Patrick

Well, Remy, since I was one of the nay-sayers regarding Le Bec Fin, recalling my less than stellar dining experience there, I guess I'm one of those you say should be eating my words. But since you hold so much stock in the Mobil 5 star award that they recently received, then I guess you'll have to agree that Maisonette in Cincinatti must be better, since it has won that award 36 years in a row-- ooops, I believe that is 37 now, a feat no other restaurant in the United States has come even close to matching.

Rich

If you like fish, the best restaurant in the US is FLYING FISH in Seattle...not only the best food, but the most exciting crowd and ambience...for Italian I love Girasole in Manhattan..also, in Seattle is the Stumbling Goat...good luck!

dsd

I did not want to scroll through all of this, but where is French laundry?
Sounds like a winner - location??

Patrick

The French Laundry is in Yountville in Napa Valley.
But I just got my new Zagat's San Francisco and noticed that Gary Danko's in San Francisco got the same high ratings at French Laundry. Zagat even said something about selling your car or pawning your TV, or doing whatever you have to do to eat there.
They also say it beat out French Laundry and the others "by a hair" for food.
Haven't seen it mentioned here. Any experience?

JacobH

I've eaten at the Inn at Little Washington twice, both for special occasions. It was wonderful both times. You won't regret your choice!

Little Inn Wash

The Little Inn of Washington is absolutely phenominal. You won't be disappointed. Go all the way and stay in one of their rooms. The place is gorgeous and sooooooooooo romantic. Charming little town.

Jessica

I vote for The French Laundry! Words do not do it justice. And the wine country is so beautiful!

bacabuck

This is an awfully long post already... 1. Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas. 2. Lark, Farmington Hills, MI. 3. Maisonette, Cincinnat, Ohio. All three are incredible. I'd tip my hat to the Mansion. Food, service, and the best winelist I can remember. Next door to the Maisonette is their sister restaurant, LaNormandie. Also great food but a more relaxed atmosphere.

angela

I live in the Bay Area and Gary Dankos is without doubt my favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Amazing service and food, the staff are warm and professional without being pretentious...the food and the wine list draw me back again and again...But..I would turn down a reservation a GD for the French laundryi a heart beat...Why?...because I haven't managed to get a reservation there and EVERYONE has been telling me for years, with starry gazes and sighes in the voices, how fabulous it is . It really is difficult to get a reservation. The sommelier recommended a wine to my friends.When it arrived it was good but they didn't think it was as great as he had stated. They decided to go ahead and additiionally order a different bottle...the one they had favored originally. When the sommelier realized the hadn't been happy with the first bottle, there was nothing wrong with it, he comped them the bottle even though it was over $150! That's service!

Curt

French Laundry, Yountville, CA. Considered by some food critics to be the best in the world!

Jill

Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia
Savona in Gulph Mills, PA

MerryMice

So, have you had your birthday yet? I like the idea of going to San Francisco for an extended weekend. Seeing the sights, building up your appetite by walking, eating and loving well. Then heading up north for that great meal at the French Laundry. Remember great food is but a memory . MY best meal was in Como, the only food I remember was a plate of freash pasta but that night there was a slight rain and a nightengale singing