Drink Eat Love

Lunch at the Laundry

I've attended a number of bridal showers in my life, but when I was invited to a hosted lunch at the esteemed French Laundry I knew this one was going to be a bit different. Jeff and I dined at the Laundry a few years ago for dinner and the experience was incredibly impactful. It was one of my very first fine dining experiences and I remember being blown away by both the quality of food and the level of service. I also have memories of being the most full I have ever been (still, to this day!)

L’Ambroisie: The Food

Mis en place is a term used in kitchens to mean “everything in its place.” At L’Ambroisie mis en place means perfection in every aspect of the restaurant—and none could be truer than in the food. L’Ambroisie is not a place to find foams, edible paper or any other item that you need directions to eat. At L’Ambroisie, the food is pure, honest and beautiful. The care taken in selecting each ingredient is evident in every dish. Each element of a dish can be tasted and savored individually, yet the harmony in which all parts play is greater than the sum. L’Ambroisie is a true foodie’s paradise.

The Perfect Table: L'Ambroisie Part I

The last time I came to Paris I was making $8.50 per hour, had bleached blond hair, and was content to eat crepes and bad Brie. I've changed. Now when I come to Europe I seek out dining experiences that will inspire, excite, and enthrall. Not having been to Paris in seven years, I emailed a group of industry contacts that travel to Paris often and asked for their suggestions. I was greeted with excel spreadsheets, vast email lists, and word documents. I also purchased Pudlo Paris 2007 - 2008 by Gilles Pudlowski, a highly regarded Paris restaurant guide, to cross reference the suggestions my colleagues sent me. Of all the restaurants that were recommended, one always was at the top of the list: L'Ambroisie.

Yesterday And Today

(ed. ~ Shauna, guest restaurant reviewer, chimes in under Jeff's name. Going forward, she'll be posting under her own. Welcome, Shosho!)

We ended up going to Hier et Aujourd’hui twice in four days (actually, we went three times in five days, but I’ll get to that later). Pudlo Paris gave the restaurant “This year’s value for money award” and after being denied entrance on Monday night (full, or we got there too late…that whole language barrier thing), we couldn’t wait to go back Tuesday, this time with a reservation.

Roadfood Roundup

Ten days into our road trip finds us in Minneapolis. Along the way, we have been trying to be frugal about our eating habits, pulling from our store of Trader Joe's supplies of granola, milk & fruit for breakfast, PB&J or tuna wraps for lunch, and various pasta-based concoctions for dinner. We have eaten "out" some, including greasy hashbrowns and watery coffee in Chamberlain, South Dakota and salt- (and flavor-) free mashed potatoes with lukewarm gravy in Austin, Nevada.

There have been a couple of highlights I thought I'd mention — in very rough, road-writing form!

The Chinese Laundry

After all I'd heard about Jai Yun, dubbed the Chinese equivalent to the French Laundry, I expected to enter off a dark Chinatown alley and be escorted to a dingy basement decorated only by Christmas lights and a few out-of-date calendars. The decor was not far removed from my imagination (there was, indeed, an abundance of stringed lights), but the locale was above ground, on a main (if residential) street, with a facade like any ordinary low-rent Chinese pick-up joint. But Jai Yun is far from ordinary.

Soul-Satisfying Sushi

Amberly's migraine left-overs weren't up for opening night at Harry Potter, so we just went around the corner to Eiji on Sanchez & 16th. Man, that place is good! We've been there before, initially lured by the promise of fresh tofu, but the specials board (and the sushi) keep calling us back. 

NYC Dinner #3: Babbo

If you have ever watched the Food Network you have most likely come across a show with Mario Batali, the venerable chef of all things simple and Italian. Mario has been an integral part of shapping food culture in America with his restaurants, Food Network shows, cookbooks, cookware, and even shoes. I have been a big fan of Mario Batali since college and I have always wanted to dine at Babbo, his 3 Star (NYT rating) restaurant.

NYC Dinner #2: Eleven Madison Park

As a wine and food professional, I have had the fortune to have many great meals. I keep a tally in my head of the top dining experiences I have had, here is a list in no particular order: Daniel, The French Laundry, Craco-Peck, Arturo e Staffan Gastrotecha (now closed), Manresa, Aquarello, and now Eleven Madison Park.

NYC Dinner #1: The Spotted Pig

Every time I go to NYC I plan my days around eating. I know for some that is silly, but for me going to a great restaurant is as moving as going to the MET (which we did — the MET has a new Greek and Roman exhibit that is beautiful!) or the MOMA. I do enjoy the MET and the MOMA but on this last trip we saw 3 various styles of cuisine that each represent how far cuisine in the States has come in the past 10 years.