ulterior epicure

Are there any bank holidays in December preceding Christmas?

I thought Michelin used "menu" in the French way i.e. simply a set menu of 3 courses - starter, main and dessert (table d'hôte). As they say in the guide the lowest price is usually the set lunch. A tasting or degustation menu is usually a multi course extravaganza 7, 9, 11 or up-to 30 courses. I didn't think Michelin used these in the price categories because they are so variable (in terms of size and scope) and therefore you can't assess the relative value. The ALC price is again for a three course meal and the range indicates the cost of a simple ALC choice to a more elaborate (expensive) choice. Your example of 1 Lombard Street would tend to confirm this i.e. the set 3 course meal would usually be less expensive than a ALC choice and it is in the example. A degustation or tasting menu is usually more expensive than ALC. ← Then this must be a practice used for the Michelin London Guide Rouge only. In the ones for the rest of Europe (at least in my experience) - Paris for example - the prices generally do include the "degustation" tasting menu prices. For example, from the Paris Michelin Guide 2008: Pierre Gagnaire: Menu 95E (weekday lunch), 250/350E - Carte 230/449E Le Cinq: Menu 75E (lunch), 135/210E - Carte 136/360E I know for a fact (you can verify by going onto their websites) that the first set of numbers (following "Menu") are for a 3-course lunch, then a 5-course "degustation" and a 7/9-course "degustation." The numbers following "Carte" are an approximation/range for a 3-course meal chosen a la carte. I'm not trying to argue with you. I'm just trying to clarify a point, which, I think we've done successfully.

As bewildered as I am by the flocks of adoring tourists (and locals) who queue up at the Olive Garden, I guess I should remind myself that not everyone is as privileged as New Yorkers are to have one at their beck and call. And I'll bet the Olive Garden in Times Square has the best view of any Olive Garden in the world.

Actually, it's exactly because the Michelin guides are always very diligent about noting the existence of tasting "Menus" (as they're distinguished in the guide from the "Carte") and prices that I noticed the omission for Gordon Ramsay at RHR. For example, I'm looking at the London Michelin profile of 1 Lombard Street (1 Michelin). It lists a "Menu 39/45GBP - Carte 54/62GBP."

A treasure no longer to be had there? ← Oh they still have it (in game season) and it's still reasonable but the sauce (the last time I went) was watery and the biche not top of the line. ← Well, that's a biche! Pardon my French.

A treasure no longer to be had there?

graham elliot will be rolling out a new autumn-minded menu in two weeks. They'll also be turning over their decor and "theme" to suit the seasonal change. Hours are being adjusted as well: Monday-Saturday 5pm-10:30pm. The restaurant will close on Sundays. You can find details of specific dishes to be added/dropped at the ulterior epicure.

Check the website again mate - you're looking at the degustation. Basic three course alc lists at 45 / 90, which i assume has bumped up from 40 / 85 when they last filled in the mich form mid07. As I said before I think mich tend to put down the basic menu price ex booze and doodads i.e. The core three course alc. Although arguably they should also add a third numb for the pricier degustation. J ← No, I understand NOW that the Michelin was quoting only the prixe fixe. I'm just surprised that they missed printing the upper-deck degustation, or failing to mention it at all. Is the degustation new, too? I know that the "Menu Prestige" has been on the Gordon Ramsay at the London (so confusing having his outpost be in The States be in a hotel with the same name as the home office's city) since it opened. I'm just confused as to why Michelin would leave that off?

I'm very excited about Extra VIRGIN! At least it promises to be better than that *other* "tapas" place in town.

I assume thats the set lunch/dinner prices. Agree they sound five or ten notes light (website lists it as 45/90). Am going 2moro for supper so can check! But bear in mind the guide was published jan08 so I'd assume the info is based on forms filled in by the restos what mid07 at the latest? that would probably account for the lag. I don't think Michelin guide lists an "all in" price. More often the menu price. J ← Unless you are looking at a different website than I am, Gordon Ramsay at RHR's "Menu Prestige" is listed at 120 GBP.

Reassuring words. I point you to the date and first quoted line of this thread's opening post.

Wow, this thread could use some dusting-off. What can you tell me about the "All-Black" dessert at Guy Savoy. It's offered both the on the a la carte menu as well as the "Multi-Coleurs" tasting. I'm assuming it's chocolate. Whatever it is, it sounds fabulously rich.

Is early December too late for lièvre à la royale? The last time I had it (not in France) was in November, as you say.

On special order at Senderens. At Le Bristol. Maybe Gérard Besson. Definitely Bernard Loiseau (serves both recipes together). La Table de JR. ← Are you saying that I'll always find it at Le Bristol, B. Loiseu's, and La Table de JR? This IS exciting. I'll just have to make sure I don't tell whomever I'm eating with what it is. The last time I ordered it, I accidentally let it slip to my friend - after he took a bite - and he just about left the restaurant. Amateur.

Can someone please explain why the London 2008 Michelin Guide has Gordon Ramsay at RHR listed as having a "Menu 40/85?" That seems to grossly underestimate the prices on the website.

No kidding, including this strange story.

This just came to mind: Seeing how I can't get anything of the sort in The States, bonus points to anyone who can direct me to a plate of lièvre à la royale.

Yeah - that an an affogato - gelato with a shot of espresso? Seen it on the list but have never had it. Why? Don't ask me - why haven't you? ← I'm not the you you refer to, shacke, but, I would have had their affogato if it weren't for the fact that I don't take caffeine. I'm not sure if they do a decaf affogato; but I had plenty of other things to keep me happy.

Is there a menupages.com-like site for London? I would like to see the menus for places web-less restaurants like Hope & Anchor. Also, any restaurants, other than St. John, that are particularly known for offal?

I don't eat to "cultivate an audience." If I did, I would have gone to ADNY/masa/karumazushi/momofuku ko and a slew of others by now. I eat for my own pleasure. BTW, I don't expect 3 star quality from Taillevent, seeing how it is a 2 star. But, I get your point.

Which, is exactly why I'm considering eating there four nights out of six.

Nah, this is my third visit. I'm here strictly on business by day and fooding by night.

Are the lunch carte prices and dinner the same? I really wish that I could actually "ENTRE" into the website. I think that button is just cosmetic.

Is it actually *not good,* or just *not that special?* I'm an offalhead. Keep in mind that there aren't any restaurants like St. John (if any) on THIS side of The Puddle.

The way the $ is rising against the £ at the moment, it may be you that's laughing by December. ← I believe in miracles, but I won't hold my breath for this one.