Michelin – Never Plan Without It!!!!

January 17th, 2012

Going somewhere and you want the absolute best possible experience there is to be had – - I strongly suggest you keep the Michelin Guide close at hand.  You can take a chance and rely on your “gut”, do it on “the cheap”, or settle for less than exceptional but, if you’re taking the time and money to experience life beyond your current bubble, you should include the Michelin Guide.

Every year I make sure I take a “Once in a Lifetime” trip – - 2011 was all about gastronomy in Paris & Champagne, which I’ve rightfully categorized as “Michelin Madness”.  If you’re thinking April in Paris – - get your guide and start the planning.  April will be here before you know it.  Check the highlights and links below.

La Tour D’Argent

La Tour D'Argent

 

Les Crayeres

Les Crayeres

 

L’Assiette Champenoise

A. Lallement

 

Pierre Gagnaire

Pierre Gagnaire

 

Le Jules Verne

Le Jules Verne

 

Le Meurice

Le Meurice

 

 

 

 

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Boulud x 2 – Palm Beach & Miami

January 9th, 2012

This holiday break it was Boulud in Palm Beach and Miami.  Santa, Sun & Sand – - what a perfect escape!!!! So, it’s the day after Christmas and lunch at Boulud in Palm Beach is always a treat, as well as, the accommodations at the chic boutique Brazilian Court. This is one of life’s treasures worth repeating again and again.  Not only do the patrons provide priceless insights but, your palate will be in for a treat as chef Jim Leiken combines contemporary and classic cuisine which always aims to please.   If it’s a lesson in life you are seeking where sophistication, elegance and a sense refinement meets fun, Boulud is the one. When in Palm Beach: Café Boulud  – When in Miami: db Bistro Moderne

The Courtyard

 

Palm Beach Courtyard

 

The Marlon Brando Suite

 

Enjoying the Brando Suite

 

Boulud Palm Beach

 

Boulud Palm Beach - Lunch

 

The Pour

 

2010 Commanderie de la Bargemone – Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, Rosé

 

Beet Salad

 

Breast of Chicken

 

Dessert

Miami – The Mandarin Oriental

On the Balcony at the Madarin Oriental - Miami

 

Madarin Oriental - Miami

 

db Bistro Moderne

 

Bubbly - New Year's Eve

 

db Bistro Moderne - New Year's Eve

 

(Canceled Flight, made it a Boulud night)

 

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Twas the night before Christmas…….

December 26th, 2011

Hmmmmm…….Palm Beach and Miami awaits me but, what better way to enjoy Christmas Eve than great wine and food.  Friend first, personal chef & colleague second – - Chef Frederik De Pue of 42° Catering prepared an exquisite meal with one of my all time favorite dishes, Cuisses de Grenouilles.  Not missing that ever important touch of foie gras, the mâche salad proved to be the ideal mate for this explosive dish.  It was Larry Stone who introduced me to Château La Conseillante years ago and I thought a little duck with the young 2008 would be great and it was.  If you haven’t had the 2007 Domaine De La Grange Des Pères, you are truly denying yourself the pleasure found in notable wines.  Check the pics.

2008 Ch La Conseillante & 2007 Dom De La Grange Des Pères

 

Baby mâche salad, with hydromel black pepper sauce and terrine de foie gras with Prosciutto di parma

 

Cuisses de Grenouilles

 

Slow-roasted duck breast & Crushed fingerling potatoes w/ currants - Bacon-rolled French green beans, Gratin of mushroom & sautéed spinach

 

Chef Frederik with Cruisses de Grenouilles & BUTTER!!!!

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Le Meurice – Day 7

December 22nd, 2011

Day 7 – Friday, 3rd of June

Dinner: Le Meurice

Paris…….no trip to this amazing city is complete without dining at Le Meurice.  Chef Yannick Alléno, I thank you for your incredible brilliance. Estelle, your palate for wine is to be admired and I thank you for some memorable pairings.  Patrice, I’m almost speechless but, I must say your flawless presence shows in the sublime execution of the dinning room.  I shall make sure my return in 2012 includes a stay at the hotel.  How can one go wrong with this level of luxury and elegance.  See you soon!!!!

 

Le Meurice

 

DEGUSTATION MEUN

 

Crabmeat in a Cannelloni of Squid - Pink grapfruit and seaweed chutney, almond ice-cream

 

(GARDEN CARROTS)

In a Maltaise style jelly and cucumber with yuzu lemon

 

Grated with parsley and golden raisins swollen with vinegar

 

Simply cooked with paper frill

 

Steamed green asparagus and morel mushrooms

 

Steamed Cod with mild garlic and chorizo sausage

 

Breast of Pigeon roasted with juice – Melted zucchini olive purée and deep fried zucchini flowers

 

Whipped Sainte-Maure from touraine - Flower of hibiscus jelly with bee propolis

 

Sweet Treats

 

Sweet Treats

 

Puffed Meringue with almonds - Marinated peach with almond milk

 

Vanilla, Coffee, Chocolate - In small melting shells

 

2009 Clos Saint Fiacre

 

Perfect Service

 

With Patrice

 

My seated view of heaven - Le Meurice

 

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Barry Douglas – Day 7 – Lunch

December 21st, 2011

Day 7 – Friday, 3rd of June

Lunch: Barry Douglas

It’s not every day I get to spend time with my dear friend Barry Douglas but, it just so happened his schedule allow for lunch.  This outing jump started the last gastronomic undertaking of this most memorable trip to Paris.  If you do not see Barry in Paris, check his touring schedule, there’s a performance waiting for you.

 

Lunch with Barry

 

Lunch with Barry

 

Lunch with Barry

 

Lunch with Barry

 

Lunch with Barry

 

With Barry

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