Michelin Star – Page 5 – Rays Picks NYC

De Karmeliet ***

De Karmeliet
Langestraat 19
8000 Brugge, Belgium
+32 50 33 82 59
Official Site

*This restaurant is now closed

Dutch north Belgium, known as Flanders is the nation’s gastronomic region and home to more Michelin stars per inhabitant than anywhere else in the world. The province of West Flanders and its capital, Bruges, is a haven for such accolades. It houses a total of eight Michelin star venues, including two with 3 stars (Belgium hosts a trio of three star restaurants and all are located in Flanders). I had the pleasure of dining at one of them, De Karmeliet.

Located about twenty minutes by foot from Bruges train station and situated in the heart of this medieval city, De Karmeliet is the brainchild of Chef Geert Van Hecke. Along with his wife who runs the front of the house they own and operate this fine dining institution. For seventeen years the restaurant has held the prestigious three star rating from the Michelin guide, a testament of consistency in performing at high levels year in and year out.

A well known individual in Belgian gastronomy, Chef Van Hecke has outstanding culinary pedigree. He was mentored by the legendary French chef Alain Chapel, cooked at Villa Lorrain in Brussels (the first restaurant to have a three Michelin stars outside of France), and worked in various kitchens in the Gallic region. Fine dining is written all over him and in 1996 he was awarded the third star at De Kameliet making history by becoming the first Flemish chef and restaurant in Flanders to receive such honors.

Classic yet elegant with modern aesthetics is the best way to describe the décor of De Karmeliet. A lounge area is near the front complete with a bar and comfortable sofas, where guests can start with a drink before their meal. Upstairs are calm and hushed dining rooms with high ceilings, clean white walls, and tables covered in perfectly pressed tablecloths with silverware placed in precise positions. There are paintings and sculptures on display throughout the restaurant.

After arriving at De Karmeliet, I was escorted to the glass enclosed section of the lounge where the kitchen is visible. There, I was given the menu and was served homemade potato chips with shaved parmesan cheese to snack on. The prices are expensive and on par with the three Michelin starred restaurants in Paris. After careful consideration I opted for the “Brugge Die Scone”, the six course tasting menu for 210 Euros.

The meal began with a plate preparation of an amuse-bouche. Small nibbles with complex taste and a plate of buttery goose liver mousse. Afterwards I was led to the dining room where I resumed my meal.

Brugge Die Scone:

The first course exhibited the treasure of the North Sea. Marinated John Dory with king crab, tomato juice, and a salad of baby marrow with anchovies. The buttery texture of baby marrow and the saltiness of the anchovies were in symphony with the taste of the deep-sea. This was followed by hop shoots with sobayon of white beer, soft boiled egg and ham “Duke of Berkshire”. Since I don’t eat pork, the restaurant was accommodating to my dietary restriction and substituted the pork with cured duck bits.

Up next were roasted French scallops, ravioli with green asparagus and black truffle from Richerenches. The juicy scallops were delicious and along with the profound taste of black truffles the different elements in the dish gave it a nice flavor profile. Next was the roasted langoustine and goose liver, marinated eggplant with infused seaweed and lemon. The langoustine was roasted impeccably that the infusion of seaweed and lemon gave it more depth, while the nuttiness of the goose liver gave added additional texture.

Then came the milk fed lamb, roasted with rosemary, salsifys a brun and a blanc. It had a nice little hint of spiciness, but the highlight was the lamb itself. I was never a fan of lamb because of the smell, but this dish had no odor. The lamb meat was tender, succulent and cooked excellently. I enjoyed it so much that I had to tell the chef.

A selection of cheeses was the sixth course. Served with crystallized fruits and crusts of bread. The lady of the house brought the cheese cart and I allowed her to choose for me. Although I was more than happy with her selections, I would’ve rather had another savory course and made this course optional.

There were two desserts to finish the tasting. The first was called “A Few Sweet with Fruits”, yet there were no fruits to be seen on the plate, but rather a mixture of mousses and sorbet made from fruits. This was a refreshing dessert that wasn’t overly sweet. Finally, the “Dessert with Chocolate” served with petit-fours, a plate of beautifully arranged Belgian chocolate ended the meal on a high note.

There was a fine selection of predominantly French wines that were available by the bottle but limited options by the glass. Luckily for me the sommelier picked a nice Sauvignon Blanc and at 19 Euros per glass it was a bit pricey. A wine pairing for an extra 100 Euros was also available.

When booking this restaurant I had concerns with service from reading various media outlets on the web, but after dining at De Karmeliet my concerns were laid to rest. The staff were attentive and as a solo diner they also provided reading materials as I waited in between courses. The lady of the house was seen in the dining room and did most of the talking with the guests. Like most fine dining in Europe, the service was “speak when spoken to” and uptight which by now I’d grown accustomed to.

For a restaurant like De Karmeliet who had been a three Michelin star for many years it was easy to fall back and just keep doing what got them to the top. Instead they reinvent themselves and step out of their comfort zone to continuously create flavors using high quality foreign and seasonal Flemish ingredients. Having the distinction of being my first three Michelin star meal in Europe, my high expectations was met and allowed me to enjoy the meal. This is an outstanding restaurant with exceptional cuisine.

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De Leest***

De Leest
Kerkweg 1
8171 VT Vaassen, Netherland
+31 578 571 382
Official Site

As a nation, the Netherlands has two 3 Michelin starred venues and having previously dined at one of them, De Librije in Zwolle, it was fitting that I visit De Leest. Located in the small quiet town of Vaassen in Northern Holland, Austrian born chef Jacob Jan Boerma and his wife Kim Vandelman transformed a shoemakers store back in 2002 to a fine dining destination. It received its first Michelin star a year after opening, then the second in 2007 and finally, in 2013 the restaurant joined the culinary elite when it won the coveted third star.

From Amsterdam, the restaurant is accessible by public transportation. After an hour and a half travelling by train and bus I arrived at the door of the De Leest where Kim and the staff, dressed in neat unformed gray suits were waiting to welcome me.

There are a variety of set menus and a la carte to choose from for lunch and dinner. I requested the “Menu Micri” their tasting menu for 145 euros. To start were a trio of tasty bite snacks, macaroon of mushroom with cheese and truffles, crispy cornetto stuffed with beef, yuzu and mustard. Third but not the least, crackers served with fresh vegetables with pickled and dried beef with cream of vegetables. De Leest is off to a good start so far.

Menu Micri:

Afterwards a trio of amuse-bouche, which began with a light scrumptious duck liver mouse with sweet and sour beet roots. It was followed by turnip cabbage with a rich tartare of dorade and oyster pearl and a spicy oyster vinaigrette. The third and final amuse was a Japanese inspired tempura of avocado with jellied miso, cream of wasabi and sesame dressing. Not only was it interesting but delicious as well.

The first part of the tasting was delightful and I couldn’t wait for the feature presentation. The first course was a North Sea crab with pumpkin and couscous. It was flavorful and the different preparations of pumpkin were brilliant. This was followed by the langoustine, cooked to perfection and made with escabeche of champignons and oil of tarragon giving it a pungent taste.

The scallop with truffle, roasted leeks and hazel nut was the next course. A profound truffle flavor along with the succulent scallops made it a lofty dish. It was followed by turbot from the North Sea with celeriac, chicory and curry sauce. The clash of flavors from citrusy, to spiciness, and little bit of smokiness was magical together.

After all the seafood dishes the next few courses were predominantly red meat. Pigeon with braised carrots, lovage and gravy came next. The tender pigeon was tasty with a lot of flavor to go with the pieces of excellent braised carrots. I was enjoying my meal more than when I started that I forgot to take a picture of the next course which was the Dutch calf lacquered with Olorso and spices, Jerusalem artichoke and sweet potato. The soft meat of the calf was wonderful. To finish was a single bite of fresh beef tartare rolled into a ball.

There were plenty of desserts courses. The first was the blood orange that had refreshing citric flavor and a slight of bitterness. This was followed by the mandarin and pineapple with white chocolate and lime, a fruity yet sweet mixture. Next was my favorite, pistachios and coconuts with almonds and Amarula. I liked the combination of the ingredients and the flavors that it produced. For the final dessert dish I was served sweet strawberries with spices. Just when I thought that my meal had ended, an array of small post dessert was served.

This was festivity that lasted close to four hours. The kitchen delivered, each dish starting with amuses all the way to dessert was a sequence of flavors that were in harmonious with one another.

For the tasting I requested the wine pairings that showed the brilliance of the sommelier. The pairings were carefully curated with European wines that heightens the flavors of each dish while others balance the acidity.

Wine Pairing:

Before opening De Leest, Chef Jan Boerma was already an established chef who had cooked at various kitchens in Europe as well as gaining two Michelin stars as chef de cuisine at Restaurant de Nederlanden. His experiences paved way to the cuisine at this restaurant where each dish had plenty of acidity yet was light. He is a pundit in creating elaborate dishes while using local ingredients.

De Leest possesses a cozy atmosphere. Its modern interior has lovely wood floorings, a wide open dining room and low ceilings, with lights that drop with serenity on top of every table. The chairs are built for extreme comfort and each guest has their privacy as the tables are spaced far apart. There are beautiful oversize paintings on display throughout the space as well as the wines that the restaurant offers. Black, white and grey dominates the colors of the interior.

Service was world class from beginning to end and what is expected of a three star restaurant. Throughout my meal Kim was present at the dining room and never lost sight of the guests. The staffs are well trained, professional and courteous. Sous Chef Ewout Eleveld (who I spoke to over the phone when I was making the reservation months prior) stopped by my table and we shared our appreciation for food and restaurants while having freshly brewed coffee.

I would have loved to have an after meal drink at one of the semi circular chairs in the lounge area if it wasn’t time to catch my train back to Amsterdam. Before leaving, Chef Jan Boerma came out of his kitchen to bid me farewell.

With a population of twelve thousand inhabitants, the town of Vaassen is so small that their train station was closed down. There’s not much going on here, even my hotel concierges haven’t heard of this town. The emergence of De Leest as a fine destination and after winning the third Michelin star last year, has put this quiet town in the map of gastronomy

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a therapy set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Bord’Eau **

Bord’Eau
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2
1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands
+31 20 531 1705
Official Site

De L’Europe Hotel in the center of Amsterdam is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the city. Owned by the Heineken family and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock when he chose the hotel as a location for his film Foreign Correspondent. It also houses the two Michelin star restaurant Bord’Eau.

Opened in 2012 Bord’Eau received its first star after only a few months in operation, then the second star a year later. In two years the restaurant propelled to gastronomic feat, accomplishing that which is rarely done.

Bord’Eau is located in the lobby of the hotel, its contemporary designed dining room has evenly spaced tables covered in white cloth to match with comfortable ivory padded chairs.Gold rounded plates hang above, filling the low ceilings, while the walls are adorned with metallic gold. There are windows sizeable enough to provide plenty of natural light in the room. Sets of two top tables by the windows overlooking the Amstel River is preferred seating if available. There’s also a private dining enclosed with glass cases that display an array of bottled wine.

The restaurant offers two set menus, a five course for 98 Euros and the six-course for 10 euros more. A la carte is also available but on my visit I had the six course tasting.

My meal began with a cup of strong flavored duck broth with added spices that I found pleasing. Following the broth were a crisp, sweet and salty lobster canapé and a sour, yet alluring, oyster with red wine canapé.

Tasting Menu:

Afterwards a smooth and creamy foam of risotto, truffles and egg yolk was served. Tartare of veal, caviar and marrow that was simply sublime was next. A combo that is always wonderful.

My first official course was beetroot baked in salt and crust with wasabi ice cream, an interesting marriage of Asian flavors. The fresh vegetables and the cold temperature from the ice cream was ingenious. A big piece of succulent scallop with cream of artichoke and black truffle was the next course. The sweet deep sea flavor of the scallop and earthiness of the generous shaving of black truffles was immaculate.

Langoustine with jus, coconut served with tempura vegetables, and hand of Buddah was the next course. An Asian inspired dish where the langoustine was perfectly prepared with the sauce enhancing the taste.

Next was the fillet of sole and fennel, crunchy and stewed with gnocchi, zest of lemon and sea urchin sauce. The different flavors profiled in this dish worked in harmony with one another.

The lone red meat on the menu was the Duck a la Royale with young turnip and salted lemon that was too salty if eaten by itself. Head sommelier, Dennis Apeldoorn, was genius in pairing Austrian St. Laurent wine that reduced the saltiness and turned it into an enjoyable dish.

The dessert was a piece of art and visually stunning. Crystallized sugar, in the form of a green apple where the inside was made of green apple sorbet shaped to replicate the apple core. Even the seeds where made of chocolate! It sat on top of caramel and walnuts. If there was a perfect ten dessert this would be it. This alone highlighted the tasting menu.

Along with my tasting I added the wine pairing for 78 Euros that Dennis Appledorn paired with each course brought out an additional level of taste. The wines are predominantly French which was fitting for this restaurant.

This was a fantastic meal, as the dishes were sophisticated as well as well put together. The man responsible for the kitchen is Executive Chef Richard van Oosetnbrugge. He previously oversaw Restaurant Envy in Amsterdam before being tapped to handle all of De L’Europe Hotel eateries. His French cuisine, using local ingredients, at Bord’Eau has earned him the GaultMillau Chef of the year in 2014.

Like any fine dining in Europe the service is professional, a bit uptight but welcoming. The staff were friendly and I liked the fact the maître d recognized that I was a solo diner and provided reading materials while I waited in between courses. The service matched the food and made my dining experience at Bord’Eau an outstanding one.

Wine Pairing:

Visitors come to Amsterdam for the famous canals, architectures and even the Red Light district. As far as being a fine dining destination, it’s still not there. It has plenty of good restaurants and the ethnic food scene rivals that of New York City. What it lacks is fine dining that will put it on the map of gastronomy. With the emergence of Bord’Eau this restaurant might actually do that.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

De Librije ***

De Librije
Broerenkerkplein 13-15
8011 TW Zwolle, Netherlands
+31 38 421 2083
Official Site

With the exception of Paris, most of Europe’s top eateries are located outside of the main cities in towns that you’ve never heard before. Traveling by train or car in order to get there is required and staying overnight at a hotel is almost mandatory. The Netherlands is no different. De Librije, arguably the finest restaurant in the country, also happens to be located 75 miles away from the capital Amsterdam in the city of Zwolle.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Chef /Patron Jonnie Boer and his wife Therese who serves a dual duty of sommelier and the Lady of the house. The couple met while working in De Librije and in 2002 they became the proud owners. Chef Boer began his career here as an apprentice in 1986 and for more than 20 years he has elevated De Librije to culinary stardom. Under his watchful eyes the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars in 2009 (one of only two in the Netherlands) and has held it ever since. It’s consistently voted as one of the best restaurant in the world every year. Along the way he became one of the country’s most decorated chefs and a leading figure in Dutch gastronomy.

De Librije is housed in a 16th century monastery located in the middle of Zwolle. On my arrival I was welcomed with a friendly reception by one of the managers. He then led me through a short curved hallway, passing by the kitchen, and in to the luxurious dining room where my table awaited me. The airy dining room that can seat up to forty guests is designed with tall ceilings, partnered with large windows that provide plenty of natural light. The tables paired with high back black velvet seats are spaced perfectly. There is enough room for a conversation with out over hearing the neighboring diners. And in the middle hanging high above is a rustic crystal chandelier that serves as the centerpiece of the room.

As I perused at the menu I was served with a fermented tea that aroused my palate from all the flavors touching my taste buds. I had already decided for the eight course tasting for 185 Euros. The concept allows guests to choose four dishes and the kitchen will handle the rest.

To start was the amuse-bouche of shrimp and oysters that were both raw, served in a bowl that replicated the sea. There was also an anchovy crisp plated on the fish skeletal. A lovely presentation on both dish and the flavors of the North Sea. The next amuse-bouche was beef tartare and oyster, a signature dish of the restaurant that was assembled on top of my hand. Made with chive cream, lettuce, beef tartare, oyster, oyster cream, potato puffs and an oyster leaf all on top of each other were combined elegantly.

The first course was smoked mackerel with turmeric, tulip bulbs and goose liver that Chef Boer himself brought to my table. The dish was vibrant and colorful, with a lovely smoky flavor to match. Then followed a meaty piece of langoustine with vanilla kombucha and pickled vegetables that was processed in the restaurant. It was well balance and a bit acidic to my liking. Served in between the first two courses were warmed multigrain bread with goat butter.

Next was the sweet water perch with spices oil and mustard seed which had great depth and was properly supplemented with bitterness from the vegetables. The delicious bounty of the North Sea and its oceanic essence was on display in the following course, sole with beurre noisette, immature juniper berry, Jerusalem artichoke and crabs. There were a number of ingredients in this dish that went well together brilliantly.

After several seafood dishes, the next few courses were red meat. First up was sweet bread in BBQ pineapple and peanut sauce with miniature shrimp. This intricate combination was interesting. Next was the pigeon prepared in various ways that was perfectly cooked and made with star anise, white pepper, and kohlrabi juice which showcased a delectable variety of texture.

The Epoisses made with acid-curd cheese from the Bourgogne, rabbit kidneys and potato juices was similar to a cheese course. The texture was slimy but bearable and the pungent taste subdued the gaminess of the rabbit kidney.

The transition to sweets began with chocolate and cheese, a combination that complimented each other. Then came the solidified rice pudding with beet root liquor, orange, and coconut. The crispy, sweet and tangy taste was enjoyable. The sweet Thai green curry with mango, pineapple, and ginger beer was a killer fusion of sweet and spicy taste and the star of all the desserts. There were a few more sweets that followed, a yogurt and chocolate mint served on top of a rock and chocolate kisses in Maggie boxes, and finally dried orange with mascarpone to clean the palate ended the tasting. A parting gift of edible joint was very clever and fitting.

I did not bother for the wine list and instead requested the pairing that included wines that Theresa fermented herself. Each wine was properly designed to enhance the flavors of each course.

Growing up in the area, Chef Boer is familiar with the regions seasonal bounty that inspires the cuisine at De Librije. Each course in my tasting was exceptional and the richness of Northern Holland is on display in every plate. The technique in combining numerous components together to create multiple flavors was skillful. The absence of foie-gras, caviar and other luxurious ingredients that are commonly seen at three star restaurant were not missed.

Along with De Librije, the Boer’s also own two Michelin starred restaurant Librije’s Zusje and Librije’s Hotel within walking distance from each other. They know the importance of service. On my visit, Theresa was present in the dining room and her personal touch of hospitality was felt. She provided the guest the menu and answered their questions if there was any, then stopped by each table more than once to make sure each guest were well taken care of. This type of four star service trickles down to the young staff. In the beginning they were a little uptight but as the meal went on they adjusted and were more relaxed. In turn it made for a fun dining experience for me. Service was flawless, the dining room was patrolled every so often while the rest of the staff monitors each guest out of sight.

Wine Pairing:

Every eatery that I’ve visited in Amsterdam the staff never failed to mention De Librije as the nation’s premiere restaurant. After visiting, it is something that I will not argue with. I, myself, had a memorable meal there. From getting to the restaurant, walking through the charming street of Zwolle, to the actual meal, savoring each dish and up until the train back to Amsterdam was an experience that I can do all over again. De Librije is a restaurant that’s worth a special journey.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to regard about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Eleven Madison Park ***

Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave.
New York NY 10010
(212) 889-0905
Official Site

New York City has the most diverse food scene on the planet; here you can find every imaginable type of cuisine, from high end to casual dining. The city’s dining landscape is an image of the melting pot of its residents. Unlike other gastronomic power houses like San Sebastian in Spain, Paris and Tokyo, where their best restaurant serves local cuisine, New York City has never had a dining establishment that it can call its own. For years the top restaurant were French, Italian or Japanese but that all changed in 2012 when Eleven Madison Park transferred ownership from Danny Meyer to its Executive Chef Daniel Humm and General Manager Will Guidara. They transformed it into a restaurant synonymous to the Big Apple.

With three Michelin stars and four stars from the New York Times, Eleven Madison Park was already beaming with accolades but being on the top echelon was not enough for the duo. They had to push the envelope. They made drastic changes that were very risky, including replacing the set menus with one tasting menu that would showcase the culinary history and local ingredients of New York City and the surrounding area. The price was also increased to $225 per person making it one of the expensive in the city. They also decreased the number of seats from 100 plus to 80 in order to provide a more personal dining experience for the guest. As a result of these changes, Eleven Madison Park is recognized globally as one of the best restaurant in the world.

Located in the lobby of the Metropolitan Life North Building, the Art Deco interior of Eleven Madison Park is reminiscence of the roaring twenties. The stunning dining room and its high ceilings are supported by mighty pillars. Large windows with Madison Square Park as a backdrop allow ample natural light to enter. Wooden panels with the restaurants four leaf pattern runs throughout the space and the antique terrazzo floorings adds to the beauty of the dining room. The wooden seats with black leather to go with spacious tables are made to provide each guest with maximum comfort and relaxation for this monumental meal. There is no menu and up to the end when the printed menu is presented each plate is a surprise.

Before this epic feast begins, each guest is required to open a small envelope on the table containing a ticket and must choose an item that will eventually show up during the course of the meal. On this particular day I chose maple.

The tasting started with a small bag of smoked paprika seasoned almonds made to mimic the ones that are being sold on every street corner along 5th avenue, followed by a bite size black and white cookie that was founded here in the city. Not a bad opening act. The first official course was served thereafter.

Tasting Menu:

Scallops marinated with apple, pine and water crust, served in the shell. This was an excellent intro in preparing the palate. Then the sturgeon course was served in two parts; the first was the smoked sturgeon sabayon with chive oil served in a perfectly cut egg shell. It was a lovely combination of creaminess and smokiness. The second part was pieces of sturgeon smoked in a dome glass with a side of thinly sliced toast, caviar with cream cheese, home-made pickles and a plate of quail egg with bagel crumble. This was paired with maple soda. Everything about this dish is terrific!

Bread was snuck in between courses that came along with two types of butter, one being made with duck fat that will be used with the duck dish later on according to the server. The bread was freshly made and served at room temperature and its texture was similar to a croissant.

At the beginning of the meal I was presented with a choice of seared or cured foie gras. Choosing the first option, I was served a wonderfully seared foie gras with sun chokes, hazelnut, and solera vinegar. The buttery foie gras was well complimented by the sourness of the vinegar.

The next course was the Waldorf Salad made with fresh apples, celery, cranberries and walnuts prepared table side by one of the kitchen staff. While the apples are peeled, sliced and put together an opened book is placed on the table detailing the New York salads history. Served in a wooden bowl that when finished the top was removed, an element of surprise of granola with yogurt lay hidden underneath. At first this did not make sense, but after a few tastes this was actually a palate cleanser.

The lobster course was also served in two parts. The first is a bowl of ice with a lobster claw stuffed with lobster salad, razor clams with kale puree and sliced of pears that is both appetizing and light. The other was elegantly poached with razor clams hidden beneath a piece of kale, slice of pear and urchin foam.

Celery root with black truffle sauce and celery puree was the next course. The ball of celery root doused with truffle sauce had an earthy taste and the puree was delicious. A simple dish but very flavorful.

For the main course, I had the famous Duck that was presented whole before being brought back to the kitchen and sliced. I was served a duck broth packed with flavor to sip on as I waited. Tasty duck meat was carved handsomely; the skin was crispy and layered with herbs and spices while the inside was delicate and soft.

The restaurant had some fun with the cheese course and served a picnic basket inspired by Madison Square Park. It contained cured meat, dried fruit, figs, cheese from Murray’s Cheese store and a bottle of beer from upstate, brewed specifically for the restaurant.

The desserts were highlighted by another dish invented in New York City, Baked Alaska. It was flambéed table side before going back to the kitchen for plating. Prior to serving there was the pre-dessert course of sweet potato curd with espresso meringue and orange sorbet. Finally the Baked Alaska with rum, raisin and cranberries, portioned accordingly. It was both rich and sweet.

Just when I thought the tasting was done, a chocolate pretzel covered with sea salt was placed in front of me along with some brandy, the bottle left on the table. To end the meal a sweet version of the black and white cookie made with cinnamon was served. Before leaving a parting gift of a mason jar filled with granola along with the menu for that day was given.

Eleven Madison Park has an extensive global wine list as well as local wines. And believe it or not a $40 bottle is available. There’s also a page dedicated to wines of New York. Since I wanted the New York experience I went for a bottle of Pinot Noir from Finger Lakes that I enjoyed with my meal.

After four hours of dining, I had one of the best meals (if not the best) I’ve ever had in my life. I was also educated in “New York” cuisine, as a lot of the food that we eat every day was founded here and in the surrounding areas.

I returned to Eleven Madison Park a few weeks after with two other companions for a modest dinner at the bar. The bar has a limited menu that offers select dishes from the tasting menu and is available a la carte. Once again I had the poached lobster with razor clam and sea urchin that tasted better than before. I also had the perfectly pan seared striped bass with watercress and the earthy freekah risotto. Each dish was cooked with excellent consistency. The attention to detail, with an innovative and playfulness, was cooking perfection.

I also had the pleasure of taking a kitchen tour where I was able to go behind the scenes and witness the brigades in their whites moving in synchronized motion, seeing what makes Eleven Madison Park runs.

The restaurant prides itself not only with their food but also with their hospitality. They redefined the meaning of service, going extra mile by Googling every guest to find out more about them in order to provide the best dining experience. The staff is young, professional and without the stuffiness. It’s not uptight as most fine dining, but rather more of a personal approach with a fun atmosphere. There were different faces that came by my table and all of them very welcoming and warm.

New York City and the surrounding area have a rich culinary history that is untapped and Eleven Madison Park is leading the way in showcasing “New York’ cuisine to both locals and travelling gastronome. As a lifelong New Yorker, I am proud to have a restaurant of this stature that we can call our own.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Jean-Georges ***

Jean-Georges
1 Central Park W
New York, NY 10023
(212) 299-3900
Official Site

World renowned chef and restaurateur Jean-George Vongerichten has amassed a gastronomic empire across the US and a handful more in different continents. In New York City alone, he has eight restaurants with more openings on the horizon. His flagship restaurant Jean-Georges in Columbus Circle is in the elite group of the crème de la crème of New York City fine dining establishments.

Highly praised by the city’s dining purist and critics, this restaurant has been a three stars Michelin recipient for the past nine years and one of the select few to be awarded four stars by the New York Times.

Situated in the lobby of Trump International Hotel and Tower, Jean-Georges contemporary subdued dining room is frequented by business men and women during lunch and food buffs and guests on celebratory dinner in the evening.

The restaurant is designed with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that provide natural light which brighten up the dining room during afternoon service. Tables covered in smooth white table cloths with fresh flowers on top are paired with brownish grey leather seats and booths. Two alcoves, reserved for intimate dining, complete the simple but elegant interior.

French born Chef Vongerichten has worked in some of the top kitchens in France, but his travels to Asia are what developed his love for the continent’s cuisine. His experience has created a fusion that defines the character of each dish at Jean-Georges. A combination of Asian ingredients and flavors alongside with French cooking techniques are both innovative and creative.

Jean-Georges haute cuisine is both light and flavor packed. The use of heavy cream that is associated with French cuisine is replaced with savory sauce that brings an exotic taste to each plate.

Having visited Jean-Georges a few times, I was able to sample numerous items on their menu. The dishes are carefully crafted and the kitchen’s attention to details is immaculate. To start, their Peekytoe Crab Dumplings swimming in Myer Lemon juice was flavorful! Succulent pieces of crab meat went well with the Meyer lemon juice sauce. There’s also the Sea Scallops with caramelized cauliflower and caper-raisins emulsions. The scallops were adequately seared and the caramelized cauliflower had a nice texture and combined with the emulsion became a successful union.

Fish dishes like the Sea Trout draped in trout eggs with lemon foam and olive oil was enjoyable. The light taste of the trout was flavored by the subtle saltiness of trout eggs and balanced by the lemon foam. The Hamachi Sashimi was so fresh, its smoky buttery taste married with the distinct flavor of the avocado and the bitterness of the radish making this a stellar dish. Black Bass crusted with nuts and seeds, sweet and sour jus had a balance of texture and flavors. The bass was cooked perfectly and beautifully complimented by its sweet and sour sauce.

A dish that caught my eyes was the Foie Gras Brulée with fig jam. This was an exceptional dish. It showed the creativity of the restaurant. The buttery foie gras that was caramelized tasted equally as good as it sound. While the Sesame Crusted Foie Gras might not be on the same level as the aforementioned, the nuttiness from the sesame crust was enough to make it a worthwhile dish.

The hearty Japanese Risotto with porcini marmalade was less creamier than an average risotto and very light. This dish is a classic example of the East meets West cuisine at Jean-Georges. Licorice Braised Sweetbreads were nicely cooked and the baby carrots, ginger and shiitake mushrooms gave it an additional earthy flavor.

Entrées like the Colorado Lamb with smoked chili glaze, broccoli rabe and pistachios and The Duck Breast topped with cracked Jordan almonds, amaretto ju and foie gras were both carved table side before serving. There were a lot of elements on both plates that complimented each other perfectly. Lamb meat was tender and clean, while the duck breast was moist and soft. Both dishes were full of flavor.

The restaurants greatness continued with their desserts. Here the guests were allowed to choose one base ingredient to create four kinds of desserts. I selected the Caramel that consists of a gelée, crème brulée, ginger bread and strudel as well as the Citrus that was made up of sorbet, crème caramel, apple confit and torte. None of the two quartet are less than the other and both put an outstanding sweet ending to my already remarkable meals at Jean-Georges.

There are several dining options at Jean-Georges, for lunch there’s a $39 two course ($19 for each additional course) and a $148 tasting menu. The two courses was an affordable way to experience a restaurant of this caliber. Dinner on the other hand is more expensive, $118 three course pre-fixe plus desert and two kinds of tasting menus valued at $198 each. Both lunch and dinner menu are identical, though serving size in the evening is slightly larger.

Dessert:

Their predominantly French wine list is impressive with reasonable prices. You can get a bottle of both red and white below $80. Wine by glass is offered at price point and average about $14 a glass.

As a member of the Relais & Chateux you can expect a luxurious experience. From the minute you walked in you are pampered by its professional and knowledgeable staff. Service is formal, typical of a fine dining establishment were the servers are engaged to a certain point. They know when it’s time to leave the table and let you savor the moment.

At Jean-Georges guest are guaranteed a stellar meal whether they are paying for a $39 lunch or an $118 dinner. In my visits there was no drop in level of the food and service from previous ones, their consistency is second to none.

High quality ingredients and creative flavors are jammed into dishes that can only be found in this restaurant. When paired with impeccable services it makes this fine dining venue a gastronomic destination.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In supplement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Sushi Azabu *

Sushi Azabu
428 Greenwich St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-0428
Official Site

The best sushi is often a combination of the freshest fish and rice cooked to perfection. New Yorkers are very fortunate to have a multitude of sushi restaurants that understand and deliver this perfect combination. One of that easily comes to mind is TriBeCa’s Sushi Azabu.

Located in the basement of another restaurant called Greenwich Grill, this Michelin starred sushi spot can be a bit challenging to find. There are no signs outside, but for sushi connoisseurs, the location is something you simply must know.

When you arrive, a person in the front wearing a headset with a mouthpiece will ask you which restaurant you are here for. After it’s determined that you are there for Sushi Azabu, your arrival is announced through their wireless ear and mouth piece, secret-agent style. You are then escorted through a packed dining room and into a staircase were the scent of fish is noticeable as soon you begin your descent.

As you enter the underground sushi haven, a soft light drops neatly on top of the glossy blond tables and immediately you notice that there is no music. This combined ambiance provides Sushi Azabu a peaceful and calm setting.

There is a strong presence of Japan throughout the restaurant. The interior is designed with bamboo ceilings, stone floorings, and bright red walls. A long brown leather bench stretches at almost the length of the space. A large Japanese goldfish print overlooks a natural oak sushi bar that can sit about eight guests. It is the preferred choice of seating by many patrons that consist mostly Japanese and local TriBeCans.

The sushi at Sushi Azabu is plain and simple—no frills just traditional Edomai style. Fish and rice brushed with soy sauce according to the chef. There are several set menus that are available, as well as sushi’s al la carte. If budget permits, I suggest going for the omakase menu at $100 per person. In this menu, there are several hot and raw dishes to go along with the sushi.

I’ve had the omakase here before. It began with a mouthwatering oceanic taste, with a little sour and sweet chopped giant oyster. Chilled and served in half shell garnished with fish roe, scallions and soy sauce, followed by assorted sashimi that melts in your mouth with every bite. This was a fine introduction to a great meal. My personal favorite was the tuna.

Omakase:

The following courses were the only two cook dishes in the omakase, the first one was the savory Grilled Fatty Tuna. Beautiful chunks soft and milky fatty tuna meat with a slight sweetness from the marinade. Egg Custard, or in Japanese, Chawanmushi was the other cooked dish. This is one of the only few Japanese dishes that a spoon is used. It was a really nice ‘in between’ filler.

The next and last course before the sushi was the Pickled Clams that has a slippery texture and a salty and sour taste. Then a brief intermission, as the sushi chef looks at his paper, planning each piece that he will be serving.

The sushi pieces is as follows: Amberjack, botan shrimp, fluke, flavorful fatty tuna, red snapper, eel, salmon (my choice; the chef will ask you what would you like), uni and tuna scallion roll. They were all high quality, clean and some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had. The rice was cooked to perfection with a vinegary touch of flavor. It was masterfully compacted and served at room temperature. Each piece explodes with flavor in every bite.

Miso soup is served before the dessert and their version includes a head of a large prawn that is bountifully infused in the soup, creating an abundance of seafood flavor.

I can’t barely remember the desert I had at the end of my omakase since my focus is more on the sushi.I do remember that it’s was a semi sweet green tea ice cream .

I’ve had many visits at Sushi Azabu and each time is better than the last. The most recent one where I had the Koi course (10 pieces of sushi and a miso soup for $35) was magical. The fish was extra fresh. To add to the sushi, the Grilled Black Cod marinated in miso sauce was a delightful hot dish. The cod was properly grilled tasting moist and buttery.

Sushi Azabu’s food is matched with a two paged list of sake that is imported directly from Japan. There is a good variety of sake, available in either full or half bottle.

Reservations are a must, and they require guest to be on time. There seems to be an unofficial time limit of about two hours per seating especially by the bar on a busy night. But the staff assures guest that they are able to enjoy their dinner during that time. The servers are well trained and approachable. Service never falters and reliable from my different visits.

Consistency and simplicity is the trade mark of Sushi Azabu and for a restaurant at this caliber the prices are reasonable. The quality of ingredients that are used, the flawless execution combined with the techniques that are applied in each and every individual sushi ranks Sushi Azabu among the elite of sushi restaurant in New York City.
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For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Ristorante Sadler **

Ristorante Sadler
Via Cardinale Ascanio Sforza, 77
Milano, Italy
+39 02 5810 4451
Official Site

Give or take a few restaurants that didn’t quite hit the mark during my great Italian adventure, the overall dining experience in the three cities that I’ve visited were wonderful. So to put an end to and amazing trip, I had my last meal at Ristorante Sadler. A two Michelin star restaurant and considered to be one of Milan’s very best. Chef and owner Claudio Sadler is one of the most notable person in Milan’s gastronomy. He was one of the founders of the Jeunes Restuarateurs of d’Europe and a mentor to some of Italy’s notable chef like Thomas Aragonni the other half of the Michelin star restaurant Innocenti Evasioni.

Ristorante Sadler is located along the canals, about 20 minutes outside of Milan’s city center. Unlike New York City, Milan’s public transportation is a bit complicated especially for first time visitors. Dishing out 20 euros for a cab ride (each way) was the best way to get to the restaurant—an extra expense that I didn’t mind spending since the ride also doubled as a sight-seeing tour of the city.

To enter the restaurant you are required to ring the doorbell where the sliding doors are opened. Inside, the Maître‘d was waiting to welcome me. He led me to a series of chambers packed by Milanese diners until I reached my table. In one of the room the kitchen can be seen through its windows.

The setting is intimate, dim lights that drops serenely on covered tables, partnered with comfortable leather seats. The warm vibrant brown walls complimented the abstract paintings carefully placed to complete the contemporary interior of Ristorante Sadler.

There were several choices for the set menu but since this was my last day in Italy, I decided to celebrate and opted for the seven courses 160 euros (with wine pairing included) tasting menu called the “The Creative Menu”. The price was actually a very good deal, especially in Europe.

The Creative Menu:

The meal started with a fabulous bite size snacks to tantalize the taste buds. That was followed by a canapé of cod fish that was salty but in a good way. Their bread offering was the best I’ve had so far in this trip. It was creative and there was a lot of thoughts were put in their bread program. They were freshly made and so soft, served in room temperature.

Raw tuna wrapped around grilled asparagus with crushed nuts and cheese that was somewhat freeze dried was the first course. The tuna was very clean and fatty, the asparagus was fresh and vibrant.

The second course was an Asian inspired tiger shrimp rolls on the skewers that was so meaty and is complimented nicely with artichoke and tarragon mouse. That was followed by a big piece of scallop that has a mild sweetness. While the chard leaves that covers the scallops gives a little bit of bitterness, and the foie gras sauce provides the buttery taste. All three together create a well-balanced dish.

For the fourth course, a mozzarella bubble placed on top of zucchini flowers, brown rice and anchovies. Saltiness from the anchovies is just another additional layer of flavor to an already tasty dish. The fifth course was a pasta dish with an earthy flavor and aroma. It was a Tortelli with the mushroom Porcinni stuffing garnished with black truffles and thinly sliced mushrooms.

Shredded ox tail braised immaculately in Nebbiolo grapes, with mushroom tempura and black truffles for the sixth and the meat course. There were flavors and textures in this dish that did not disappoint my palate.

When it was time for the dessert course, I found myself already missing the next time I could try this menu all over again. To bring this Creative Tasting menu to a wonderful finish, dessert was a tantalizing orange strudel with chocolate sauce and fennel salad, a perfect cleanser to all the savory dishes.

Little did I know that the strudel was just the beginning tease to an abundance of sweets that were placed in front of me. I wasn’t disappointed that I couldn’t bring myself to finish the full dessert, this time I raised the white flag and surrendered. I did however, taste each of them and would have gladly traded the strudel at that point just to consume them all.

The sommelier pairing of Italian wines was on point. The pairing with wines from Italy’s Northern region elevated the taste of each dishes, starting with the appretivo all the way to the end with dessert.

Service at Ristorante Sadler is what is expected for a top restaurant—professional and refined. The staff is willing to engage in a timely manner that is non intrusive. As a lone foreign diner that night they made sure that I was provided the best service and dining experience. During that time Chef Sadler is in attendance and throughout the evening he made numerous appearances in the dining room, stopping by each tables and chatting with the guests.

Wine Pairing:

As the night went on and guest departed, Chef Sadler is at the front to greet them goodbye. Before I left, I chatted with him for a good 20 minutes and he offered me a tour of his kitchen, an offer that I would have been stupid to refuse.

Ristorante Sadler lived up to its reputation as Milan’s top restaurant. The whole dining experienced was top notch and well deserved the two Michelin stars that were bestowed upon. Having my last dinner here was an excellent ending to an already terrific trip in Italy.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Ora D’Aria *

Ora D’Aria
Via dei Georgofili 11R
50122 FLorence, Italy
39 055 200 1699
Official Site

On my way back to Milan from Rome I stopped at Florence. It’s truly a beautiful city, rich in history and arts. The artistry of the Renaissance is seen at every corner of the city. After a long day walking around sightseeing, when it was time for dinner, Ora D’Aria was the restaurant of choice. The location couldn’t be better, a block away from Ponte Vecchio and walking distance from the town center.

Considered among the top dining establishments in Florence, it was first awarded a Michelin star in the guide’s 2012 edition and held on to it ever since. This was the one of only three Michelin starred restaurant in Florence, a surprisingly small numbers of stars awarded in my opinion especially for such a distinguished city.

The kitchen operates under a young chef and owner, Marco Stabile—a home grown talent from the region of Tuscany. Chef Stabile worked in some of Italy’s finest restaurants and is a member of the prestigious Jeunes Restaurateur D’Europe.

Ora D’Aria offers two types of tasting menu, “The Tuscan”, inspired by regional produced and the seafood centric Il Pesce, Il Marea , Il Bosco . A la carte options are available as well. The tasting menus consist of six courses valued at 70 and 75 euros respectively and since I dined with a companion, I was able to sample both.

Dinner started out with a beef tare-tare, accompanied with an Italian beer, freshly diced beef that melts in your mouth and is a sizeable portion for an amouse-bouche.

In the Tuscan menu, the first course called The Hen, the egg and the egg, were all of the components of the dish stemming from a chicken cooked in different ways and in different flavor profiles. Pieces of chicken were soft, the egg was poached flawless and the broth made out of chicken was added flavoring.

The next two courses were the risotto and the game filled tortellini. Freshly made and al dente, the risotto rice was cooked just right. The tortellini and its stuffing were simply delicious

Tuscan Menu:

The following course was supposed to be the suckling pig, but since my dining companion and I were non-pork eaters, the restaurant more than gladly substituted a roasted pigeon dish. This was the first time, I was having pigeon and it tasted like the dark meat of the chicken. The way that it was roasted has a beautiful crunchy outside and the meat was tender. The pigeon was seasoned rightfully.

This was followed with an assortment of Tuscan cheeses with sliced bread. Each cheese has a distinct taste that is only known to this region.

On to the predominantly sea food tasting menu, the first course was Sea Bass sashimi that was marinated with citrus and fruits. The sashimi was fresh and clean, the orange and the persimmon added a lovely touch of acidity and the chestnut crumble provides an additional texture.

Il Pesce,Il Marea,Il Bosco Menu:

That was followed by roasted scallops. This was an appetizing dish. The caramelized onion went well with these fresh scallops that were roasted to perfection.

Next course was the cream of yellow pumpkin soup. The buttery soup with a touch of sweetness was cleverly inserted in between courses to balance the different flavor from each dish. It was also a dish on a cold night, which made it even more fitting.

My pasta dish was the pappardelle with cod fish and black truffles. The sublime combination of saltiness and earthiness with the texture of the fresh pasta made this my favorite dish.

I learned my lesson from previous dinner at Rome’s Pipero Al Rex, that by the time the fourth course came, I was helping my dining companion with the food. The staff asked us if we were ready for the dessert. This time I requested for remaining course: the fish of the day, which happens to be the branzino. The fish is fillet and roasted with proper seasoning. Served with black truffle puree, it adds flavor to this mouth watering fillet.

To finish up the tasting, we had the sorbet with chocolate and coffee powder and the sweetened pears for dessert. Guests can also choose the desserts a la carte. Desserts were good, unfortunately I’m not too fond of sweets. My companion on the other hand, who has sweet tooth, enjoyed both dessert.

Both tasting menus were terrific and there was not a single dish that I was displeased with. The food is simple, uncomplicated and only uses the freshest seasonal ingredients from the region. Each course were served with correct timing that allows the right progression of flavors. While the combination and the balancing of flavors are also well put together.

The wines are predominately from Tuscany. I requested a wine pairing with the tasting menu, but there was a miscommunication with the sommelier. I ended up with a wonderful regional white wine anyway. It has a similarity with Sauvignon Blanc and its fruitiness and acidity that helps enhanced the taste of each dishes. I also had lovely Chianti that Tuscany is known for.

Just like its food, Ora D’ Aria interior is simple and clean. The main dining room is airy, with high ceilings, wall of mirrors opposite the sliding glass door that leads to kitchen where guest can see the chef and his brigade in action. The night that I visited, there were a mixture of locals and tourists occupying the cloth covered two tops tables that is paired with stylish Saarinen designed arm less tulip chairs. The downstairs section with its exposed bricks, low ceiling and dimmer lighting is designed for a more intimate setting. There you also find the wine cellar.

There was an issue with the language with the staff, but it was nothing serious that would diminish the dining experience. The staff seemed a little uptight at first, but warmed up as the night went on. Each and every one of servers were attentive and very courteous, they were there to provide the service at the utmost.

By this time I was already spoiled by the hospitality that I’ve been receiving from the restaurants that I’ve visited on this trip that it came to no surprised to me when Chef Stabile served some of our dishes and introduced himself to us. As guest departs, Chef Stabile was waiting in the front bidding each and every guest farewell and thanking them for their patronage. When he found out that we were visiting from New York he gave us a parting gift, a bottle of Tuscan olive oil.

Many rank this restaurant behind the three Michelin star Enoteca Pinchiorri which is a valid statement. But after dining at this restaurant I can agree why Ora D’Aria is one of the top restaurants in Florence.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Pipero Al Rex *

Pipero Al Rex
at The Rex Hotel
via Torino 149 I
00184 Rome, Italy
39 06 481 5702
Official Site

Before I left for Rome, I spent much of my fall New York nights doing a lot of research of where to dine. One of the gems that I came across is a popular local called Pipero Al Rex. Finding out it was indeed a gem came much later after experiencing the real deal. Its home page offers no detailed information about the place, but a lot of the online reviews were favorable. In addition, Rome’s food community has been talking about how good this restaurant is and how it was a “must-try”. So, I had to try it.

The dual ownership of Alessandro Pipero and a young chef named Luciano Moncelino is behind this hidden restaurant in the lobby of Hotel Rex. Its location is in a heavy populated tourist area, within walking distance from Roma Termini station. Much like a restaurant close to public transportation, I expected the place to be littered with tourists—and yet it seemed like I was the only out-of-towner during my visit.

From the get go, Alessandro himself was there to greet me with his big smile when I walked in to the restaurant. He continued the warm welcome by ushering me to my table, and we even talked a little about Rome and how I liked the city so far.

The dining room is diminutive; there are only six tables for twelve covers a night. The space is elegant with minimalist designed. It has high ceilings which had two Taraxcum chandaliers hanging above. To add to the motif, there were half circled red leather seats, wood floorings, and an artisanal crafted fire place that display luxurious bottle of liquors. There’s also a painting of Alessandro on the wall that was very reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock.

Alessandro’s presence in the dining room allowed his guests to have a more personal experience with the restaurant. He visits every table numerous times to reassure guests are well taken care off. The staff mimics his quality of hospitality. They were attentive but unobtrusive.

There was a slight misunderstanding on what I wanted from the menu when I first made the reservation, so Alessandro, like the good host that he is, made me an offer on the tasting menu that I just couldn’t refuse.

Before dinner began, Alessandro made sure that I didn’t have any food restrictions. When I nearly scoffed at the idea, the dishes started to come out of the kitchen. First up is a fried chip with mayonnaise and yogurt, a palate awakener for more to come. Then came the small bites like Marshmallow with Parmesan cheese and orange; Waffles with chicken liver pate and sweet wine jelly; Blue cheese balls (should have ask why it was green) with fried potato, all hit the taste buds with a burst of flavor. Each dish was complimented with an Austrian sweet wine Cuvée Auslese 2010 Weingut Kracher.

The Mushroom porcini with turnips and shrimp were so fresh that when combined with the vegetables broth served in a lab test tube container, it gives a veggie and earthy taste. Scallops ravioli with anchovies was my favorite dish. Mixing anchovies with cheese was a cleaver technique to neutralize the saltiness and enough flavor to blend in with the ravioli. The al dente Linguini pasta with oyster sauce and fish roe was lovely and with the artisan genius of Alessandro’s excellent bread I was able to drain the sauce from the plate. The small plates were paired with an excellent Il Guardiano 2010 Montecucco Sangiovese red wine.

They fed me until I was stuffed. My gluttonous desire caught up to me that I had to raise the white flag early and agreed to an early offering of dessert. I complied even though the meat dish was not served yet. White chocolate cream with sorbet was the dessert. It serves as a period to end of an excellent dinner that night.

The only regret that I had with this place was that I never had a chance to sample their daunted Spaghetti Carbonara. I was lost in the moment of Chef Moncelino dishes that it totally slipped out of my mind as one of the key dishes to try.

Chef Moncelino’s contemporary approach to Roman cuisine combined with his technique and creativity earned Pipero Al Rex a Michelin star after a year it opened and held on to it this year. In just almost three years of existence this restaurant has become one of the Eternal City’s top restaurants.

The combination of Alessandro’s personality and Chef Moncelino culinary magic makes dining at Pipero Al Rex an experience that I will never forget. It is truly an excellent restaurant that needs to be visited when in Rome.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.