FOOD FASHIONISTA

MICHELIN Guide San Francisco 2012 Stars Announced

 

 

The List ("*" denotes a newly starred restaurant in that category):

THREE STARS (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)

French Laundry (The)
Restaurant at Meadowood

TWO STARS (excellent cuisine, worth a detour)

Baumé*
Benu*
Coi
Cyrus
Manresa
Saison

ONE STAR (a very good restaurant in its category)

Acquerello
Alexander’s Steakhouse
Ame
Applewood
Atelier Crenn*
Auberge du Soleil
Aziza
Bouchon
Boulevard
Campton Place
Chez TJ
Commis
Dio Deka
étoile
Farmhouse Inn & Rest.
Fleur de Lys
Frances
Gary Danko
La Costanera*
La Folie
La Toque
Luce
Madera
Madrona Manor
Masa’s
Michael Mina*
One Market
Plumed Horse
Quince
Redd
Santé
Solbar
Sons & Daughters*
Spruce
Terra
Terrapin Creek*
Ubuntu
Village Pub (The)
Wakuriya

2012 Michelin Guide New York City Restaurants Announced

 
 

2012 MICHELIN GUIDE NEW YORK CITY STARRED RESTAURANTS

Three Michelin stars mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
One always eats here extremely well, sometimes superbly.  Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients.

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Daniel
Eleven Madison Park
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se


Two Michelin stars mean excellent cuisine, worth a detour
Skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality

Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at The London
Kajitsu
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Marea
Momofuku Ko
SHO Shaun Hergatt
Soto

One Michelin star  means a very good restaurant in its category
A place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard

Adour
Ai Fiori
Aldea
Annisa
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison
Blue Hill
Bouley
The Breslin
Brushstroke
Cafe Boulud
Casa Mono
Danji
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
Dovetail
Dressler
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Heartbreak
Jewel Bako
Junoon
Kyo Ya
Laut
Marc Forgione
Minetta Tavern
The Modern
Oceana
Peter Luger
Picholine
Public
River Cafe
Rosanjin
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seasonal
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Tamarind Tribeca
Tori Shin
Tulsi
Veritas
Wallse
WD-50

Joe's Restaurant 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - Venice, California

 

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 20^th year anniversary of Joe’s Restaurant in Venice, California. It was both inspiring and exciting to see a passionate chef, Joe Miller celebrating what many would call an anomaly in this current upscale dining landscape. He, with the assistance of staff, investors, and a devoted clientele have accomplished the fete of creating a time-honored restaurant serving high-end cuisine in a not always, but often fickle  town of diners seeking what’s new and hot rather than what’s consistently good and solid. After 20 years, Joe's has proven itself to be the go-to white tablecloth, French technique culinary experience in a laid back, Southern California beach town. 

 
Local Lettuces, flowers, herbs w/Chickpea mousse, hazelnut, quinoa

 

Chef Miller graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and in the past, has worked in many respected L.A. dining establishments. His own restaurant launched in 1991 with a modest kitchen and a 60-seat dining room in what at the time, was a not-so-popular area in Venice on Abbot Kinney. Throughout the years, the restaurant has morphed into the current Joe’s that now features a larger kitchen, multiple-seating areas, and an address on one of the most well-known destination streets in the area.

 
 
 
Ocean Trout w/Pine needle smoked tea, young shiitake, barley, ogo

 

Many recognizable L.A. Chefs have worked in the Joe’s Restaurant kitchen including Dan Barber (Blue Hill Farm), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), Trey Foshee (Georges At the Cove), Raphael Lunetta (JiRaffe), Jason Travi (Previously of Fraiche), Jason Knibb (NINE-TEN), Mark Gold (Eva Restaurant), Michael Bryant (Palihouse), Rory Herrmann (Bouchon), Philip Wojtowicz (Big Sur Bakery), Tim Cushman (Boston's O Ya), Josef Centeno (Lazy Ox Canteen), Andrew Kirschner (soon to be opening Tar & Roses) and Joshua Gil (Milta).

 
   Celebrating with Chefs Joe Miller, Mark Gold, and Walter Manzke

 

"The chefs that have been through our doors have been incredible contributors to what Joe's is today," says Chef Joe Miller. "The transformation of our space has always been with them, and that's why Joe's menu has always stayed fresh.  Our philosophy has always been to locally source our ingredients and present them in a casual but elegant way.  Everyone who has worked here has always known it's about one plate and one soul, and they've all worked hard to maintain that," notes Miller.

                            Olive Oil Poached Chantam Cod

  

            Cavatelli w/Arkansas Rabbit, Fine herbs, Brioche

 
       Prime Beef Ribeye w/White bean sunchoke, lobster mushrooms

 

Current Chef de Cuisine, Kris Tominaga, Sous Chef Greg Zanotti, and Pastry Chefs Courtney Reed and Glenn Lara were on hand to prepare a wonderfully well balanced, special six-course tasting menu to commemorate Joe’s Anniversary. The staff at Joe’s is dedicated to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and along with close ties to local farmers, they grow their own ingredients at a nearby garden plot.

 
                  Chef de Cuisine Kris Tominaga & team

 
       Plum Tart paired with N.V. Henriot-Brut-Souverain-Reims

 

Dinner included exemplary wine pairings by wine consultant Christopher Keller, which began with a distinct 2003 Schloss Schlonborn Riesling Kabinett, continuing with a 2009 Joe Miller-Grenache Blanc from Santa Barbara, a 2008 Ostata-Crianza-Rioja, followed by a 2007 Emanuel Tres-Tinto Roberto Syrah from Larner Vineyards. And like any worthy celebration would, the Champagne was flowing all four-plus hours long.

Happy 20^th Anniversary Joe’s Restaurant and cheers to many, many more…

 

 

Joe's Special Anniversary Offerings:

-September 20^th, 2011 to Wednesday, October 5^th, 2011 - lunch special for $20.00.  Each day at lunch, Joe's will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu with a special amuse from Tominaga, and a complimentary glass of wine from Miller.

-September 20th, 2011 to Friday, September 30^th, 2011 - dinner special includes a four-course prix fixe menu for $48. Each evening at 7:00 and 9pm, Miller and his staff will gift each guest with a surprise beverage and make a special toast as a thank you to everyone who has dined at Joe's. 

 

Joe’s Restaurant

1023 Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Venice, CA  90291

310.399.5811

Air France & Joel Robuchon's Gourmet Food Truck - NYC 3/24-3/28

 

Food Trucks and Joel Robuchon? Those are two nouns you would never foresee sharing the same sentence, but never say never. On March 24th through the 28th, Air France will be treating New Yorkers to a Gourmet Food Truck with breakfast, lunch and dinner-menu items created by world-famous French chef Joel Robuchon. And as if it couldn't get any better, the samplings will be free-of-charge, complimentary while supplies last. If there was ever a food truck, to schedule in to your daily itinerary, this would be it.

 

Thursday March 24th
Broadway between 41st St. and 42nd St.
Breakfast – 8am-10am
Lunch - 12pm-2pm
Dinner - 4:30pm-6:30pm

Friday March 25th
5th Ave between 49th St. and 50th St.
Breakfast - 7:30am-9:30am
Lunch - 12pm-2pm
Dinner 4:30pm-6:30pm

Saturday March 26th
Park Ave and 15th St
Breakfast – 9am-11am
Lunch – 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner - 4:30pm-6:30pm

Sunday March 27th
Prince St. and Broadway
Breakfast – 10am-12pm
Lunch – 1pm-3pm
Dinner – 4pm-6pm

Monday March 28th
Wall Street between William and Hanover
Breakfast - 7:30am-9:30am
Lunch - 12pm-2pm
Dinner 4:30pm-6:30pm

Bouchon's Steak Frites - a Perfect Pairing

Yountville, Las Vegas & Beverly Hills...oh my, what a triple threat. They are destinations that couldn't be so different, yet share a commonality that other cities just plain, well envy. They all have a Bouchon residing in all three locales where Thomas Keller's Steak Frites are within close proximity.

The juicy, prime flat-iron steak, prepared medium rare with melted maître d'hôtel butter and carmelized shallots is reason enough to make a visit to Bouchon if you haven't already. And we can't forget the french fries. Oh yes, those fries. Chef Keller proves not only does he have the 3-Star Michelin cooking down pat, but he too can deliver the casual bistro fair in a relaxed environment and make it star-worthy.

During a visit to a recently opened dining spot in the Bay Area, I ordered the Steak Frites and was a bit underwhelmed, to say the least when I received a rubbery steak with over salted fries. And despite the almost $30 entree price tag at lunch, I still managed to see the positive. It reminded me how much Chef Keller and team know exactly what they are doing and it also made me feel quite blessed that there are two Bouchons within a not to far driving distance from home.

 

For more info on Bouchon, visit their website HERE

 

 

MICHELIN Guide 2011 Chicago Stars Announced

 

THREE STARS (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)
Alinea
L20

TWO STARS (excellent cuisine, worth a detour)

Avenues
Charlie Trotter's
Ria

ONE STAR (a very good restaurant in its category)
Blackbird
Boka
Bonsoirée
Crofton on Wells
Everest
graham elliot
Longman & Eagle
NAHA
NoMI
Schwa
Seasons
Sepia
Sixteen
Spiaggia
Takashi
Topolobampo
Tru
Vie

MICHELIN Guide San Francisco 2011 Launch Party - Diner en Rouge

  

                                                      Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

On a recent mid-October evening, San Francisco sparkled with the brightest of stars as Michelin presented their Diner en Rouge soiree at the Clift Hotel’s Spanish Suite. The event was held in conjunction with the morning star announcements of the San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country red guide. Accompanying Michelin Guide Director Jean-Luc Naret and Michelin Guide, North America COO Parmeet Grover were a packed house of the most notable Bay Area and Wine Country culinary luminaries.

 

         Thomas Keller, Jean-Luc Naret, Christopher Kostow

 

               Michelin North America COO, Parmeet Grover

   Aaron London, Carl Swanson, David Kinch, John Paul Carmona

Making an appearance for the festive, energy-filled gathering were prominent local chefs David Kinch, John Paul Carmona, Corey Lee, Mark Dommen, Daniel Patterson , Roland Passot, Richard Reddington, Michael Mina, Gregory Short, Michael Tusk, Mark Sullivan, Joseph Humphries, Dominique Crenn, James Syhabout, Peter Rudolph, Ana Bautista, Mourad Lahlou, Louis Maldonado, Robbie Lewis and many more.

World renowned Michelin three-star chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry celebrated his continuance in the highly coveted three-star realm. And just earlier that day, he was joined by fellow Wine Country chef Christopher Kostow for the newly triple-starred Meadowood, The Restaurant. Kostow is only the second American-born chef to receive these highest of honors after Keller.

 

 Mika Takeuchi, Jean-Luc Naret, Laura Cunningham, Thomas Keller

 

          Daniel Patterson, Mark Dommen, Larry Bouchard

The Philippe Starck designed space set the stage for a gathering of camaraderie and celebration. Despite it falling on a work night, it was a welcome change of scenery watching these meticulous, assiduous kitchen superstars out of their chef’s coats and enjoying a social cocktail, select local wines, and well-prepared bites with industry friends.

 

 
                  Mourad Lahlou and Louis Maldonado

                    Thomas McNaughton, Roland Passot

                        Shirley Fong-Torres, Narsai David

The Trois Etoiles cocktail with Champagne, Cognac, St-Germain, and Lemon proved a crowd favorite. Whether it was the drink’s tempting ingredients which warranted an encore visit to the bar, or the fact that it was an opportunity to delight in your own Trois Etoiles (Three Stars) at a Michelin Guide event, either way Michelin’s Diner en Rouge was an exceptional evening, worth a special journey.

 

For our MICHELIN GUIDE Diner en Rouge Photo Album, visit HERE

All Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

For the full list of 2011 SF MICHELIN Star recipients, visit HERE

Napa Truffle Festival - 2010

Oh the enticing allure of truffles. From their magical history dating back when Ancient Babylonian royals preferred them "wrapped in papyrus and roasted in ashes", to present times when Michelin starred chefs shave them atop the most world-class haute cuisine, truffles are a highly sought after luxurious edible gift from Mother Nature.

 

Truffles are not just any store bought edible fungi. They are in an elevated class all their own. These underground harvested mushrooms which grow on the roots of specific trees, can fetch over $1,000 a pound wholesale for the black winter truffle (Tuber melanosporum) and thousands more for the white truffle varietal. You will often find these seasonal treasures offered on restaurant menus of the most discriminating, top-rated chefs in the world.

One whiff or touch on the tongue of truffle will have you in a europhic state of mind and body. The meeting, no doubt will be heavenly...one you will never forget but hope rather for an imminent repeat performance.

Well my friend, if you want to experience the wonders of truffles yourself, you are in luck with exactly a month to plan for the celestial convergence. The Napa Truffle Festival is coming to the Wine Country for a dream filled weekend equipped with a marketplace, seminars, pairings, tastings, tours, brunches and a 13-Michelin star 6-course dinner prepared by chefs Josiah Citrin, Ken Frank, David Kinch, Gabriel Kreuther, Nancy Oakes, and Sylvain Portay. Another major weekend high point will be the presence of well-respected, world expert truffle scientists Dr. Paul Thomas and Alexander Urban.

The Napa Truffle Festival will showcase the black Périgord truffle and the black summer Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum/uncinatum). A portion of the proceeds of the festival will be donated to Feeding America and The Hunger Project.

For those who want the whole Michelin experience, you can have Michelin Food & Travel create a customized itinerary just for you. Better yet, stay a few extra nights in the Wine Country and make a visit to 3-star Michelin rated restaurants French Laundry and the newly bestowed Restaurant at Meadowood. Now, that would be a culinary-filled week one would never forget.

MICHELIN Guide 2011 San Francisco Stars

 

 

The 2011 San Francisco and Bay Area Michelin Stars were announced today. Two Bay Area restaurants earned three stars in the MICHELIN Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2011. Three stars represent the highest honor Michelin bestows. Only 91 restaurants worldwide currently have the three-star designation. French Laundry earned three stars for the fifth year in a row, while The Restaurant at Meadowood earned its third star for the first time. Meadowood had earned two stars in the 2010 Guide. Three restaurants – Coi, Cyrus and Manresa – earned two stars in this edition, while 39 restaurants earned a single star. A full list of star recipients appears below.

The List ("N" denotes a newly starred restaurant):

THREE STARS (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)
The French Laundry
The Restaurant at Meadowood (N)

TWO STARS (excellent cuisine, worth a detour)
Coi
Cyrus
Manresa

ONE STAR (a very good restaurant in its category)
Acquerello
Alexander’s Steakhouse (N)
Ame
Applewood (N)
Auberge de Soleil
Aziza
Baumé (N)
Bouchon
Boulevard
Campton Place (N)
Chez TJ
Commis
The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton
Dio Deka (N)
étoile
Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant
Fleur de Lys
Frances (N)
Gary Danko
La Folie
La Toque
Luce
Madera (N)
Madrona Manor
Masa’s
Mirepoix (N)
Murray Circle
One Market
Plumed Horse
Quince
Redd
Saison (N)
Santé
Solbar
Spruce (N)
Terra
Ubuntu
The Village Pub
Wakuriya (N)

Michelin Guide New York City 2011

 

2011 MICHELIN GUIDE NEW YORK CITY STARRED RESTAURANTS

(“N” DENOTES A NEW STARRED RESTAURANT)

Three Michelin stars mean exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
One always eats here extremely well, sometimes superbly.  Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients.

Daniel
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se

Two Michelin stars   mean excellent cuisine, worth a detour
Skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality

Alto
Chef Table at Brooklyn Fare (N)
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at The London
Kajitsu (N)
Marea (N)
Momofuku Ko
Picholine
Soto (N)

One Michelin star  means a very good restaurant in its category
A place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard

Adour
Aldea (N)
Annisa
Anthos (closed)
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison (N)
Blue Hill
Bouley
Breslin (The) (N)

Café Boulud
Casa Mono
Convivio
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen (N)
Del Posto
Dovetail (N)
Dressler
Eleven Madison Park
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Jewel Bako
Kyo Ya
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Laut (N)
Marc Forgione
Minetta Tavern
Modern (The)
Oceana
Peter Luger
Public
River Café
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seäsonal
Shalezeh

SHO Shaun Hergatt
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Veritas (currently closed)
Wallsé
wd~50