raw with white currant and black currant leaf, cooked in its shell with celeriac and gooseberries
gently steamed king crab claw, smoked scallop roe and lemon verbena
wild turbot poached in an emulsion made from turbot bones, sorrel and mushroom dashi
“Rommegrot” – a porridge of very sour cream, smoked reindeer heart and salted butter with plum vinegar
aged spring lamb with summer salad from Bergsmyrene Farm, garlic and plums from last year
frozen blue cheese with pickled black trumpet mushroom
Norwegian strawberries and cream, fresh roses, elderflower and rhubarb root
brown butter ice cream molasses and roasted hazelnuts
warm Norwegian waffles made with beef fat and koji grains, brown cheese, preserved berries and whipped romme
wild parsnip with buckwheat
Tartar of wild salmon with potato and dill, deep fried salmon skin
tartar of lamb from Korsvold Farm
amackerel from Kristiansand marinated in fermented cherry juice and roseroot with radish and salsify
duck liver from Holte Farm, meadowsweet from Songsvann and pickled walnuts
king crab, grilled rhubarb with rose-hip from Bygdoy
Wild salmon from Namenfjorden, charred cucumber with sea arrow grass and wasabi leaves from Oksenoya
grilled summer cabbage with sauce of dried lobster and scallop with fermented lobster head and crab apples
veal from Grondalen Farm with sauce of horseradish, lovage and sour cream with turnip
Mangalitsa pig from Svartskog Farm, roasted garlic and swiss chard from Korsvold Farm
Kraftkar from Tingvollost, honey from Vulkan Beefarm
Ice cream made of bone marrow from Horgen Farm, granite of summer berries and rhubarb
Elderflower from Skott Farm, spanish chervil cream with elderflower ice cream
Jerusalem artichoke and coffee
apple marmalade
caramel of brown cheese from Prestholt in Hol
Mathias Dahlgren
During the day this space in the Grand Hotel is absolutely lovely and makes for a quite perfect lunch stop. It is pricey but every dish was fantastic and it was very hard to choose what to order.
raw marinated pike-perch & pine nuts, trout roe, orange, lemon verbena
steamed bun “pork adobo,” pickled cucumber, coriander, pepper
green peas & roasted cauliflower, pickled garlic, rye bread, lime
Gastrologik
With very limited time I had a very difficult time trying to narrow down where I wanted to dine in Stockholm. This was the opening I debated for a while and can’t imagine having missed Gastrologik.
tunnbrod with smoked perch
summer onion and rakfisk
chicken liver, apple and meringue
grass kelp with truffle algaes
seasonal greenery with last winter’s smoked cod roe
knackebrod made with Warbrokvarn spelt with lovage ‘margarine’
karintorp tomatoes with mates herring, sour cream and pine shoot oil
raw shrimp from Smogen with radishes and horseradish
soured vegetables, daikon, black currant leaves and maritime flavours
smoked mackerel from Smogen with cucumber, unripe gooseberries and angelica
Zander’s cheek with peas and white asparagus porridge
Lettuce from Karshamra farm with grilled butter
Breast, thigh and stomach of corn-fed duck from Munka-Ljungby with rhubarb
Elderflower with frozen yoghurt and cucumber
Frozen sorrel with cream and parsley
Tea
“Sandkaka’ with currant leaves and early summer blossoms
White asparagus tart with honey
An amazing view and a completely lovely meal! Highly recommend.
Norrona herring & potato
Pork belly from Nibble gard with jerusalem artichoke & ramson
Beef tartar with natural soured cream & wild oregano
200 year old Mahogany clam with mushroom
King crab with herring roe, potato crisp & kale
Perch with pickled knotweed
Shrimp with lemon verbena & dill
Swedish wagyu with corn from Skilleby farm & potato soy
langoustine, fermented pear, gooseberry, horseradish & green juniper
white asparagus with broad beans, smoked bone marrow, black currant & elderflower
hay baked turnip with fresh garlic & cream of lovage & celeriac from our farm
scallop marinated in shellfish gram, labrador tea & buttermilk
grilled asparagus with suger kelp, pickled rhubarb & sturgeon caviar
mackerel with vegetables from Skilleby farm & reduced clam juice
lamb with preserved apples, rosehip & fennel
unripe strawberries with granite of wild pineapple weed & frozen goat yoghurt
rhubarb from our garden with hagberry blossom ice cream, strawberries, cucumber & almond
A great start to this trip. And smoked deer is my new favorite thing.
lightly smoked mackerel, peas and elderflower
oyster
Venice roe from Kalix, smoked deer and birch fired leek
Juniper smoked pike-perch, endive and sunchoke
Hay-flamed mushrooms, sweetbread and salsify
Birch fired lamb, cabbage and ramson capers
cheese from Lofsta farm
Glamed spruce-crepe, rhubarb and nuts
a
I won’t be writing too much until I get caught up but these dishes were too beautiful to not post.
I’m not sure if I would ever get tired of Roister. I love these dishes so so much and love taking friends here for the first time.
Momofuku Ko
Night #3. Clearly I cannot get enough. Actually I could eat the fried chicken everyday.
Cote
It took me far too long to get here. So completely worth the wait and even better than I expected.
Momofuku Ko
Night #2
Empellon Midtown
guacamole with seven salsas
one pound lobster cocktail
black quinoa salad with pumpkin seeds and english peas
fish tempura tacos with lime mayonnaise
octopus tacos with celery and salsa verde
corn
Infamous avocado
The first of three nights in a row at the Ko bar. Clearly my favorite place to be in NYC. I cannot say enough good things about the food. Maybe its a good thing that I no longer live here or I would overdose on the pork pie yet I wish I could be here everyday.
warm mushroom salad, avocado, chèvre, chilies
maine lobster dumplings, jade butter, soft herbs
black truffle croquettes, aged white cheddar, jalapeño
hamachi sashimi, black sesame ponzu, puffed rice
roasted pork belly, red chili vinegar, cabbage, coriander
berkshire pork chop, habanero honey sauce, crushed peas
crackling beef short rib, smoked gochujeng, spring succotash
foie gras bibimbap – charred vegetables, mushroom bulgogi
fried chicken, fermented hot sauce, creamed corn
thai steak salad, golden shallots, fish sauce vinaigrette
blistered green beans, cantonese vinaigrette
crispy potatoes, black truffle dip
Bellemore
While everybody seemed to be flocking to Bellemore for dinner, lunch is the perfect time to visit this beautiful space. The tartare was delicious and the burger is one of the best in the city.
kona kampachi tartare
burger with caramelized onions, mushrooms, mayonnaise and swiss
Smyth
I was long overdue for another visit to Smyth and it was even better than my first time soon after opening. I’m looking forward to next weekend!
sea lettuce cookie
fried sourdough with “the farm” maple & uni
salted rhubarb & radish with seaweed & oyster
shiva, nuka, pine cone
shima ahi ribs barbecued over spruce
dungeness crab & foie gras with scrambled kani miso
gulf shrimp with green almonds in malted cream
“the farm” asparagus gently cooked in hay & bittermilk whey
burnt salsify with geoduck clams & guinea hen jus
dried corn with squab liver mousse & hickory nut
squab wrapped in sorrel with honey
slow cooked beet with beet blood bolognese
caramelized sweetbreads with soured spring vegetables
lamb breast with soured cream & trio fuerte
milk chocolate, raspberry preserves, kelp & shiitake
milk sorbet with “the farm” honey & conifer
egg yolk soaked in salted licorice with frozen yogurt meringue
dried apples, burnt honey, comb & potato
lemongrass ice cream sandwich & black carrot
Sun of a Gun
Still one of my favorite places. The pimento cheese and shrimp will never get old.
pimento cheese dip
peel & eat shrimp
salad of somewhat unknown ingredients
Pizzeria Mozza
I’m very picky about pizza and Mozza is still one of the best. But the carrots were so fantastic that I had to go back for them.
shaved carrots, fennel, mizuna rabe, caraway yogurt & rye
meatballs, mozzarella di bufala, tomato, chili flakes & fresh oregano
Unfortunately there was no menu so no descriptions below.
Cumulus
I could eat lunch here everyday!
marinated cucumbers, finger lime & buckwheat
raw fish, kohlrabi, creme fraiche & pink peppercorns
charred broccolini, black barley, tahini & barberries
Le Hoo Fook
Yet another great meal in Melbourne. I loved everything and only wish I could have ordered more.
raw hiramasa kingfish, ginger pickled kohlrabi, spring onion dressing
Buddha’s delight – charred sweet corn, garlic stem, peanuts and smoked daikon sang choi bao
duck
In this case I think the pictures speak for themselves. Beyond gorgeous. Stunning drive from Melbourne, fabulous guest suites, and a fantastic dinner.
bonito cured overnight with kelp and mountain pepper
prawn, nasturtium and finger lime
Brae farm vegetables and grilled green tomato juice
herb toast and sea urchin
eggplant and salt grass lamb washed with sweet onion juice, fragrant and acidic plants
smoked eel doughnut
barbecued beetroot seasoned with Brae farm honey and rainbow trout roe
iced oyster
hapuku, cucumber and fermented cabbage, pressed chives and yoghurt whey
crayfish and shiitake with Brae farm egg yolk, meat broth and seaweeds
Sommerlad chicken wood roasted on the bone, zucchini ‘nose to tail’
today’s tomatoes
strawberry gum ice cream and frozen passionfruit
parsnip and apple
early autumn fruit from Brae farm and surrounding orchards
baked meringue and macadamia with ridiculously good cream
rhubarb and pistachio, blood and preserved blackberry
Love love love. Including the ants, grub type worms and possum.
Tac’Oz
Aged Santa Claus Melon
Pearl Cooked in Paperbark
Our Vegemite, Our Salada
Witchetty Grubs
An Imperfect History of Ripponlea
Green Ant Pav
All Parts of the Scampi
Chewy Carrots
Mutton Shell
Mystery Meat
Hand Picked Crab and Sour Damper
Red Kangaroo with Truganini
Pumpkin, Offal and Sour Beer
Grilled Marron with Desert Lime
Pests of the Neighborhood
Camel Milk Ice
Whipped Emu Egg
Attica Cheftales
I debated between a few places to visit on my last night in Sydney and so glad I listened to one of my favorite Momofuku employees and went to Automata.
dried tomato, sheep’s milk curd, black plum, shiso, tomato vinegar
cuttlefish, pickled celery, shallot oil, fennel & ink
steamed murray cod, turnip puree, daikon, roasted kelp oil
pork neck, eggplant, fermented cucumber & mustard
manchengo, pickled carrot, wild thyme honey, fennel pollen
The NYT review that came out right after this visit said it all more eloquently than I ever could. I do disagree that Seiobo has “less and less in common with the other Momofuku restaurants.” While there are not any typical Momofuku dishes, the entire experience felt identifiably Momofuku to me. And the marron was my favorite dish in Sydney.
mofongo – plantain, garlic, chicharrones
cou cou – corn, okra, sterling caviar
sea urchin, cassava, pepper sauce butter
green banana, creole, mullet roe
ducana – sweet potato, currants, caribbean x.o.
mamposteau – rice, beans, peanut
marron + coconut bakes
pernil – pork chop, choko, mango
passionfruit + roselle
pumpkin, burnt coconut, seeds
cakes – rum cake + cassava pone + guinness cake
Saint Peter
My first meal on this trip was off to a good start with a G&T with my favorite gin – Four Pillars – which I would go on to drink at every opportunity. I am so glad that I managed to fit this in and a bit mad that I didn’t come back everyday for lunch as it was that good.
raw diced 10 day aged Mooloolaba broadbill, sour onion & egg yolk
BBQ Coorong pipis, burnt tomato, lemon thyme & garlic mayonnaise
Berry’s creek blue cheese VIC
Quay
Is there another restaurant that has a more spectacular view? This was overall such a lovely experience and I am so glad I got to try the famous snow egg right before it was taken off of the menu.
Another Four Pillars G&T with an opera house backdrop.
And extra course that unfortunately I can’t remember
new season muntries, sheep’s milk feta, sour cucumber, herbs, pistachios, verjus
congee of hand dived scallops, heart of palm, black vinegar laver
bread & butter
slow cooked quail, fermented mushroom custard, green walnuts, brioche porridge, seed crackling
smoked confit pig jowl, southern squid, shaved shiitake, sea cucumber crackling
steamed coral trout, heirloom radishes, sake, lemon
Arkady lamb, barletta onions, ice plant, oca, lemon puree, roasted hemp seed
snow egg
oloroso caramel, muscovado, dulcet, muscatel, walnut
I am so excited to have Momofuku on the west coast!!!! Too bad it is impossible to get reservations but if you time it right you can get a seat at the bar. The egg and smoked roe bing was delicious and a fun take on the Ko egg. Too bad peas will likely not be on the menu by the time I make it back.
Bing – eggs & smoked roe
raw sugar snaps, horseradish, lemon, shallot
Santa Barbara rock crab – spicy cured, chilled & crab fat rice
Josephine
A great stop for brunch in the increasingly packed 12 South neighborhood of Nashville.
baked oatmeal
bibb lettuce, bacon, croutons, radish, herb buttermilk dressing
quiche, arugula, country ham, caramelized onion
Urban Cowboy
We stopped at Urban Cowboy for an afternoon snack and a few cocktails. Such a fun place, especially with a group and I was surprised by just how good the food was. I can’t wait to go back.
charred olives & beef fat
smoked bread & smoked butter
raw beef, endive, apple, walnut
Rolf & Daughters
I will be honest, until I looked back at my photos all I remembered from this meal was the butternut squash salad. It was so fantastic I reordered it for dessert. I gave myself a terrible stomach ache and didn’t sleep at all, but it was completely worth it. But the rest of the meal was pretty great as well.
butternut squash, salsa macha, mimolette, mint
lamb sausage, yellow eyed peas, chili, mustard greens
dry aged beef tartare, barley mayo, french breakfast radish, farro
rigatoni, pancetta, ceci bean, spinach, WI pecorino
garganella verde, heritage pork ragout, sarvecchio
beef short rib, salsa verde, caesar salad, sprouted rye
Dessert
Husk
After watching the fried chicken episode of Ugly Delicious how could I not immediately head to Husk? But it is really the pimento cheese that keeps me coming back.
Bastion
Definitely go early for the fantastic bar in the front where you must order the nachos. I had heard mixed things about Bastion and almost skipped it. I’m so glad that I didn’t. All delicious dishes, although did not find it quite enough food. And I love when the dishes I am most skeptical of end up being my favorites – ie. the gizzard and XO carrots with sea urchin,
raw oyster + kimchee
raw beef + radish
sunchoke + pistachio
gizzard + peanut
XO carrots + sea urchin
beef tongue + rutabaga
grouper + chicken broth
sweet potato + pecan
strawberry + coconut
Henrietta Red lived up to very high expectations. But ending with fancy jello shots….awesome.
beef tartare – castelvetrano olive, preserved meyer lemon, cured egg yolk, brioche
roasted root vegetable salad, parsnip, radish, baby beet, buttermilk, dill, sesame seed
wood roasted oysters, dill, mustard butter, thyme breadcrumb
red butter lettuce, whole grain mustard, toasted almond, pickled turnip, orange, castelvetrano olive
red snapper crudo, cara cara orange, horseradish tarragon, quinoa
cauliflower steak, cashew aillade, sweet potato, pickled pepper, salsa verde
farro risotto, celery root, mushrooms, pine nuts, parmesan, scarlet frill
wild striped bass, oyster mushroom, creamed kale, mustard emulsion
JELLO SHOTS
Loved this installment of the pop-up dinners at Vino Carta. It is fantastic to see how these continue to grow.
roasted & fermented vegetables, trout roe, brown rice, charred bread
live scallop crudo, lardo, XO sauce, seaweed oil, preserved citrus
eucalyptus smoked lamb & beef tartare, blackberry, jicama, pine nuts
grilled chicories, pork, calabrian chili, kohlrabi
yakitori quail, wheat berries, green garlic, meyer lemon, wild mustard
Somehow they were out of the first two wines we tried to order but it was only up-hill from there. I could eat these dishes everyday.
La Paz – big eye tuna, cucumber, orange zest, ginger habanero salsa
shrimp aquachile, cucumber, red onion, radish, serrano, cilantro, lime
grilled octopus, green pipian, toasted sesame, radish
Yellowtail – morita & hibiscus coulis, cucumber slaw, seasonal fruit, crispy hibiscus flower
Somehow I have no photos of the menu thus no descriptions. The relatively new Pisco at Liberty Station has excellent food although service and the wine list needs some work.
It was finally time to branch out from Cucina Urbana which has been a go-to for more years than I can remember. As good as expected and the Big Table Farm pinot did not hurt.
pesto & piquillo pepper flatbread – zucchini, pecorino, arugula, ricotta
market chopped salad – kale, fennel, celery root, grape, ricotta salt, cashew, white balsamic
pumpkin & goat cheese & zatar & crudite
grilled sicilian meatballs – amatriciana, guanciale, grana padano
I’m not sure that southern California oceanfront dining views get better than this.
A beautiful space and great cocktails. The menu has evolved since this visit which is a very good thing as sushi rolls in San Diego seem to be tragically uninspired and homogenous.
Clearly I have missed everything Momofuku. Penicillin…kimchi fried rice…enough said.
slow roasted pork shoulder ssam with kimchi fried rice
chinese long beans, chili, garlic, shallot
Atla
Deserted on a frigid and snowy morning but excellent as always and worth making the trek for.
arctic char and farmers cheese tostada
ranchero eggs
Ko
Very belated and a bit sad in retrospect as this was my last visit to the Ko bar before the space was renovated. I will eventually catch up to the new space and menu (which is awesome) but I loved the old one as well.
The first time I tried to visit Flora Bar was unfortunately Super Bowl sunday and it was closed. It obviously took me a long time to make a second attempt but was certainly worth the effort.
snow crab with miso mayonnaise
tuna tartare, sunflower, and hijiki
sea bream crudo with pomelo and chrysanthemum
chicories with pears, hazelnuts and Bayley Hazen Blue
potato and raclette croquettes
Futsu squash and black truffle tart
lobster and crab dumplings in yuzu broth
It is fantastic to see more cool places move into the Nomad area of NYC. Ferris makes the best of below street level location and overdelivers for its modest setting. A definite must visit.
chips & dip – chicharrones, chicken liver mousse
blood sausage – grilled dates, toasted seeds
(I discovered I am missing a page of the menu and consequently descriptions for a few courses.)
octopus – egg custard, confit potato, pedro ximinez
beets – black sesame tahini, young coconut
carrot agnolotti – lamb neck, pickled squash
Yet another fantastic spot in Philly and another place I’ve been wanting to try for a while. The pickled mackerel dip was fabulous even though not what I was expecting with lettuce cups. The sweet potato was perhaps the favorite, although the chicken was pretty great as well. So glad I wasn’t dissuaded from this visit.
potato latke, herb sour cream, horseradish, aged cheddar
pickled mackerel dip, bibb lettuce, gribenes, beet pickled turnips
baked cheese blintz, mozzarella, Muenster, barley, roasted mushrooms
gin cured fluke, challah, whipped butter, pickled onion
sweet potato, boursin cheese smoked walnuts, pickled long hots
shakos chicken, dried apricot, parsnips, potato and swiss chard kugel
I had been wanting to come here for so long and it certainly did not disappoint. If I lived in Rittenhouse I would probably be here once a week and hope for a seat at the bar with my name on it.
(I wish I could remember what this one was!)
beef tartare, fresh horseradish
yellowfin tuna & sugar snap peas, olive, yogurt, mint
I really want to like Born & Raised. The design is fabulous and I am happy for more high end concepts to enter San Diego. Unfortunately the service was terrible on this and a previous visit and unacceptable at this price point. My first issue, not unique to this restaurant, is being asked for a credit card when ordering the bar. It was not crowded and I was clearly ordering dinner. The bartender cannot keep track of me when I did not move? I despise this practice and what feels like punishment for preferring to dine solo at the bar while doing the restaurant the favor of not occupying a 2-top. I ordered 2 dishes that would be table side preparations if not at the bar (although I am told that if you order more than one table side preparation you will only actually get one). If I am not going to get the added show, could I at least have new flatware between courses? Or actually asked if I want the dishes coursed? While the tartare was excellent, the toast was a horrible choice as far too soft to actually support anything and created a collapsing mess each time I tried. I would have enjoyed a second cocktail, but alas I couldn’t get the bartender’s attention for 25 minutes. Perhaps why they need to ask for credit cards or people would get tired of waiting and just leave.
martini
caesar salad
steak tartare
A great introduction to Biga for dinner which was part of their wood fired series featuring guest chef Drew Bent soon to open Lola 55 in San Diego. All very good and flavorful dishes with the bonus of a surprising dessert that I loved. I look forwarding to visiting Lola 55 and have already made a return visit to Biga based on the great hospitality.
trio of tostadas
loca ceviche – pineapple, jicama, chipotle
beef tartare – papilla, avocado, leek
fried oyster – basil, tomato, serrano, lemon
beets, potatoes, wood fired octopus, smoked saffron aioli, pickled spring onion parsley
tamale of porchetta, mole manchamantes, pickled vegetables, coal roasted plantain
oak baked yams, charred marshmallow, horchata of allspice & sugarcane
Clamato
Septime’s little sister Clamato is another place where I could easily eat everyday. Incredibly fresh fish, fantastic flavors and perhaps the best service that I had on this trip.
trout from banka, marinated vegetables & white cheese
cuttlefish, sesame and chili
baked scallops, lard and sauvignon
Little Red Door
Definitely go at opening to the Little Red Door. What an incredibly cute bar and I absolutely loved the architecture based menu concept.
Balagan
With a fitting name meaning ‘beautiful mess’ in Hebrew, Balagan is certainly un-Parisian aside from being part of the Experimental Group. While quite a scene, it is incredibly energetic and I couldn’t help but have an amazing time. And the food was amazing…that pictured as well as a few extras that I didn’t photograph.
frenavon bread
beef tartare damascus, herbs, pepper coulis, tahini
beetroot salad, spinach, arugula, mangetout pea, peas, feta cheese
scallops
Buvette
I stopped at Buvette for some vegetables to offset the cheese I was eating for 3 meals per day. They were delicious but the service was truly horrible to the point that I considered leaving before I had even ordered and again after I finished my glass of wine and couldn’t seem to get another.
Le Syndicat
I have had several disappointing experiences at places on the Worlds 50 Best Bars list but had a fantastic experience at Le Syndicat. It looks like an abandoned storefront in a slightly sketchy neighborhood and you could easily walk by it. Very cool menu, great drinks and service. I can’t wait to return.
Biggie Smalls Door
Marc de Bourgogne, Cap Corse Mattei, liqueur de gentiane, et cordial de pamplemousse & d’aneth
Undergroni
Eau de vie de framboise, Cap Corse Mettei, vermouth rouge, et sucette maison au piton
Chez La Vieille
Thank you Daniel Rose for reopening this spot, staffing it with amazing people from Spring, and creating such a fantastic environment. Perhaps the best time I have had at dinner while traveling and if I lived in Paris I would be here once a week. I could easily eat poireaux vinaigrette every day of the week and this version was excellent. But the chicken was quite possibly the best chicken I have had in my life. Yes everything in Paris seems better, and the chickens are different, but I have thought about this so often since.
Poireaux vinaigrette
Poulet fermier et puree de pomme de terre
Comte
Aside from being surrounded by Americans, truly a perfect French bistro.
saint jacques rotes, salsifis glaces, champignons noirs, moelle
ris de veau, épinards, condiment moutarde-eshalotes, croutons
du vernet et brie de maux de la maison quatrhomme, chutney de tomates vertes et piment, salade
While Marta may not be my favorite of the USHG restaurants, or even have my favorite pizza, like everything in this group it is consistently solid and always a great choice for brunch.
Prosciutto e fichi
Insalata di farro
Autunno
Funghi
Perhaps I avoid getting caught up on this blog because revisiting my favorite places in NYC just makes me too sad. Yet another fantastic dinner at my favorite spot topped off by a perfect chocolate fernet dessert.
black bass, rye bonji, perilla
sea urchin, chickpea, hozon
ko egg, caviar
beef au poivre
razor clam, pineapple, basil
striped bass, eggplant, tomato
lamb, radish
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
cheesecake
foie gras, lychee, pine nut, riesling jelly
chocolate, mint, fernet branca
Atoboy
Yet another place that I have missed terribly since I moved. So much so that I ate so quickly I forgot to photograph several dishes.
lotus root, dubu, seaweed, chili oil
beef tartare, nooruk, mustard green, myungran
sunchoke, oyster mushroom, black truffle, orange
octopus, kimchi, chorizo, parsley
Aviary
So much about the reviews is accurate and so much is not accurate at all. I am certainly biased. For me it will never be the same as Chicago, but the views sure do help compensate.
Up the Ice Ante – oat, marcona almond, white peach, horchata
Chicharron
Heart of Stone – pistachio, peach, fresno, lapsang, bourbon
Loaded to the Gunwalls – mace, pineapple, hazelnut, batavia arrack
So so happy to be back at Wildair! I’m pretty sure I have had several dreams about the spicy tuna toast since I left New York and one of the few dishes I’ve ordered twice in one sitting.
The Mondrian recently opened before this stay and was still working out a few kinks. This room was definitely tiny. I loved the decor but it was very poorly designed for a trip that involved the need to work. There was no desk and only a small table however no outlet anywhere near the table and thus impossible to plug in my laptop. After a day of puzzling water in the bathroom I figured out that the toilet was leaking. And housekeeping neglected my room for an entire day. Despite these issues the staff was well intentioned and I actually booked a follow up visit (with different issues but promptly addressed).
Always one of my favorites no matter whether lunch/brunch or dinner. This salad was addicting while it was on the menu, and the open faced egg sandwich is outstanding. Highly recommend.
While I enjoyed my previous visit to El Ideas, the BYOB format in a very casual setting was perfect for a large group dinner. This was such a fun evening and thank you to my dinner companions who took charge of wine pairings.
chanterelle, creme fraiche, pomegranate, trout roe
egg tart, caviar, sea urchin bottarga, finger lime
scallop, okra, sweet potato, haitian trinity
lobster, parsnip, apple, cornbread, thyme
french fries & ice cream, potato, leek, vanilla
pheasant, celeriac, truffle, lovage
oxtail, cabbage, maitake, parsley, mustard seed
pierogi, squash, black trumpet, sage, smoke
strip loin, bread pudding, quail egg, béarnaise
pavlova, plum, hibiscus, chocolate
quince, dulcey chocolate, olive oil, pistachio
Somerset
I loved Somerset so much that I almost went back the next day and then was kicking myself for not doing so. I hope to check out dinner my next time in Chicago but this was pretty much what I wish I could have for lunch everyday. It makes me very happy to see the proliferation of great crudités. The tuna and sprouted grains salad was fantastic as was their take on the Tuxedo. After such a miserable experience at Devereaux the night before, the Boka group definitely redeemed themselves.
Tuxedo served with aged gouda
vegetable crudite
charred broccoli, garlic, almonds, crispy chicken skin, yogurt
seared tuna, sprouted grains yogurt, cucumber vinaigrette
Prairie School
The purpose of my first trip to Chicago was to visit Frank Lloyd Wright houses. As I exhausted new places to visit, my focus turned to food and cocktails. I can’t believe that nobody opened a bar with this concept sooner. Obviously I was won over before I even got there.
Next
What a great opportunity to have dishes from so many amazing restaurants that I (and many other guests) may never have opportunity to visit as well as a few old favorites. This was a great concept as it peaked my interest in some places I may not have ever had an interest in and challenged me to think about why I don’t like some places with great dishes that I loved having here.
Rose
rose, apple, pomegranate
Quique Dacosta/Alicante, Spain
Jerusalem Artichoke
walnut, rye
Geranium/Copenhagen, Denmark
An oyster’s frozen kiss
oyster, radish flower
Mugaritz/San Sebastian, Spain
Eggs benedict
caviar, asparagus, ham
Eleven Madison Park/New York, USA
Marine soil
sea urchin, jicama, surf clam
Centra/Lima, Peru
Squid
artichoke, bagna cauda, squid ink
Mirazur/Menton, France
King crab
beef gram, hen’s egg yolk, rose miso
Noma/Copenhagen, Denmark
Tartare
bison, sunchoke
Estela/New York, NY, USA
Badger flame beet
Blue Hill at Stone Barns/Pocantico Hills, USA
Caviar
vin jaune, egg yolk, button mushrooms
Septime/Paris, France
Riso cacio e pepe
parmigiano reggiano, burgundy truffle
Osteria Francescana/Modena, Italy
Dim sum
cau cau, dashi, potato
Maido/Miraflores, Peru
Langoustine
wasabi, mango, thai vinaigrette
Restaurant Tim Raue/Berlin, Germany
Monkfish
aubergine, fermented peppers
De Librije/Zwolle, Netherlands
“Vuelve a la Vida”
scallop, beef tongue, salsa bruja
Quintonil/Mexico City, Mexico
All parts of the pumpkin
the skin, the seeds, the flesh
Attica/Melbourne, Australia
Squab
parsnip, almond, lacender
Next/Chicago, USA
Memory
foie gras, black truffle, chives
Restaurant Andre/Singapore
Apples
chanterelles, granite
Relae/Copenhagen, Denmark
Chocolate
milk chocolate, blueberry, yogurt
Alinea/Chicago, USA
I keep meaning to add some hotel reviews and for some reason I just keep skipping over them. While hotels are certainly justified in doing it as I am sure people abuse it, this is the first time I had been asked for my AAA card in ages when checking in. Of course I didn’t have my current card in my wallet and couldn’t remember my password for the mobile app. I was told I had to come back with the information prior to checking out otherwise the rate wouldn’t be honored. But when I went back the next day after sorting out my password situation to get a mobile version of my current card, the front desk agent looked completely surprised that I was offering this information.
The Viceroy has done a very good job in competing with the Thompson across the street (and winning). I loved the decor, the chaise, the large desk, having a Nespresso, the large shower, and the long entryway. Also a great touch that the closet opened on two sides, into the hallway and the bathroom.
Somerset restaurant on the ground floor from the Boka Group is so good that I almost went two days in a row (review in my next post). Unfortunately Devereaux, the rooftop bar was a huge disappointment. When I walked in, not only was I not greeted by the first 3 employees that crossed my path, but from the looks that they gave me I felt like I walked in 2 hours after closing wearing face paint. I understand there is a seasonal pool and plastic glassware may make sense at certain times of day and the year. But late in the evening, an expensive cocktail at a beautiful bar in a plastic glass is just tacky. The bartender required me to give him my license even though I was staying at the hotel. The bar was only about half full and wouldn’t it have just made more sense to ask for my room number and last name if they feared I was a flight risk? When I closed out I was returned my license and only glanced at it and saw that it was from the correct state. Probably an hour later when I was in bed, my room phone rang and it was the bartender who told me that he had given me the wrong license and tried to give another guest closing out my license, and the asked if I could come back up. When my response to that was a clear no he came down with my license about 10 minutes later. Another 10 minutes and I would have been asleep with earplugs in and two people would have been without a license.
I would absolutely stay at the Viceroy again but definitely avoid the bar.
iwillmakeualist 