What is the best restaurant in the United States-cost no object.
Nov 2nd, 2002, 07:17 AM
#22
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I have eaten at most of those listed above, except for the one in Key West and anything in Hawaii. Jules Verne though a breathtaking location is mediocre as a restaurant in my opinion, certainly not worth a trip to France.
This may sound odd, but the most outstanding meal in the States I've ever had was probably at the Maisonette in Cincinatti. It's been quite a few years, so maybe memory has increased its glamour, but it was truly an exceptional place both times I dined there.
By the way, the best meal I ever had in Europe had to be at Chanticleer at the Hotel Negresco in Nice.
Sorry, Dave, Ohio might not be a whole lot more glamorous than Nebraska or North Dakota, but at least Cincinatti is a nice town.
This may sound odd, but the most outstanding meal in the States I've ever had was probably at the Maisonette in Cincinatti. It's been quite a few years, so maybe memory has increased its glamour, but it was truly an exceptional place both times I dined there.
By the way, the best meal I ever had in Europe had to be at Chanticleer at the Hotel Negresco in Nice.
Sorry, Dave, Ohio might not be a whole lot more glamorous than Nebraska or North Dakota, but at least Cincinatti is a nice town.
Nov 2nd, 2002, 07:28 AM
#23
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Got to thinking about The Maisonette and did a google search. It holds a record -- being awarded the Mobil five star award 36 consecutive years.
See the following interesting article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/travel/...000/ltd025.htm
See the following interesting article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/travel/...000/ltd025.htm
Nov 2nd, 2002, 08:41 PM
#24
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Another vote for the French Laundry. I ate there recently, and it was the best meal I've ever had in the U.S., and possibly the best ever. I haven't been to a huge number of the best restaurants in the U.S., but my comparisons to the French Laundry are a number of Michelin 1, 2 and 3-star restaurants in France, and the French Laundry was easily among them and possibly better.
The service was impecable but not snooty, helpful whenever we had questions, the restaurant not too loud or quiet, and the food! I love foie gras, and the foie gras torchon was like heaven. The pearls and oysters were a perfect combination. And on and on.
Yes, it's really tough to get a reservation there. Here's what we did: We stayed at a hotel right in Yountville, and the hotel sent somebody over the day that the French Laundry was taking reservations for the evening we wanted to eat there; they were able to get us reservations. (I also called, using 2 phones both on automatic dial, and never did get through.)
The service was impecable but not snooty, helpful whenever we had questions, the restaurant not too loud or quiet, and the food! I love foie gras, and the foie gras torchon was like heaven. The pearls and oysters were a perfect combination. And on and on.
Yes, it's really tough to get a reservation there. Here's what we did: We stayed at a hotel right in Yountville, and the hotel sent somebody over the day that the French Laundry was taking reservations for the evening we wanted to eat there; they were able to get us reservations. (I also called, using 2 phones both on automatic dial, and never did get through.)
Nov 3rd, 2002, 09:01 AM
#28
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Le Bec Fin may be famous and their chef may be extraordinary, but mainly what I remember from my one dining experience there was:
A) not being able to get waited on
B) sending back my cocktail because there was lipstick on the glass
3) requesting a new fork, because the tines on mine were bent and driving me crazy when I ate with it
4) giving up on coffee because no one would visit us while we sat with our empty dessert plates in front of us for at least half an hour.
Unfortunately, I really do not even remember the food.
(For what it is worth, we received a number of apologies that night, mainly with a "justification" that it was because they were understaffed. A restaurant of that reknown can't get staff????)
A) not being able to get waited on
B) sending back my cocktail because there was lipstick on the glass
3) requesting a new fork, because the tines on mine were bent and driving me crazy when I ate with it
4) giving up on coffee because no one would visit us while we sat with our empty dessert plates in front of us for at least half an hour.
Unfortunately, I really do not even remember the food.
(For what it is worth, we received a number of apologies that night, mainly with a "justification" that it was because they were understaffed. A restaurant of that reknown can't get staff????)
Nov 3rd, 2002, 02:04 PM
#35
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I have never eaten at the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia countryside outside D.C., but it has consistently been rated one of the best restaurants in the U.S.
You should try Aubergine in Newport Beach, CA. It is incredible, especially the chef's tasting menu the night we ate there. And you can walk down to the water after dinner!
You should try Aubergine in Newport Beach, CA. It is incredible, especially the chef's tasting menu the night we ate there. And you can walk down to the water after dinner!
Nov 3rd, 2002, 05:13 PM
#38
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Had dinner at Le Bernandine last Wed. night and it was incredible but the White Barn Inn is still my favorite all around experience. The "garden window" is breathtaking. We were there last Oct. and the window was decorated with a 500 lb white pumpkin surrounded by various shaped and colored gourds, a huge wagon wheel, corn stalks and the tiny white lights. The food and service are impeccable....Long after the money is spent, you'll remember the meal.
