Our favourite restaurant meals
There are times where everything goes right. The company, our mood, the service, atmosphere and of course the food all align into a perfect meal. We are lucky to have been to many fine restaurants, but the following were to us perfect.
Restaurant Hotel de Ville, Crissier: Sadly the chef here has passed. We had just finished a gruelling several days of hiking the haute route from Chamonix to Zermatt. Arrived into a small bright and pristine restaurant of impeccable old school service and French cuisine. We opted for a la carte and ordered the classic duck preparation (in honor of the previous chef) . This prompted a immediate call to the kitchen to start the dish. The suited maitre’d carved the bird table side with perfection, I have never tasted duck this good since. The dessert soufflé followed with similar reverence.
Alinea, Chicago. This was on my birthday, our first time celebrating it together. Molecular gastronomy is always interesting, but not always tasty, here each dish had exquisite taste profiles. The dessert literally served on the table was very impressive. The friendly but professional service was phenomenal. My spouse thought they had completely forgotten the gift she had sent to the restaurant for me, so we were both surprised when it came out pre-desert on a silver platter.
Les Pres d’Eugenie, Eugenie des bains. My spouse still raves about the raspberry coulis topped verbena soufflé. Wonderful nouvelle cuisine from one its founders still going strong and in the kitchen that day. Similar to watching Roger Federer, this is one of those classic experiences to look back on and to be grateful for.
Dal Pescatore. Low key destination, we had a fun stay in a budget friendly hotel in a town square nearby (Hotel Plazza Quaranta). As soon as you arrive however, you are greeted with classic warm Italian hospitality. Had the most delicious tortelli with pumpkin dish. Overall start to finish probably the best Italian meal I've ever had.
Le Cinq, Paris. Our first meal together in France. The pork dish I had for lunch was memorable, but it was the palatial setting and impeccable service that is still remembered. My spouse had to make a few trips to the washroom (we came directly off a longhaul flight), but the third time she was trying to avoid the spectacle of an escort, to no avail I swear their service team has eyes in the back of their heads.
Imamura Tokyo. Something about your first true sushi-ya experience. A taxi ride into Tokyo’s suburbs, unsure of exact location. The nervous energy as we walked into the small restaurant, two ganjins with no Japanese. Counter seats to watch the chef at work. A little English was spoken, service was very friendly. I still remember the taste of the rice, how delicate and flavourful it was compared to other sushi meal’s I’ve had.
El Cellar con Roca, Girona. Another birthday meal. We didn’t plan this trip 1 year in advance, so had no booking for El Cellar con Roca, but was excited to return for the tapas and wine of Catalonia. We had Disfrutar the night before and Les Cols for dinner. But when I received a call the day before for a lunch cancellation spot on my birthday at el cellar we couldn’t turn it down. We spent a delightful few hours here tasting the classics along with a relaxing break in their lovely courtyard afterwards.