Lenski

We went for our third (maybe fourth??) time to Schwa last week. A few (wonderful) changes. We ordered the tasting menu (as usual) and it was almost similar to "Molto e" menu. Two wonderful additions: The amuse was "turmeric Ice Cream with (I believe) Date Puree" served on an ice-cube-like pedestal. Absolutely delicious. For the "Salad Course" there was a fantastic-out-of-this-world brioche-tomato confit, with parmeggiano-reggiano. Very, very good. Peach Risotto, served in a spoon. Very good. Also, the desserts were the olive-oil, strawberry cake. And two chocolate desserts, very good. However, the chocolate dessert was the clear winner. The price for the tasting menu is now $95. The best deal ever. On a final note, I think that Chef MC and Sous-Chef NK are really very talented and they really work a lot to offer their guests an incredible gastronomical experience and, on top of it all, they are two very nice guys. I am sure that one day I will be able to say that I knew them when they were at that little place in N.Ashland. I already have my December reservation. ← Always interested in pictures. ← ← THere you go! Thanks for your help. All the other pictures were not very good (the combination of fall, and minimal(ist) lighting) http://forums.egullet.org/uploads/11610160...3746_483777.jpg

I have been told that anything before the 15th gets discarded. If it is true or not....

We went for our third (maybe fourth??) time to Schwa last week. A few (wonderful) changes. We ordered the tasting menu (as usual) and it was almost similar to "Molto e" menu. Two wonderful additions: The amuse was "turmeric Ice Cream with (I believe) Date Puree" served on an ice-cube-like pedestal. Absolutely delicious. For the "Salad Course" there was a fantastic-out-of-this-world brioche-tomato confit, with parmeggiano-reggiano. Very, very good. I took a picture if someone is interested. Peach Risotto, served in a spoon. Very good. Also, the desserts were the olive-oil, strawberry cake. And two chocolate desserts, very good. However, the chocolate dessert was the clear winner. The price for the tasting menu is now $95. The best deal ever. On a final note, I think that Chef MC and Sous-Chef NK are really very talented and they really work a lot to offer their guests an incredible gastronomical experience and, on top of it all, they are two very nice guys. I am sure that one day I will be able to say that I knew them when they were at that little place in N.Ashland. I already have my December reservation.

I've eaten at Alinea, and while I find the food and Achatz "dazzling," my experiences have been that appealing - from the service to the tastes. But, I do agree and recognize that the work Achatz is doing is very different and should be acknowledged on the international level. Personally, I'd be pretty shocked to see TRU on the list. My one meal there was pretty good - service was excellent, but certainly not in the league of many of the other Top 50 in the World players that I've been to. I'm TOTALLY with you on this one... while maybe not number one, I do think that Moto deserves to be on the U.S. list. Again, as many others have noted on this thread and others - it's all marketing. u.e. ← I agree with you about the marketing ploy. However, it is marketing that can play great dividends. My comment about "Tru" was not about the "world's best" but the "Gourmet" list. I think it might deserve to be on the US list.

While I've not been to Spago, I would have to say that I don't think the type of clientele has anything (or shouldn't have anything) to do with the quality of the food or the service. As most of the people on this site who dine frequently in high-end restaurants know, the type of establishments that make it onto lists like this are hotbeds for expense accounts and obscene displays of wealth - not people who truly appreciate the artistry and value of the chef/restaurateur. You can have all the money in the world, but you can't buy good taste. You know, it's strange, I just took a look at that list and I've been to more on the international list (12/50) than on the U.S. list (8/50). I don't quite agree with some of the rankings - but I certainly don't see any that don't deserve to be on the list. I will note, however, that it is interesting that Alinea didn't show... ← I have eaten in several of the restaurants listed in the "top 50 in the world" and I think that "Alinea" deserves to be there. Achatz is as dazzling as it gets. However, it is in Chicago and geography plays a big part in these ratings. It is a very strange list. I think they were trying to be very democratic and geographically inclusive, while avoiding being labeled as elitist. As it has been observed by several posters, ratings are a very strange beast. No Ducasse? Even if you do not like him, he is a master and it is always an experience to eat there. Also "Tru" is missing (although my last visit there in July was a complete disappointment after many great dinners there). I would like to point out a little matter that caught my attention. Is anyone surprised that Cantu is on the cover and the leading title is "America's leading Restaurant"? I thought that "Moto" had been selected number one upon seeing the cover (and I was not the only one).

THis is my first time posting. I live between Chicago-NY and Barcelona. In the last seven months, I have visited many restaurants from old favorites ("Celler," "Moo," "Cinc Sentits," "Schwa," "Tru," "Grand Vefour" among many others) to new(er) ones such as "Alinea," "WD-50" and trying to experience as many restaurants/cuisines as I can. From Jean Georges to the corner hot dog stand and everything in between. I am mentioning these restaurants not to show off but just to prove that I am not new into the culinary scene. Gastronomy, and its cultural implications, is fast becoming an area that fascinates me to no end. I went to Moto at the beginning of September by a strange twist of fate. I had the 10 course (I had the mistake of having had lunch that day) plus some freebies. I had read comments on this site plus the website and some of the articles. I was not prepared for Moto to be such an incredible experience. Although the night started off iffy (the soup, though spectacularly presented, was mild), the dishes just became more and more extraordinary. Among the winners, the "Champagne," "popcorn," the "barbeque" and the desserts. However, the element of unpredictability mixed with the luscious orgy of tastes became the big (Gastronomical) surprise of the year for me. I would also like to commend the owners for having assembled such a great service team. The question between Alinea vs. Moto is a perverse one. I will go to "A" for my third time this Xmas and I have only been to Moto once (repeating next week, I will post). However, I have to say that Moto, from its innovative cuisine, its impeccable service, and great wine pairing (thanks Matt) created such a relaxed and enriching experience that, from now on, in Chicago, Motohas gained my total devotion.