Simon_S

Hi folks, Apologies if I'm going over familiar territory here, but searches of the forum haven't really left me with a clear picture. Basically, my girlfriend Hazel and I will be in Paris for a weekend in early July, after two weeks spent in the French/Italian Rivieras. We've been to Paris many times, but for various reasons have never eaten at anything approaching a "high" level there. This time round we'd like to up the ante a bit, but at the end of a two-week holiday I doubt we'll be able to stretch to Guy Savoy levels. So I'm looking for suggestions in the 100-200 Euro per person bracket, including wine (and I'm not good at holding back!) I should probably point out that we're not really looking for an ultra-traditional French meal. Something along the lines of Nicolas le Bec in Lyon would be perfect: modern but rooted firmly in tradition. Having dined at Bocuse (awful) and el Bulli (brilliant) recently, we're looking for something in the middle, cuisine-wise. So, any suggestions? Any up-and-coming 0-1 star chefs I should know about? Should I just find more budget and head to Le Meurice or the like? All suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Si

I hadn't heard this news, Corinna, but I can't say I'm particularly suprised. It makes me wonder, though, what *is* the problem at La Stampa? Why can't they get a good restaurant going there? I for one thought that, even if he never set foot in the place, the JCN name might be enough to lift the restaurant to the level it pretends to inhabit. I haven't been, but all evidence suggests that this hasn't happened. La Stampa has one of the best rooms in the city, a fabulous location, menus can probably be set at any astronical price required, so why can't they manage good food and service? Or does the restaurant do enough business that they don't have to? As regards the new restaurants, it will indeed be interesting to see how Gary Rhodes' new venture does, especially a few months after the inevitable opening excitement. I can't help feeling that some people here, looking for opportunities to display wealth, will buy into "the brand" rather than the food. Or am I being overly negative on this Monday morning...? Si

I was under the impression that langoustines (aka Dublin Bay Prawns) are the ones that have the little pincers. Prawns don't. Scampi, as far as I am (was?) aware are the same as langoustines. Shrimp I'm not sure about. Si

You know, I'm surprised that this thread has caused such surprise! I'm definitely one of those people who'll taste a bit of everything I like the sound of, but then go back to my own. Simply put, if I ordered it, it's because I like it and want to eat it. By extension, it's quite possible that others have ordered things that I have no intention of eating (sweet and sour for example), so I don't really see why sharing should be taken as read. Of course, if everyone starts with the express understanding that we're sharing everything, then suitable orders can be made, and that's great. I'm more than happy to do the whole communal thing. Indeed, that's the way I will always eat if at a Chinese restaurant with my girlfriend. However, if everyone orders a dish that they like without any consultation with the table, it seems strange to me that everything would then be shared equally. The larger the group, the stranger I would find it. I don't really see why Chinese food is different to any other food in this regard. Si

Sorry for the OT post, but... Corinna, that's interesting as I expect to be in Roundwood on Saturday. Would you recommend the Roundwood Inn for a spot of lunch prior to paintballing for 18 "gentlemen" on a stag party...? Si

This reminds me of my experience at Chapter One restaurant in Dublin. They have a "pre-theatre" menu that's incredibly good value, and for those actually going to the theatre, it includes the option of starter and main before the play, and a return after for dessert and coffee. They'll even go to the (admittedly nearby) theatre to collect your tickets for you while you eat. One night, we were disappointed when told that the particular play we were seeing was too long to allow the option of dessert after the performance. They encouraged us to return for a drink in any case, which we gladly did. On our return, we were comped various little amuses/canapes/small dishes which really made it for us. We felt like we had been incredibly well-treated, and all for not much outlay on the part of the restaurant. Simple but effective customer service. Si

A small point, if I may... Judging from the thread title, you might be of the (not uncommon) belief that Dublin (and the Irish republic in general) is part of the UK. It isn't, and awareness of that may ensure you don't have any "awkward" moments in some country pubs! Apologies if you already knew this. I didn't realise Jury's had such a bad reputation in the UK. Interesting. I'm not really sure how the Irish version rates as a hotel, but be aware that Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge is the "real" hotel, and the various Jury's Inns (Christchurch, Custom House Quay etc.) are a step down. In any case, Jury's would not be renowned for their culinary prowess. I'm not sure where to recommend for hotels. A lot hinges on budget, to be honest. Apart from that, do you want to stay somewhere *really* central/a short walk from the city centre, a large chain/somewhere more intimate? Si

I really enjoyed this article, but you might be interested to know that for me at least, this amble down memory lane doesn't leave my feet particularly tired. I'm still in my twenties, but up until a few years ago (when I finally moved out of my parents' house) this was my Sunday norm. In fact, I still regularly pop over for Sunday lunch just to ensure standards are being kept up in my absence. For what it's worth, they are! Although not especially religious, our family went to church every week when I was a kid, and when I became a church organist in my mid-teens my fate was sealed! As such, discussions of the morning's hymns are still a regular staple of lunchtime conversation. While not a fan of Immortal Invisible I definitely approve of Guide me O thou great Jehovah. I am of course aware that Sunday lunch is something of an anachronism in this day and age. Indeed, when I started going out with my girlfriend in my early 20s, she couldn't believe that my Sunday revolved around dinner in this way. I pretty much refused to miss it. Despite it being unusual, I wasn't alone. A number of my peers had a similar enough Sunday routine, and some still do to the best of my knowledge. It's good to know there are a few pockets of resistance left. Unfortunately, I must confess that Sunday lunch is a *very* rare event in my own house. I fool myself into thinking that we don't bother with it because there's no point going to such trouble when there's only 2 of us. I fool myself into thinking that if and when we have a family of our own, Sundays will be like they were when I was growing up. I fool myself into thinking that the offspring of our generation will know the feeling of opening the front door to be greeted by that magical Sunday aroma. Alas, that seems unlikely. Si

You could, of course, just sit at a table in Alinea, or is that simply not done in the US? There'll be plenty to keep you entertained, so you won't feel the loss of a dining partner too keenly I would imagine... Si

I would guess the same, although I have no hard and fast reasons for thinking this. Europe (historically at least) does not have the tipping culture common in the US. Judging by the responses in this thread, "greasing" the MD seems to be viewed by many as an extension of this culture, so it stands to reason that it would be less prevalent over here. There's also the whole question of restaurant staff getting paid reasonable wages, not being as dependent on tips and so less inclined to respond to payment for good service, but I think I'll side-step that one! Of course, another notable difference is that, in my experience at least, people don't really wait for tables at restaurants, certainly not at the higher end. Usually, there isn't a bar or indeed any other area where you *could* wait, so this may be part of it. Restaurants where there might be a line for tables are generally more mainstream eat-and-run type places, or, dare I say, American-themed restaurants such as TGI or the like. Such restaurants don't usually have what I would call a "Maitre D'". I doubt very much that tipping the girl/guy out front who hands you the menus and tries to keep things under control would get you very far, but I may be wrong. Of course, a far more European approach in my experience is to try to "sweet-talk" the person in question, without any money changing hands. That's a far more challenging exercise, but even more rewarding when it works! Si

As has been pointed out, this is...ahem...unlikely. Could it be that £174 is the "per bottle" price when you buy a case? I've seen cases priced that way in the past. Si

Hi Corinna, I haven't been all that recently I must admit (although I *almost* went there last Saturday, but ended up having a good meal in the virtually empty Exchange instead, but I digress). When I ate there we had good food, well prepared, good wine and a fabulous cheeseboard. Funny you should mention that table. They tried to usher us to that one first, but after a moment's reflection we felt it was unsuitable and asked to be moved. This was done without fuss, and it's just as well. I suspect my opinion of the place could have been very different if we'd been obliged to stay there. As it was I felt the tiniest bit bad every time I looked at the people who ended up at that table. Given the money I ended up spending there however, that feeling was quickly dispelled!! Quite! Si

This all reminds me of that scene in Ferris Bueller where he tries to get a table in the swanky restaurant. The Maitre D' drops the bill as if it were a bag of live insects. I have never seen this tried in Ireland, and I have no idea whether it goes on. Personally I wouldn't be tempted to try it. Not because I think it's immoral, you understand. No, in Ireland I think the person receiving the cash would simply pocket it and give exactly the same level of service as before. What are you going to do? Complain to the manager? Si

Well, the presence of Bocuse is the very thing that renders this list useless to me. Although I *am* looking forward to my trip to elBulli in exactly 2 weeks... Si

Thanks for this news Corinna, not to mention bumping this thread so I got to read it all! Totally agree with the Dublin awards. Well-deserved in my book. Si

As regards the whole cat/dog thing, I've heard that eating animals that eat other animals is not a good idea. The possibilities for diseases jumping species is all the greater when you do that. It makes sense to me, and that reason more than any other would stop me eating dog or cat. Aside from that, I think the distinctions are pretty arbitrary. I wouldn't have a problem with horse. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've eaten horse in France. Si

Will do! Si

Well, Hazel and I are just back from Chicago, where we visited Alinea last Thursday night. I’ll admit to being a little nervous about going, mainly because I was so excited about going! In many ways I didn’t think the experience could possibly live up to my expectations, and I was worried that a combination of the fantastic reviews and my imagination would just set the bar impossibly high. In addition, I was concerned that I wouldn’t “get” it, that I just wasn’t a sophisticated enough diner, and that I wouldn’t appreciate the technicalities of what was being done. It sounds obvious, but my over-riding aim in going to any restaurant is to have a good meal, and I thought that in all the art and creativity, that might be lost. I need not have worried. We arrived half an hour early since our intended stroll around before dinner was cut short by snow. We were shown to our table and told that we could start straight away if we were ready or we could relax with a glass of champagne first. We decided we were ready to start and after a brief discussion with our waiter and with the sommelier we gave ourselves over to them without looking at menu or wine list. We had already decided we were going for the Tour with the wine pairings, and after a brief discussion we decided to go for the wine “upgrades” where appropriate. Once we had chosen sparkling water we were all set, and the meal began in earnest. And what a meal it was. The first course (hot potato) persuaded me straight away that I was in good hands. Indeed, that first course was one of many highlights of the evening. Without going into too much detail (because I can’t remember them all right now) I would say that the courses that stick out most in my mind are the “meaty” ones – the lamb, the bison, the kobe beef, the duck. The lamb and the bison in particular were some of the most enjoyable flavours I have ever had in my mouth. That’s not to say that the others were anything less than spectacular. The chestnut, yuba, skate, lobster were most memorable. Obviously, I enjoyed some a little less than others, but even when the courses weren’t to my taste, I appreciated them and admired them. For example, I really don’t like celery, but the madras curry ball with the pear juice and celery leaf and branch was enjoyable for lots of other reasons. There was not a single course of the 26 that I didn’t enjoy on some level, and that’s quite an incredible feat in itself. The full meal ran as follows: Hot Potato cold potato, black truffle, parmesan Pine Nut radish, balsamic, olive oil Salsify parsley, smoked salmon, steelhead roe Lobster malt, chanterelles, dried apricot Mussel chamomile, cucumber Skate caper, lemon, and brown butter powders Pear celery leaf and branch, curry Lamb akadjura, nicoise olive, eucalyptus veil Bison braised pistachios, sweet spices Idiazabal maple syrup, danish salt Applewood muscovado sugar, fenugreek Hazelnut carrot, raisin, melted butter Yuzu pine, black sesame Yuba prawn, miso, orange Pork grapefruit, cornbread, ohio honeycomb Chestnut too many garnishes to list Duck persimmon, onion, pillow of mace air Eggplant sugar, white poppy seed milk Kobe Beef yogurt, squash, smoked paprika candy Pineapple tamarind, thai basil, chinese sausage Sweet Potato bourbon, cinnamon fragrance Sablé jasmine, toffee, banana Argan oil white chocolate, sumac Chocolate kola nut, chufa, date Coffee mint, buckwheat, passionfruit Peanut five other flavors The wine pairings (which I can detail if required) were fabulous across the board. Not only were the wines themselves excellent and varied, but each complemented the food and added something a little bit extra, a new insight on what we were eating. The effect was that the total was greater than the sum of its parts. The sommelier was incredibly knowledgeable, and was comfortable talking not only about the wines being served, but any other wines we mentioned or expressed an interest in. In fact, all aspects of the service were faultless, and the attention to detail superb. Fair enough, I expected this in a restaurant of this calibre, but what I perhaps didn’t expect was the friendliness, warmth and general banter that went with the service. One or two waiters in particular were really great fun and we had a good laugh with them. To marry polish and professionalism with warmth and wit is no mean feat, but it was achieved here in spades. On the whole then, the food was incredible, and it was not at all necessary to be into the technical aspects to enjoy it. Curiosity and a willing palate (coupled with a healthy dose of hunger!) is enough to ensure that you will enjoy this meal. The service was the best I have ever experienced. If you’re thinking of going, then go – you will not be disappointed. Lest this turn into a totally gushing review, we had one small criticism (and we’re really nitpicking here). We both felt the breads weren’t up to much and, given the rest of the menu, were surprisingly pedestrian. Now, I have yet to have what my Irish palate considers really enjoyable bread in the US, so maybe this is a cultural/taste thing. To be honest though, with this menu the bread is pretty irrelevant, so we didn’t feel too cheated! Aside from this, I would recommend going to Alinea on an evening where you’re NOT jet-lagged. By the end we were totally exhausted and I think our appreciation of the last few courses suffered a little because of that. In fact, looking at the descriptions of some of the later courses on the menu I have hardly any memory of them, which is pretty unfortunate. Next time we’ll leave our visit until later in the trip! At the end of our meal we were shown the kitchen and Chef Grant kindly came over and spoke with us for a little while. I really hoped to be a cool and say something sensible, but all I managed was to heap paeans of praise on him, and sound like a gibbering idiot. Twenty-six courses and thirteen wines will do that to you! In any case, it was really a great end to a fabulous evening. The only problem remaining now is our trip to El Bulli at the end of April. Has Alinea spoiled it a little? Can it possibly attain such dizzying heights? Time will tell… So, I’d like to express our many thanks to all the team at Alinea, and our thanks to the good people of eGullet for giving us the heads up on this fabulous restaurant in this first place. Si

It could have been. That's definitely one of the likely places. Looking around, it could conceivably have been Albereda. Pictures look about right, but the location isn't as it was in my head. Curse my wine-addled memory!! Si

Sorry to kind of hijack this thread, but if I could answer this question I could recommend the restaurant! When I was in Girona a few years back I ate at a restaurant whose name I've been struggling to remember ever since. In my head, it was near the archaeological museum, but this may be totally false since we found it on a day that involved a lot of walking. The restaurant itself had low arched ceilings and was "semi-formal". The menu (and this is the one thing I *can* recall) had a whole section on it for duck and foie gras cooked in various dishes. Does anyone know what this restaurant might have been? Si

Hello all. I have been reading this thread with interest, but it leaves me with one overwhelming question. Bear with me on this, but why do you think food allergies are so common (or so it seems to an outsider) in the US? I can think of one person out of all my acquaintances in this part of the world who has a genuine allergy (not a life-threatening one, but grapes or wine bring this particular person out in a rash). One other thought she had an allergy to wine until it eventually surfaced that the symptoms in question bore a remarkable similarity a hangover. However, my Stateside friends all seem to have one allergy or another, and by the look of this thread they are far from alone. I am aware that nut allergies and shellfish allergies are common enough, and warnings are frequently printed on menus over here. Some menus will mark dishes gluten-free for coeliacs also. However, I have never heard anyone in a restaurant grilling a waiter or waitress about constituents of dishes due to allergies, and I've certainly never seen anyone experiencing an allergic reaction with the exception of my grape-avoiding friend above., While I'm on the subject, it seems that allergies in the US stretch far beyond food, and there's a whole industry built up to stem the tide of all kinds of allergies that I've never encountered in Europe. I'm certainly not trying to in any way belittle what are real and serious allergies, but I don't really understand why it seems so much more common across the pond. Any thoughts? Si

I don't really do much cooking of any food let alone Chinese, but I am of the opinion that the dish in question really is very simple. I believe it consists of cold noodles, beansprouts, spring onion, soy sauce, salt, maybe a little sesame oil and a hot wok. I believe the key is having the wok hot enough, which can be quite difficult to achieve at home. When the noodles go into the wok, toss them rather than stirring them. Si

It's called chow mein in some parts of the world, but I believe chow mein in the US is something else. For what it's worth, I know exactly what you mean! Si

[cynical] Probably because they read somewhere that it was "the best restaurant in the US" and they thought a visit would be great for bragging rights. [/cynical] Si {edited for typos}

The market in the IFSC no longer happens -- it all just fizzled out at the end of last year. Another to add to the list is the market in Monkstown, selling foodstuffs and other things. It happens every Saturday (10-4 maybe?) and is in the church grounds in Summer and the Knox Hall across the road in Winter. Si