Yearly Archives: 2015

The NoMad (New York, NY)

Posted on by September 23, 2015

The NoMad
1170 Broadway
New York, NY 10001
Dining date: 9/10/15

NOMAD

While traveling in New York City for business, I took a couple of days off to explore the city. That meant a few open meals to plan in town and a dizzying array of options. After plenty of deliberation, I decided on The NoMad for a solo lunch.

The NoMad, inside the hotel of the same name, is the second restaurant from the Eleven Madison Park team of Daniel Humm and Will Guidara. The food and vibe here is much more casual than its highly-acclaimed sibling, but The NoMad has plenty of accolades in its own right. It currently holds one Michelin star and is ranked #67 on Pellegrino’s world’s best restaurant’s list.

INTERIOR

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Michael Tusk & Marc Vetri @ Providence (Los Angeles, CA)

Posted on by September 20, 2015

Providence
5955 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Dining date: 9/14/15

Providence

This year, Providence is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the restaurant held a three-part guest chef series. The first one was last month featuring Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn in San Francisco) and Suzanne Goin (Lucques), while this one brought chefs Michael Tusk (Quince in San Francisco) and Marc Vetri (Vetri in Philadelphia) into the restaurant. Rounding out the series will be a dinner next month featuring David Kinch (Manresa in Los Gatos) and Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur in France).

I’ve been to Michelin two-starred Quince once and casual sister restaurant Cotogna a few times. This would be my first time having Vetri’s food, though. Tusk, Vetri and Providence’s Michael Cimarusti and pastry chef Jessi Liu collaborated on the evening’s menu, eight courses, for $225.
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Ad Lib (Yountville, CA)

Posted on by September 13, 2015

Ad Lib
Silverado Resort
1600 Atlas Peak Rd
Napa, CA 94558
Dining date: 8/30/15

Silverado

When The French Laundry closed this past winter for a remodel, Thomas Keller partnered with Napa’s Silverado Resort to open up a temporary restaurant on the grounds. The primary reason was to keep the TFL team employed while the restaurant was closed, which was only supposed to be about 3-4 months. The French Laundry did reopen in April, but Ad Lib’s run has been extended through October when the resort will host a PGA Tour event.

While I am a huge Thomas Keller fan, I was a little apprehensive about trying Ad Lib. The restaurant had received somewhat mixed reviews and The French Laundry staff had already departed in April back to their home restaurant. Furthermore, one of the most popular dishes from the original run, a short rib beef wellington, was no longer on the menu. However, I figured I might as well give the restaurant a try during its limited run.

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Temporarily situated inside the resort’s Royal Oak restaurant, Ad Lib was one of the dimmest restaurants in recent memory. The focus of the decor was primarily on the large windows peering out onto the resort grounds and its golf course. While it was dark by the time of our reservation, we observed a striking moonrise over the mountains.

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Bouchon (Yountville, CA)

Posted on by September 7, 2015

Bouchon
6534 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
Dining date: 8/31/15

Exterior

I’ve been to the Beverly Hills and Las Vegas locations of Bouchon numerous times although I had not been to Bouchon’s first location here in Yountville (until now). I’d like to think I’m very familiar with the cuisine here; the menu at all Bouchon locations is pretty much the same serving up Thomas Keller’s interpretation of French bistro food. One thing that does set this location apart is that it’s garnered a Michelin star.

I stopped in for a late Monday lunch after a morning of wine tasting.

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Ad Hoc (Yountville, CA)

Posted on by September 3, 2015

Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
Dining date: 8/30/15

Ad HocI’ve been to Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc twice before (with the last visit over five years ago) and been to Addendum once, earlier this year. While looking for a brunch spot for a large party, Ad Hoc came up as the popular choice.

This would be my first time having brunch here. Ad Hoc offers one daily menu, 3-4 courses served family style. The restaurant sometimes serves its famous fried chicken in a classic chicken and waffles dish for brunch; I was really hoping for this but it wasn’t in the cards this afternoon.

Interior

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Bestia (Los Angeles, CA) [4]

Posted on by August 28, 2015

Bestia
2121 7th Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Dining date: 2/7/15, 3/22/15 and 8/26/15

BestiaOpen almost three years now, Bestia continues to be a restaurant I frequent. I’m not alone; it seems to be as popular as ever. I consider it one of my favorite restaurants in the city and am lucky to have it in close proximity to me downtown.

The menu at Bestia changes often, rotating based on the seasons and ingredient availability. However, there’s always a handful of menu staples as well; every time I visit, I get some of these old favorites as well as some new ones. This post recaps three previous visits. Continue reading →