Favorite Restaurants

[Gryphon]

Even in a bad economy there are plenty of dining establishments in this great land of ours where one can easily drop $150 on dinner for two before even getting to the wine. Here are some that IMHO are actually worth it. This is limited geographically since I don't travel to New York, Los Angeles, or Dallas. I'd like to see what others' favorites are.

Charlie Trotter's, Chicago--Tasting menu only and sometimes a bit hit-or-miss, but at this place the celebrity chef is actually in the kitchen. I've only had a few near-orgasmic experiences with food, and two of them were in the same meal here. Wine pairings are superb.

El Quenepo, Vieques Island, PR--Seafood mofongo made with local lobster and breadfruit from the tree in the back yard is just an example of the fresh fare here. Limited wine selections but some truly inspired house cocktails.

Allegro Romano, San Francisco--A neighborhood Italian joint, SF style. The owner and waitstaff are all absolutely flaming and the food is to die for.

Redd, Yountville, CA--Fresh ingredients perfectly prepared with a terrific (and very reasonably priced) wine list.

Picayo, San Juan, PR--Three words: Wild Mushroom Risotto.

Spiaggia, Chicago--Great Italian food with an excellent wine list.

Others?

[discreetgent]

Off the top of my head

Agree on Spiaggia - most excellent.
Also in Chicago - Tru

New York

Per Se - especially their bar menu which is ala carte and way cheaper than their prix fixe
The Modern - try the chef's tasting menu; my date that evening had it and swears by it
Eleven Madison - got their 4th NY Times star in the last year and WELL worth it; actually a bargain as these places go

San Francisco

Gary Danko

London

Gordon White's 3 star michelin restaurant

San Celloni (outside of Barcelona)
3 star michelin; well worth it and as 3 stars go well worth the price

Jerusalem

Gabrielle
1868

Sydney

Bilsons
Quay

[Mr.Oneeye]

Good Afternoon;

It is by far my favourite in NYC, whilst in London I am a fan of only one of Mr. Ramsay's joints, his least pretentious outlet, named Maze.

In Italy all my suggestions would fall outside the 'Fine Dining' group; apart from one, Locanda del Amorosa.

My Tokyo suggestion is a little off the beaten track; Sushi Dai at the Tsukiji Fish market is simply the best Sushi or Sashimi that I have ever eaten.

In France, I prefer the food of the south, mostly because I spent a lot of time there when I was younger & it has close links with northern Italian food, which I love. Which means that my favourite French restaurant isn't in Paris, rather it is in Aix en Provence and is called Le Clos de la Violette.

Thank you for reading
Cyclops

(Currently in Las Vegas and just 3 hours away from dinner which may not reach such gastronomic highlights as the ones above, but one which promises a much more satisfying ending)

[Camille]

+1 for Maze in London.

Charles Street in Boston has some top notch eateries at a much lower price than the Back Bay and FD area...as does Davis Sq, Cambridge. Preferred French restaurant in Boston itself is "Hammersleys" in the South End too...less "cliquesque" than some other high fallutin hot spots.

C x

[TexTushHog]

Too many to list. But I agree on Trotters, Tru, and Spiaggia in Chicago.

In New York, I'd say Per Se and Eleven Madison without a doubt. I'd also add with no reservations Le Bernardin.

Gary Danko is marginal for this list, IMHO. I'm not sure that any place in SFO is that good. But I would add French Laundry in Napa.

I do think that Citronelle in D.C. belongs. Just a wonderful restaurant.

I don't get to L.A. often enough to add restaurants there.

None in Dallas make that list. Closest in Texas is Mark's, but again, I think it comes up a bit short in this rarefied company.



If I start on Europe, we'll have thirty restaurants. Too many for the time I have.

[Guest042611]

I went to Guy Savoy in Vegas for the first time this summer. It was incredible! Wonderful food and wonderful service. But the decor was a little uninspired. Ambiance and food are equally important to me.

[ed_mustafa]

Joël Robuchon in Vegas. The 16 course does take TIME. Never been to L'Atelier but heard good things about it.
Vintner Grill in Vegas. Not a name chef place but it's one of my favs (in Vegas)
A16 in SF. I loved it but it's gonna be at the lower end of the places mentioned here.
Coi in north beach (SF)
Montagna in Aspen

[davec.0121]

Singapore -- any of the Indian places on Clark Quay -
also, the food courts in the local shopping malls

Hong Kong -- the Peninsula

[arianne]

Hong Kong Peninsula is great. Felix bar is great, great view of Hong Kong from the mens washroom.

[charlestudor2005]

Originally Posted by arianne

Hong Kong Peninsula is great. Felix bar is great, great view of Hong Kong from the mens washroom.

For you to know that you must have had one wild time!!!

[Jaleh]

Went to a quite little restaurant in Seattle not too long ago called Gaucho's.

By far the tasiest, juciest and flavorful steak Ive ever had! Im not a red wine fan but couldnt turn down there 05 Cab. Excellent service, superior food and a quaint 50's themed place.

[atlcomedy]

Originally Posted by arianne

Hong Kong Peninsula is great. Felix bar is great, great view of Hong Kong from the mens washroom.

Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

For you to know that you must have had one wild time!!!

Actually I've been in a few places lately where they've designed the Men's Room such that the lavatories are in a seperate room from where you wash your hands and have replaced as the attendent the old guy that looks like a cross between a WalMart greeter and a homeless man with a buxom young lady. Now how many of you are going to stiff her on the tip?

[charlestudor2005]

Originally Posted by atlcomedy

Actually I've been in a few places lately where they've designed the Men's Room such that the lavatories are in a seperate room from where you wash your hands and have replaced as the attendent the old guy that looks like a cross between a WalMart greeter and a homeless man with a buxom young lady. Now how many of you are going to stiff her on the tip?

Yeah, there was a hotel in downtown Dallas that had the old men the last time I was in there. They kept the urinals filled with ice cubes. Never understood that.

[arianne]

:-) Just went to see the view - men's restroom urinals - with only a floor-to-ceiling plate of glass separating you from the cityscape.

[69er]

Originally Posted by TexTushHog

None in Dallas make that list. Closest in Texas is Mark's, but again, I think it comes up a bit short in this rarefied company.

Actually there are two places in Dallas that I believe belong on the list.

Abacus - Modern and fairly trendy. I suggest the lobster shooters, they are one of the best things I've ever eaten.

The French Room - Very romantic setting. A great place for a date with your HDH, but make sure you have her for the entire night... as a meal at the French Room is an event.

Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Yeah, there was a hotel in downtown Dallas that had the old men the last time I was in there. They kept the urinals filled with ice cubes. Never understood that.

Next time you are in such a restroom, smell... or notice the lack of smell.