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kkwchan

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Everything posted by kkwchan

  1. Thanks for the info. I will definitely keep that in mind. I also had some dishes topped with caviar in some restaurants... but I don't know if they are Russian or non-Russian. Maybe I will know how to distinguish them if I do end up going to those tours.
  2. We are visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg in October. Has anyone been to those caviar tours? If so, any recommendation? Also, I already read through all the topics related to Russia, but if you have any suggestions, do let me know. Thanks
  3. Hmmm... Good point. From that website, it seems to me that they just ranked the absolute votes without taken into account the number of members visit. So yes, unless the restaurant is already well-known where people would detour to visit, otherwise, it would be a huge disadvantage for restaurants in remote locations because not many members will bother to visit. They should fix this error for next year. Then it would be a more representative ranking.
  4. I just got back from Athens. I went to two of the three Michelin starred restaurant: Varoulko and Spondi. Forget about Spondi, just another French meal. But Varoulko would be more worthwhile. If the weather is nice, the dinner is served at their open-roof terrance with a superb view of Acropolis. I also tried 48. The restaurant design is extremely trending and unique... glass floor with running water underneath. The chef worked in El Bulli and he created a tasting menu for us. Unfortunately, we didn't like it at all. Weird combinations with unpleasure taste... we couldn't finish a few dishes. We have been to El Bulli and enjoyed it. But I think the unique ambience in 48 might worth a visit... maybe just have a drink at their trendy lounge and forget about the dinner... if you have time. For Santorini, we visited 1800(Oia) and Koukoumavlos(Fira). Those two are the highly recommended restaurant according to some local ratings. Here are all the info: http://www.spondi.gr/ http://www.varoulko.gr/ http://www.48therestaurant.com/ 1800: 2286071485 Koukoumavlos: 2286023807
  5. Someone told me don't go to Alba after the festival as all the good quality truffles are gone, only go during the Alba truffle festival. Agree or Disagree?
  6. Swiss_chef and pedalaforte, thank you for the suggestions. I guess I will change my plan and go back to Alba and Monferrato region. I already emailed http://www.buongustotours.com/ to arrange a tour for 4 of us. Swiss_chef, I did mention it was referred by you, I hope that's okay. Thanks again By the way, anyone who is interested on joining the Sensorial Truffle Analysis on Sat. Nov10, please let me know as they need a minimum of 8 people, I only have 4. Or if anyone who has experienced it and think it is a waste of money, do let me know as well.
  7. Anyone familiar with San Miniato in Tuscany? I have been to Alba last November and heard that it is better to visit San Miniato as some truffles in Alba are actually from San Miniato. You would get cheaper and fresher truffle there. They also have a Truffle fair last three weeks of November. I will be there end of November. Anyone know how's their truffle festival compares with Alba? Any restaurants suggestion for special white truffle menu? Thanks
  8. Yes, I hate to see that too. But other than for El Bulli, I can't imagine there are people who's willing to pay for other restaurant reservations. In addition, there are only few people who're willing to give up their El Bulli booking. So I don't think this will happen.
  9. He wasn't aware of the existence of Egullet until now. I think he might even be willing to give it to someone. He just didn't want to cancel the reservation because he tried so hard, like everyone here, to get this reservation. Hmmm... I don't know what are the rules around these sorts of stuff. eg. Many people do sell some sporting event tickets for multiple times the Face Value on Ebay right?! It does not feel right to me either. I would think both parties would have some sort of policy against this type of thing. -Len ←
  10. A friend of my coworker has put an El Bulli reservation on ebay.co.uk. for August. He wants to sell it at any price. Otherwise, he'll just cancel the booking. Just thought some of you might be interested.
  11. A friend of my coworker put an El Bulli reservation on ebay.co.uk. He wants to sell it at any price. Just thought some of you might be interested.
  12. Has anyone been to Victoria & Albert in Grand Floridian? http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dinin...bertsDiningPage
  13. Zoticus, there is a flaw to your calculation. You don't need half of the 651 voters to place El Bulli on their lists in order to make it Number 1. It is not that there are only two restaurants in the whole world such that you need more than half of the total votes to place El Bulli in Number 1. There are actually hundreds of restaurants to spread the votes, so even only 20 voters place El Bulli on their list of five can be enough to make it Number 1! In conclusion, you definitely don't need two Restaurant Magazine's juries in every El Bulli's service to make it Number 1.
  14. Yes, quite surprised that River Cafe is back, but even more surprised at Le Bernardin. I've been to 35 restaurants on that list in the past 12 mth, Le Bernardin was not even comparable with others. All seafood dishes were quite ordinary. The langoustine that they served wasn't even fresh that I had to complain to the manager. I think the list is starting to stabilize as they have not changed their voting method that much from last year's: Same Top10 restaurants, and no change at all in top 6.
  15. Got my reservation for April 1st, I think it is their opening day. Hope the kitchen won't be too messy on their first day after a 6-month break.
  16. Anyone can tell me how to make reservation in Gambero Rosso in San Vincenzo for February? I visited their website and cannot find the restaurant info. I called few times... but we are having trouble in communication... he doesn't quite understand my English and I don't understand his Italian. He mentioned Fax, but I don't use fax. Is there an email?
  17. Just called la Ferme for reservation next year. They said they just changed ownership and chef.
  18. I was planning to visit his three Michelin star winter restaurant in December, but just heard that he sold it recently. He will just focus on his 3 star summer restaurant la Maison. Anyone has more news on this?
  19. Thanks for the info. Few more questions about storage: - damp dish towel... how wet should it be? - it is better with an oversized jar so that it has plenty of air? - changing ice every few hours... what is the proper temperature to keep truffle? - Also, when you buy the truffles from stores in Alba, does it come in a small jar or something? It must have some kind of packaging ready for travellers. If not, is it easy for me to buy packs of ice over there? Thanks
  20. I was in Toronto in May and visited LWH twice. I don't think it was as good as before. Two other friends of mine dine there recently felt the same way too. Fine, before it was really good, now it is good. Well, maybe we are biased as all three of us are chinese....... hmmm, but it is a chinese restaurant.
  21. Thanks docsconz, we had our lunch at JG. It was very good and not expensive at all. The egg in egg is unbelievable. WD50 is quite special too... but the restaurant is more casual than I thought. And as you said, it is a simpler version of Gagnaire and Fat Duck.
  22. You are not interesting in dim sum (only lunch)? If you are, Dragon Dynasty (Scarborough North), King's court (downtown), and the Empire Court (Hilton - Hwy7 and Warden). LaiWahHeen in metropolitan is not good anymore. For dinner, there are many types of chinese in Toronto... don't know what you prefer. Do you want casual or more upscale? Northern chinese, canton province, seafood meal, taiwan type, just fried rice/noodle type....?? Any location preference?
  23. Yap, I know Thuet is gone to open his own restaurant Thuet (beside susur). But I didn't know Challet has left. Where is he now?
  24. Adelaide, if you are looking for a more modern dining experience, I would try Susur, a short taxi ride from your hotel. http://www.susur.com/ I have been to Fat Duck and Pierre Gagnaire, I found Susur is unique in the way that it has a more asian touch to each dish. I like it very much... at least two years ago before I left Toronto. For sushi, Kaji is the best in Toronto, but it is too far for you. I suggest Takesushi (in BCE place on Front street). Omi is okay. But if you are from Vancouver, you have lots of good sushi over there. eg. Yoshi's on Denman, the live prawn and lobster were superb.... For French, Fifth (they only open few days a week for dinner) or Thuet (beside Susur) is pretty good. Oh, Splendido is quite good too.
  25. wkl, since you are going to Alba, below is a scheldule of Truffle festival which should be helpful. I am currently doing some planning for my Alba trip in Nov. I was talking to a manager in Oud Sluis (3 michelin star in netherland), he told me not to buy cheap truffle from the market. Some people bought few truffles and realized later that some truffle were filled with brick inside so that it weights heavier. He said Alba is famous is robbing tourist during truffle season. I've never been there but that is what he said to me. Anyone can suggest me a restaurant in Alba which has good truffle menu/dish during the season? I asked the Alba tourist info centre, they just sent me a list of 40 restaurants. Also, there's about 6 one michelin star restaurants in Alba, are they good for truffle dish? I know there are few general postings on Piedmont restaurants, but I just need one lunch and one dinner in Alba specifically for truffle during the season. I know they do some truffle hunting excursions, anyone has experienced them? Any advise would be helpful. And, can I bring truffle into UK? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76th National Fair of the White Truffle The programme day by day Friday 22nd of September 9pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Opening Night Concert by Antonella Ruggiero Saturday 23rd of September 9pm - Piazza Duomo Investiture of the Podestà Historical re-enactment Sunday 24th of September 10am/6pm - Piazza Garibaldi Truffles wine and VW beetles VIIIth Convention of Alba 2pm/8pm – Historic town centre “The Wine Festival”. Wine tasting stands 5pm - Piazza Duomo “Bela Trifolera 2006” beauty parade and show. Award giving ceremony Friday 29th of September 5pm – Sinio Theatre Presentation of the Romantic Road of the Langhe and Roero Saturday 30 of September 9am/8pm Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 3.30pm - Piazza Duomo Historic Pantalera in costume 5pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Opening night of the exhibition “Nunziante and the new figuration” by the Painter of the Palio, Antonio Nunziante Sunday 1st of October 9am/8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 9am/8pm - Piazza Falcone Market stalls in the Piazza – gastronomic specialities 9am/8pm - Piazza Rossetti Herb Market 10am - Piazza Duomo Assignment of Donkeys to the Town Districts 2.30 – Historic Town Centre Medieval parade with one thousand participants in costume 4.30pm - Piazza Osvaldo Cagnasso Donkey Palio Thursday 5th of October 9pm - Chiesa di San Domenico The Choirs of the Langa and Roero event Friday 6th of October 5pm - Historic town centre “Banda in Fiera” – Musical Event featuring bands conducted by Maestro Claudio Taretto 5.30pm - Teatro Sociale Opening Ceremony of the 76th White Truffle of Alba National Fair 6.30pm - Historic Town Centre Cortile della Maddalena Palatartufo – Cutting of the ribbon and official opening of the 76th White Truffle of Alba National Fair 7pm - Palazzo Mostre e Congressi - Piazza Medford Official Opening of the Exhibition “From Sassu to Fontana: artists’ posters for the Truffle Fair”, organised by the Ferrero Foundation Saturday 7th of October 8am/11pm – Alba Bowls Green - Corso Nino Bixio, 40 XXth “Truffle Fair” National Bowls Competition 9am/midnight - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day 3.30pm/6.30pm - Piazza Savona Raid Historic Cars “The 1930’s: travelling with the old lords and ladies”. Parade of historic automobiles with characters in period costume 6.30pm - Historic town centre The White Night of the White Truffle of Alba Historic Town Centre - Opening night aperitif Piazza Duomo – Concert given by the “I Casadei” orchestra, with dance floor Piazza San Francesco - Concert given by “I Trelilu” Chiesa di San Domenico - Gospel Concert presented by the Geografalbum Association Entry to Palazzo Mostre e Congressi – “The Crystal Nights”, Gallizio and Alba live. Piazza Elvio Pertinace “La Esquina Caliente” and typical tropical “Chiringuito” Piazza Falcone – “the Harmony of Dance” presented by A.C.E.M. and Alballetto Piazza Savona “Roerissima”. Oeno-gastronomic evening Cortile della Maddalena Palatartufo – Truffle Market “AlbaQualità” farm produce event – Tasting of niche products Bars, restaurants and shops stay open Sunday 8th of October 8am/11pm – Alba Bowls Green - Corso Nino Bixio, 40 XXth “Truffle Fair” National Bowls Competition 9am/8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 9am/8pm - Piazza Falcone Market Stalls in the Piazza – gastronomic specialities 9am/8pm - Piazza Rossetti Herb Market 10am/6pm - Historic town centre Chocolate meets the Truffle 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day 10am/5pm Raid Historic Cars “The 1930’s: travelling with the old lords and ladies”- Panoramic tour of the Langhe Wednesday 11th of October 8am/1pm - Piazza Osvaldo Cagnasso Piedmontese Cattle Show featuring cattle from Alba Thursday 12th of October 9pm - Chiesa di San Domenico The Choirs of the Langa and Roero event Saturday 14th of October 9am/8pm Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day 4.30pm - Teatro Sociale Historic Hall – Vth Edition of the Grinzane Cavour Alba Pompeia Prize 5pm - Historic town centre “Banda in Fiera”, musical event for bands conducted by Maestro Claudio Taretto 8.30pm - Historic town centre The Truffle Bacchanal, banquet organised by the town districts of Alba with traditional music and dancing Sunday 15th of October 9am/8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 9am/8pm - Piazza Falcone Market Stalls in the Piazza – Gastronomic specialities 9am/8pm - Piazza Rossetti Herb Market 10am/6pm - Historic town centre «Il Borgo si rievoca» - Historic re-enactment of medieval life with tasting of local produce 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day Thursday 19th of October 9pm - Chiesa di San Domenico The “Teremin”. In memory of Pinot Gallizio: “Musical Experiments from the Anti-matter Cavern” Friday 20th of October 4pm – Ferrero Foundation “Langhe and Roero, Unesco heritage” conference Saturday 21st of October 9am/8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day 5pm - Historic town centre “Banda in Fiera” – Musical Event featuring bands conducted by Maestro Claudio Taretto 6pm – Alba Town Hall Council Hall Official ceremony recognising the internationality of the White Truffle of Alba National Fair 9pm/11pm - Teatro Sociale 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the Alba Rotary Club Concert given by the Bartolomeo Bruni Orchestra - Suzuky Orchestra of Turin Sunday 22nd of October 9am/8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 9am/8pm - Piazza Falcone Market stalls in the Piazza – gastronomic specialities 9am/8pm - Piazza Duomo Aromatica, the historic town centre tells its story through Medicinal Herbs 3.30pm/6.30pm - Chiesa di San Domenico Theatrical performances dedicated to authors from our lands: Arpino, Fenoglio and Pavese, presented by the “Marianna Torta Morolin” theatre company of the “Famija Albèisa”, performances all day Thursday 26th of October 9pm - Chiesa di San Domenico The Choirs of the Langa and Roero Show Saturday 28th of October 9am/ 8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 5pm - Historic Town Centre “Banda in Fiera” – Musical performance by bands conducted by Maestro Claudio Taretto 5pm Chiesa di San Domenico Opening night of the “Town of Alba” National Art Prize Exhibition Sunday 29th of October 9am/ 8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 10am/7pm - Historic town centre Langhe and Roero in the Piazza. Tasting stands 3pm - Historic Town Centre Vth Festival of the “Battista Destefanis” Memorial Flag Saturday 4th of November 9am/ 8pm - Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero 6pm Teatro Sociale Presentation of the Truffle of Year Sunday 5th of November 9am/ 8pm Cortile della Maddalena - Palatartufo Truffle Market and AlbaQualità, event celebrating the oeno-gastronomic specialities and niche products of the Langhe and Roero Sunday 12th of November Castello di Grinzane Cavour VIIIth World Truffle Auction For further information on the truffle fair: ENTE FIERA NAZIONALE DEL TARTUFO BIANCO D’ALBA Piazza Medford, 3 12051 Alba (cn) Tel. and fax +39.0173.361051 www.fieradeltartufo.org – info@fieradeltartufo.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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