rjwong

I see many different influences in Chef Kinch's food. It's hard to know, of course, which of this are just perceived and which are actually there. But I see sparks of different places: France, Spain, Japan, Italy, and certainly California. It's hard for me to see a very close connection between Chez Panisse and Manresa, aside from the fact that there is clear respect for the ingredients at both places. What are your thoughts on that, Russell, having been to both not too long ago? ← In one respect, I would agree with you re: the respect for the ingredients both restaurants have. I was asking that question more on a philosophical basis. To me, the resulting presentations of the courses from both places can be quite different. Mind you, Kinch's tomato wedges with sea salt and olive oil is so "Chez Panisse," so "simply prepared" ... I suspect that Kinch is not so extreme in terms of an "either-or" situation concerning his presentations. Namely, there is room both for culinary creativity and for "letting the food speak for itself." Am I making sense? Perhaps I'm a bit fixated, trying to find a Chez Panisse influence under every foraged mushroom. Are you getting a philosophical grasp on California cuisine, Aaron? As for David Kinch, do you have an idea what his culinary philosophy is? You might have to go back to Manresa and ask him. I know, life is so hard ...

John, did you get a chance to see Michael Cimarusti from Providence restaurant?? Michael was telling me that he had a wonderful time in front of all those chefs, including Robuchon, the chefs from Spain, ... Take your time with putting all the photos together, John, but HURRY UP PLEASE!!

I'm getting just a little bit jealous ... Is Orange County CA becoming the new foodie frontier?? Is the rest of Southern Calif. going to start taking day trips to the OC?? I did visit D&D up in Napa Valley. That "small" location was very tempting. I was surprised I didn't buy anything there ... I can't imagine what the flagship store is going to look like ...

My bad. The Passard influence on Kinch.

Sounds like you feel right at home in the Left Coast. Welcome to California, Aaron!! Your poetic post is inspiring. Just add a couple of photos (i.e., the two tomato wedges with sea salt and olive oil ...) and send it in to a magazine for publishing ... Have you noticed the "California Cuisine/Chez Panisse" influence on Chef Kinch?? And Passard, as well?

I resemble that remark about me being drunk ... [hiccup] It's not easy trying to take photos without using a flash so as to not disturb others ... French Laundry is located in Yountville, in the Napa Valley. I suppose the Napa Valley may remind one of European countrysides, I don't know, I've never been. The restaurant used to be a house so it doesn't feel like a restaurant. After reading so many reviews and reports and posts about TFL, my expectations were very high and yes, my high expectations were met. I'm a type of person who would go to a restaurant to find out what it's like for myself, namely a "I've been there" person. Perhaps, you're that type of person as well. I'm joining the bandwagon of those who say that you should go to both places, with the Euro doing so well. I went to both places, among others, and I did manage to finish paying off that spring vacation ...

julot-les-pinceaux, Welcome to eGullet, California forum! If you haven't already, click on this link and read my reports on Manresa and French Laundry back in May. Personally, I would side more towards the French Laundry. I tend to be more traditional, conservative and retro, culinarily speaking ... Mind you, I do enjoy a good adventure. After reading my reports, if you have more specific questions, please PM me.

Click on this link for some earlier chatter about Hatfield's. I'm glad you liked your tasting menu. Quinn & Karen have been doing wonderful things here since their move from SF. The gougeres are addictive ...

Aloha Ono Loa!! Congratulations on your move to Las Vegas!! The questions you're asking are dealing more with local Las Vegas, not touristy Las Vegas (i.e., The Strip), ehh?? What part of Las Vegas have you moved into? North LV? Henderson, Boulder City? Summerlin? That will help geographically speaking ... There's a food segment on the local radio station KNPR called "Food for Thought." It's hosted by John Curtas, who's an eGullet member. He's familiar with the local Las Vegas scene, as well as some other eGullet members who live in the Las Vegas area. You'll probably have to do some research on your own and report back to us, okay??

If you only knew ... I've been trying to get more info from one of the owners but he's not saying anything until it's "official." Mind you, he then spurts out secrets to an LA Times food writer (and it's not Russ Parsons) and they're now posted on LAT's "Daily Dish" blog ... that crazy Italian ... Is this a new sushi place? Or has this place been around for many years, located on the corner of Victory and Western, katty-corner from the Chevron station??

I definitely second Providence restaurant in Los Angeles. Adrian Vasquez is the executive pastry chef there. Currently, he has an eight-course dessert menu for fifty dollars (you read correctly). Or you can do the three-course or five-course version. Boule on La Cienega Blvd. is pretty good. Hatfield's on Beverly Blvd. Karen does some very nice desserts. She and her husband Quinn used to own Cortez up on SF. As for cook shops in the LA area: Surfas in Culver City!! Cut Restaurant is owned by Wolfgang Puck and the pastry work is overseen by Sherry Yard. filipe, when will you be in LA? Also, are you interested in ethnic bakeries as well??

Sorry, David, as they say in Las Vegas, "Better luck next time ..." I ate at the Wynn Buffet back in early Aug. I wasn't too impressed with the food. The outside decor near the entrance was very beautiful. I would have to say the Bellagio would be the better place, at least in terms of variety. Mind you, it's been a while since I've eaten there, usually for lunch ... I've never ate at the Bally's Sterling Brunch ... yet. I'll have to try it, at least once ...

It was reported to me that Bastide is re-opening next week (in Sept. 2007). First, it's Alain (****). Then, it's Ludo (*). And now, it's Walter (????). What will Irene do this time? Apparently, that has been confirmed in the LA Times "Daily Dish" blog, among other places on the Web. NB I do have other sources besides the LA Times and other food websites ...

Yes. When you combine the price/value factor, Alex was excellent. I might want to rank my meal right up there with the French Laundry, Robuchon and Guy Savoy (in no particular order).

Actually, Mix, Alain Ducasse's restaurant, is over in Mandalay Bay on the 64th floor. I had their five-course tasting menu for under $100. The food was delicious. So was the eye candy ... in high heels ... L'Atelier, yes. Robuchon & Savoy, maybe, if you get carried away ... David, you know John Curtas?? I never met him ... yet. Burger Bar is pretty good. Unless you want to do In 'N Out ... I never tried the Border Grill in Las Vegas, since I usually go to their other place, Ciudad in downtown LA. Red 8 at the Wynn would be another Chinese place in that similiar vein. My won ton noodle soup cost $12. It was fine for what it is. Vraiment, monsieur?? Ling will probably try them all and give the definitive Las Vegas pastry report ...

Is it September? I believe he is doing a dinner at Providence on Saturday, October 20th. He is then at Spago on Sunday (or vice-versa) but is definitely cooking a tasting dinner on Monday the 22nd at Bin 8945. I am definitely flying down for THAT one! ← Carolyn, I just copied and paste the following from my Providence newsletter: It sounds like Michel Richard is making the rounds in LA. Maybe he wants to come back, ehh????

I'll have to agree with Bryan. Plenty of high-end restaurants but very few B+ quality affordable restaurants, like good local neighborhood restaurants. Here are some affordable places that I've found: Lotus of Siam on Sahara Blvd. (south side), west of Maryland. Yes, arguably the best Thai restaurant in the United States, as per Jonathan Gold, Pulitzer prize-winning food critic ... Memphis Championship Barbecue on Warm Springs, west of Eastern, southeast of the airport. I'm still hoping that they'll open one up in Los Angeles. You can pull the ribs apart with your hands, no knives. They're that tender!! Settebello on Horizon Ridge, west of Valley Verde, in Henderson. Pizzeria napoletana. All the Italians go there. Italian TV and Italian radio music ... The owner is a former quarterback from the so-called University of Southern California. I've learned not to hold that against him ... Lorna, if you two happen to "win it big," then all bets are off, right??

I recently received an e-mail invitation to a James Beard dinner at the end of Sept. over at Providence. And the featured chef is Michel Richard, formerly of Citrus (Los Angeles), now at Citronelle in Washington D.C. I wonder if he would like to move back to Los Angeles ... Just a thought ...

Inside the Los Angeles Union Station is the restaurant Traxx. it's been there for over ten years. Very popular place for lunch. I just happen to eat there Wed. I had the Waldorf salad. Pretty good. Across the street from Union Station as you cross Alameda is Olvera Street. There is one place I would recommend: La Luz de Dia, the closest restaurant from the gazebo. You stand in line, order your food, pay the cashier ... Then, little abuelitas (grandmas) take your tray of food and find a table for you to sit down and eat. Philippe's is located on Alameda, about 1-2 blocks from the Chevron station along Alameda. CBS Seafood Restaurant is located on the corner of N Spring St. and Ord, just up the block from Philippe's. CBS has a Chinese deli where you can order dim sum to go (take away). Mayflower Seafood Restaurant is located on N Spring St. near CBS Seafood Restaurant. The location is the site of the former Mon Kee Restaurant long time ago. Near the intersection of Cesar Chavez and N Spring St. (one block away from the Chevron station along Cesar Chavez) are several restaurants: Carolina-style barbecue, Thai, Peruvian, Mexican, Filipino ... All I can say is, "Been there, done that ...", because I happen to work in a tall building behind Union Station.

Tuesday For my last full day at the Wynn Resort, I was preparing myself for dinner at Alex. Before dinner, I decided to make myself young and svelte by going to the spa and getting a massage. No, I didn’t become young and svelte. Mind you, I enjoyed the spa and massage treament anyways ... At Alex, the wearing of jackets is suggested. I heard several positive posts about this place, so my expectations were I little bit high. Now, on to dinner at Alex ... I ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairings. Fortunately, I didn’t have to drive back to my room. Amuse bouches, part one Amuse bouches, part two Three wine glasses and the designated water glass Spiced kanpachi tartare with cucumber, cantaloupe gelée and ostera caviar Champagne Charles Ellner, Brut Prestige, Epernay, France 1998 Butter braised Maine lobster with sweet corn custard, chanterelles and tomato confit Hans Wirsching, Silvaner, Iphoefer Julius-Echter-Berg, Spaetlese Trocken, Franken, Germany 2005 Seared foie gras with taro puree, green almonds and roasted apricots Kesner, Chardonnay, Hudson Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley, California 2005 Rouget de Roche’ with summer beans, gooseberries and red wine sauce Shubert, Pinot Noir, Block B, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2004 Japanese Wagyu beef with Maui inion marmalade, pancetta and crispy Parmigiano potatoes La fleur de Boüard, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France 2003 I asked whether a certificate was available. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t receive one with their shipment. Mind you, an envelope with a packaging label inside was given to me. Very thoughtful of them ... Chilled coconut tapioca with mango, lychee and yuzu The tea list “Strawberries and cream” with brown butter cake and strawberry sorbet Champagne Veuve-Clicquot Ponsardin, Demi-Sec, Reims, France MV Madeleines Petit fours Pu-erh tea (digestivo): 2000 Vintage Organic Wild Trees My dinner at Alex was excellent. The food was very delicious and the service was professional. It was definitely the best meal on this trip and one of the best meals I had in Las Vegas. For those who gave raving reviews about Alex, thank you, especially Macarons&Mozart. Alex ************ Concluding remarks Wynn is not a very huge resort, when compared to places like Bellagio among others. Wynn focuses on the little things that make staying there a pleasure: Opened drapes during the day, closed drapes at night, downed beds in the evening, chocolate squares on the night stand, and “the best of Monty Python” program on its own channel ... Even though I haven’t tried all the other restaurants, like the Country Club, SW Steakhouse or Boulud, and with this Las Vegas trip coming to a close, I would conclude that Wynn has a decent selection of restaurants.You should give them a try on your next trip to Las Vegas.

Monday night: Bartolotta I’ve eaten here before. I told myself if I ate here again, I would order the branzino, so matter how big it was. And now, a few more photos of the restaurant: Table setting Risotto ai frutti di mare The risotto was really good. Personally, it could have been a little creamier. Whole branzino before tableside preparation Branzino with salse, condimenti e contorni Yeah, 700 grams of fish, and it’s mine, all mine. The branzino was absolutely delicious with the added green salse. With the included contoni, it was ... abbondanza ... Dessert I’m glad I returned to Bartolotta. And yes, I would go back again. Afterwards, I encountered an interesting financial roller-coaster ride. I started playing the slots. I did well. Then, I noticed a hot craps table game going on. I was watching for a while and decided to join in the fun. Beware! Don’t get caught up in all the excitement of the game! I did just that, and I had four dollars in chips left. Yes, I was depressed. So what did I do? I went to Red 8 and ordered some won ton noodle soup which hit the spot. It was pretty good. It calmed me down a bit. Then I went back to the slot machines, and fortunately, I won back what I lost at the craps table. I was happy. Your mileage may vary.

Monday It’s time for a buffet. Here’s my quick post on Monday brunch. The decor was definitely gorgeous! Plate one Plate two Floating island and Key Lime tart The food was okay, not too flavorful to be honest. Mind you, the desserts were pretty decent. At about $20 for lunch, it’s not a bad option.

John, the tasting menu that you and molto e had at Wing Lei is what I consider "haute Chinese." Each course was plated for each diner. Each course is based on Chinese cuisine with a certain Western emphasis on presentation. I'm curious, John: Were you eating each course with chopsticks and/or forks & knives? The Chinese dinner I had with my friends at Wing Lei is what I consider your typical Chinese banquet-style meal. Each course is presented and served communally. Does that make sense? The tasting menu I saw at Wing Lei when I was there was quite different from the tasting menu you two had a few months ago. Perhaps I should have asked for THAT tasting menu, even though it wasn't on the menu ...

Sunday night: Wing Lei I was wanting to try this place, based on several favorable posts that I read. Panned grilled pot stickers Not bad. Peking duck before tableside service I was looking forward to this dish. Peking duck, part one: The skin The duck skin tasted wonderful, all wrapped up!! Hunan spicy lamb My friends kept commenting how tender the meat was. Chinese bok choy Crispy and spicy shrimp Unfortunately, they didn’t serve them with the heads on ... Whole lobster The lobster tasted very good. Ma pao tofu (vegetarian) Peking duck, part two: The meat Here’s the rest of the duck. I definitely want to order that again. Desserts, compliments of the sommelier Apparently, my friend and the sommelier recognized each other. Thus, the nice gesture on the sommelier’s part. Wing Lei was a very fine Chinese restaurant. Looking how they “toned down” the tasting menu, I wouldn’t call it haute Chinese cuisine. It’s unfortunate that they felt they need to accommodate the visiting diners to that level. Perhaps, I’ll have to ask for the “other” tasting menu that’s off the menu. Wing Lei

Sunday Sunday morning, I took care of washing, drying and packing to check into the Wynn Resort this afternoon. Since the rest of my vacation is going to be at the Wynn Resort, I’ll be posting my meals on the Wynn thread, here at this link. Of course, I’ll be back for another Las Vegas vacation, hopefully at the end of this year in Dec., when it’s a little bit cooler, ehh?? Don’t forget to go to the Wynn discussion thread for the rest of my report.