dargin

I went to Jean-Georges tonight and had the chef's tasting menu. I had dined at JG last year and thought it was in the top five all time meals (I have been all over top places in NYC and the world). This time the courses came very fast and although good, lacked the, "OH MY GOD" courses I had last year. Menu; Amuse Bouche (forget the descriptions - had many drinks) Egg Cavier Scallop and Cauliflower Frog Leg/Garlic Soup Turbot Lobster Squab/Foie Chocolate tasting homemade marshmellow - petit four My point of this post is the last course of the chocolate tasting desert had cocoa puffs (Breakfast cereal) on it. I understand texture and taste and it was very good, but it was odd.

I dined at Tru three weeks ago with my girlfriend (who is a complete food novice - never had Foie or caviar (oh the shame)) here are some random thoughts; I had the Truffle special dinner and I was very happy with the decision - my G/f had the seafood grand collection and she enjoyed herself as well. There were tons of courses and a bonus sushi course as my girlfriend was amazed at the grating of the fresh wasabi at a table next to us. Needless to say with an excellent wine pairing for most courses, I gained many lbs but was worth it. Random notes; Caviar staircase was excellent and the world now has it's newest caviar fan. Had the bonus cheese course and fully recommend it. The Truffle soup (more like a hot liquid meal) was amazing. Her main course was a huge langostino in a vanilla sauce that might have over powered it a tad but by then we were so stuffed as we shared each course. Desert cart was great as well. I have more notes and will post an update when I get back in the country. As a whole - I thought the meal was very good, I thought Jean-Georges had more "Oh My God" moments but outside of NY and Yountville, I thought the meal was excellent. The service was great (after reading notes I was concerned) and would recommend it fully, am going to Trotter's in a couple weeks and will post a full update (with course listing/descriptions) Happy Holidays

dargin -- Thanks It's not easy to find good French food in Hong Kong. What are your thoughts on Petrus? I have not been there in a while. Ahh - the last time I was there there was something to do about black truffles (1000 kilos or something absurd) I have not been there in ages. Makes the Kowloon Shangri-La French (Margaux) look like Le Bon Pain. Very good wine list if I remember. I will be forced to admit I have nipped into the Belvedere at the grand stanford (kowloon) when my Foie Gras blood levels have dipped - a good lunch I will admit. A lot cheaper than Gaddi as well. As a person that still goes to Le Pouligen yearly - I would love to know if there is a creperie in HK that I do not know about. Any suggestions Cabrales? Best regards, Dargin

I can do one better - here is the actual menu from my last time there (few weeks ago) I will say it was not as amazing as my first time I went there as a lad (1989) more restaurants have caught up, but still very good. I will be back in Hong Kong in a few weeks and might go there to give an update (considering I am new here - must earn my keep...) Dargin FOIE GRAS CHAUD AUX NAVETS SAUMON FUMÉ D’ÉCOSSE SALADE DE CREVETTES AVEC CRABE EN GELÉE ** ** ** POTAGE VELOUTÉ AUX PALOURDES CONSOMMÉ DE VOLAILLE AUX LIS ** ** ** LES CREVETTES FORESTIERE AU PIMENT ROUGE LOUP DE MER À LA CIBOULETTE, SAUCE AU SAFRAN SUPRÊMES DE CANETON AVEC CHAMPIGNONS, SAUCE AU MARSALA FILET DE BOEUF RÔTI ET COQUILLES SAINT-JACQUES AU VIN ROUGE ** ** ** SOUFFLÉ AU CRÈME DE CACAO CRÈME BRÛLEE À L’ORANGE PROFITERALES AVEC LA GLACE MANGUE, SAUCE FRAMBOISES LE MOCCA

I have been to Amigo (engraved matchbook with your parties names is a nice touch) and Gaddi/Felix are both good. I still love Indochine in Lan Kwai Fong. Simply the best - best Cha Ca this side of Hanoi.