Swicks

Thanks for the update! Although, I have to admit I am a little bummed he will be all the way up in San Francisco.

Great report John. They seem to have changed the Discovery menu almost completely from when I was there in Spetember, which is definately a good thing, that looks like a very interesting and of couse delicious menu.

you might try the venerable mail order Burgers Smokehouse. www.smokehouse.com

Not that Napa doesn't have world-class dining, they just serve it up in a more rustic and classically French kind of way. Redd is the closest thing they have to an urban-style restaurant. I'm not familliar with Jordan Kahn's work, but based on that photo you presented, I'm guessing he's a modern-chic kind of pastry chef. ← Exactly right.

No problem. I look forward to that discussion as I travel to San Francisco quite frequently and love the restaurant scene there. I, for one, was happy to see Town Hall's inclusion on the list. I typically try to eat dinner there every time I get to the city. I was first taken there by a female friend of mine a few years back and most times I am back in the city we regularly have dinner there, its kind of "our spot" so I hold a special place for it.

No problem.

I consider myself a practitioner of Medium Pimpin'

I suppose you are right, if he does end up in Norcal, it will be great news for them but not so much for us in Socal.

I have been on several occasions. It is quite good, though I haven't been in a few years so I can't offer a truly up to date opinion. Comparable to any other high end steakhouse in town but a bit more original in that is not a chain. Old school type vibe, good cocktails too.

Matterhorn is listed on the web under "T" for "The Matterhorn ..." It looks like all the restaurants I'll be going to during the end of April are listed in the Top 100, except for one ... in Sonoma ... ← Hey Russell, what restaurants have you decided on for this trip?

I agree, I would think either San Fran or LA would be the spot he would be heading to. I added the wine country areas just because I think they qualified as a major restaurant destination.

Nice reports! I am drooling looking at the shots of Momofuku. I had the buns and bahn mi about two weeks ago and the memory still haunts me.....

Great news for us Californians! I was reading the thread on Varietal Restaurant in the New York section and hgihly acclaimed pastry chef Jordan Kahn has left Varietal and has a project in the works in California. No other details were offered. I have to think he would be headed to either San Francisco or LA, or maybe perhaps the Napa area. This should be a great thing for us as Chef Kahn's creations have been recognized as some of the most creative and delicious in all of New York. As a southerner I really hope its somewhere LA or south! Here is a quickie on his desert "Meditation in Purple" http://nymag.com/daily/food/2007/02/jordan...try_chef_1.html

Great photos and reports as always UE! Your report on the Bar Room at the Modern was interesting to me as I just had dinner there about 2 weeks ago when I was in NYC. I agree with many of your thoughts that it was impeccably prepared and presented but lacked "soul". The dishes I had (white bean soup, egg in a jar, and pork belly) I thought had quite a bit of soul, though reflecting on some of the dishes you had I can see what you are saying. Of course this takes into account that this is a highly subjective area. Addionally, I personally thought the Bar Room was a great value, and while you can't compare it to the higher levels of food at places like EMP, for the price point it operates at a pretty high level. After your report it looks like EMP has moved way up my list for "must trys" on my next trip to New York. Unfortunately on this last trip, as I was with a large group, I didn't really get a chance to experience the high end dining avaliable. But then again, it only gives me more reason to return.

*crosses fingers for Southern California* Good luck chef!

Syrah Girl, Yes, in my opinion you really can't go wrong with Flemings. As far as seafood goes, I rarely order it at a steakhouse for obvious reasons, but I have tried a few bits of fish on several occasions and none disappointed. I would say the scallops are probably going to be delicious if you order them. Though slightly off topic, I seem to have perfected the steakhouse experience at home. On two occasions in the last month I have purchased a very high quality steak from Bristol Farms, a prime aged NY strip and an aged NY strip and cooked them with a combo of searing in a pan, then a few minutes in the oven. I have to say they are two of the best steaks I have had in recent memory, easily better than the last few steaks I have had at steakhouses.

There was a favorable 3-star review on Cafe Rouge around a month ago or so, give or take. Register gave it 4-stars, but then again, they don't have much on par with Rouge to measure against so they were probably just happy another decent restaurant opened in the OC Metro area. ;-) We're heading to San Diego this weekend with friends but as soon as I get a free weekend I'll definitely check that spot out. Florent's new restaurant, by the way, is supposed to open around 04.01, although I haven't heard anything official. ← Good to know, thanks for the info. FYI, if you are in the area, a new place in Corona Del Mar just opened called Port (in the old Svelte space on Heliotrope), i have heard lots of good things. The head chef is a family friend, he used to be the chef de Poisson at Aubregine when Goodell was still there. I am eagarly anticipating a meal there but just havent had the time yet.

Just discovered this show, its really great. I love Three Sheets as well. Mojo is a great channel.

If I recall correctly Miss Irene at the LA times did a very favorable review a few weeks back. I didn't know Troquet was officially gone...the fall for the Goodell's has been quite steep.

interesting, i will have to check it out.

Bummed I missed this thread.... Not sure if I am too late or not. A few quick ones. Avila's El Ranchito (multiple locations) Full disclosure- the Avila family are close friends but I love their food. I will also agree with las brisas, but a better bet in laguna is Javier's. Taco Rosa in Newport Beach. I will second Taco Mesa. A lot depends on what type of place you want, small, divey or more of a restaurant. Definately something to consider in my opinion.

I believe the Chef at A16 was just nominated for a Beard award. I would recommend Boulevard, Town Hall or Salt House.

I will second Boulevard and Tadditch Grill Michael Minna for high end.... I like town hall a lot but it is very loud Old favorites like Postrio and Slanted door are great

Hey all, quick update on our plans thus far....huge thanks to all who contributed! Friday Lunch - Chinatown Brasserie Dim Sum Friday night dinner - Bar Room at the Modern Saturday - Pubs! Sunday Brunch - the Odeon or the EU Sunday night dinner - Otto Monday - tbd Unfortunately for me Momofuku was vetoed by some other people in our group...what do they know?? I might have to squeeze it in on my own...

Thanks. Yes the fixed menu is sort of a problem i am running into with most places for a group this large.