Beachfan

Welcome Back! Great posts. Did you eat at Les Loges?

It could be of use. I'm not sure it isn't better than getting one of the really, really wide decanters. It's true that surface area exposed is a key component, but there is a time dimension that's important too. It might be usefull for wines that don't need much time, and that you want to drink immediately.

Any comments on the 1985 vs. the 1988?

Not according to Yasuda. He said the fish is an afterthought, it's the rice that counts. And that sushi is where it's at. I don't personally agree, but it's somewhat of an authorative opinion.

Marten Trotzig in the Old Town was delicious and not too pricey.

Why have an availabilty criterion? There isn't one for Burgundy. Some of those quoted are no longer in the "great category" (BV, Jordan, Freemark Abbey). By the way, even though BV has a TCA taint problem (see the Wine Spectator site), they are moving their wine through Costco now at a deep discount ($37 for George LaTour). Caveat emptor. How long has Peter Michael's Les Pavot been around?

Stockholm is very, very expensive. I'm not sure what your price range is. In the very, very expensive category is Paul and Norbert. I loved it. If it's open, the Cafe of Operakalleran was delicous and much cheaper than the main room. It may be open only in summer.

I don't know when Jewel Bako opened, but it's worth inclusion (even if it's a little overrated on this board).

I may have missed your l'Affriole comments, but as it has been one of my favorite places for a casual meal, I'm interested in hearing more on the "false start".

Opus and Cinq Cepages 96 are drinking well now, but given the restaurant, go with the Opus, Unless you have a 94 Opus.

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Steve P: My guess is that you're digesting the last 3 stars at this very moment

I can give a limited endorsement to Lavini, 3 Boulevard Madelaine. They had a very large and interesting assortment. While their prices on collectables is no bargain, they had 1998 Pegau Reserve CNP for 24 euros. The limitation is that although they had an excellent price on Ogier 1999 Cote Rotie, and maintained that they still had some, they couldn't find it in the two business days available. They will ship to the US (about 140 euros for 6 bottles, which impacts the math quite a bit). In general, it pays to know your US prices before buying in France if you intend to bring back.

Hard to go against the Beaucastel, especially if it's the Vielle Vigne (I'm not sure if they make another). If your interested in Alsatian wines, the Mann 1998 Tokay Pinot Gris is lovely (although a hair expensive at $50).

Zaika qnd Tamarind would make any vegetarian happy.

I was at Zaika earlier this month and it was an extemely memorable, delicious and unique meal. Cleary the superior meal of the trio of Zaika, Tamarind and Zefferano's.

Thanks for setting this up Bux!! Beurheisel in Strasbourg has a vegetarian menu (phenomenal!) Les loges in Lyon (tasting meal by special request;also phenomenal) Christienne Ettienne in Avignon (Tomato menu is all vegetarian but one course) Prieure and la Mirande, in Villeneuve les Avignon and Avignon respectively, have vegetarian menus. Thanks for the tip, Cabrales!

Mark, I couldn't quite tell if you liked Gundel. The town of Szentendre is only about an hour from Budapest by train; if you want to do a Danube boat ride, I highly recommend lunch at the Golden Dragon; fabulous and different, and you can take the boat back.

I tried Zuni earlier this summer for the first time. Appetizer was home cured anchovies - sounded mouth watering but was mediocre. And the halibut was ok but nothing special. It wasn't worth the schlep.

Thanks for evoking memories of my meal there two years ago (which were obscured halfway through by four chainsmokers and the cigar cart). By the way, where do you recommend for cous cous and is there one open on Sunday? (Sorry if the last belongs in another thread)

Ajay, I timed out before completing my post. Beurheisel wasone of the ( best vegetarian meals ever. As was Les Loges. There was a chip in one of the plates (which they exchanged for us promptly). My wife's comment was "this guy's so good, he could serve the food on a rock". She is pretty sparing with accollades. Overall, chances in Provence with one stars are much better. Christian Ettienne, la Mirande, le Prieure all have vegetarian options. If you go back to Lyon, the restaurant Cote Rotie is moving there - Steve P reports they have excellent vegetarian options (also confirmed by Stephane Ogier). Lunch at Grand Vefour today was very good vegetarian wise : they had a tomato-three ways appetizer that was outstanding (on the menu); for a main course, my wife got an above average vegetable plate. It was actually three plates; a warm pea salad, a sautee of superb mushrooms and some excellent vegetable tempura (including basil leaf, yumm). Followed by an excellent cheese plate and eight billion deserts (74 euros for lunch). I have my fingers crossed for l'Astrance. On a related note, Bouley (NYC) and Fleur de Lys (SF) are outstanding for vegetarians. Would you post a little more on Arpege? PS as you can see from the number of posts on this thread, you and I will have to generate the options ourself; not much interest in the subject from others.

I'll post my meal from Les loges next week when I'm home. As for vegetarian haute cuisine, no secret, most of my experiences have been like yours. We hedge our bets by going for lunch; it's easier to handle the disappointment at lunch prices. I`m surprised you got unimaginative food at Arpege; my wife was having a fabulous veg meal there until the Malboro's got the better of us (table for four next to us having one cigarrette each between each of the seven courses; then they rolled out the cigar cart!). thought Passaud was doing almost all vegetables these days? Beurheisel does a preplanned, printed vegetarian menu. Any

I like Opus a lot in 1994 and 1996 but not 1997 (surprising given the strenght of the vintage). However, you paid a good price; it's usually over 110 dollars.

Sounds like a good tip. I found this site; I assume it's the same folks. Rosenthal list

I just recently had an oddball blend by Coffarro (not Cafaro). All his wines are oddball blends. This one included Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, and went for about 17 dollars. I liked it, but since it was my fifth winery, I can't be sure. I bought a bottle to try again.