Orson @ SF

Another wonderful lab lunch on the sun-soaked terrace of Madera restaurant at the Rosewood hotel in Menlo park! During lunch, my research assistant Abby mentioned that she recently had dinner at Orson, Elizabeth Falkner's new place in San Francisco. Definitely added to my "must try" list. Predictably, the desserts were not good. Abby actually didn't finish hers, "dry" is what she called it. I've never been a fan of Falkner's desserts at Citizen cake, the cakes and pastries are definitely dry, at least all three times I've been there to try them. However, I've always enjoyed her cooking, which is ironic because she is best known for her pastry work.

Eleven Madison Park @ NYC

Dinner at Eleven Madison Park started with Gougères and a glass of Rosé champagne.
Amouse bouche.
Trying too hard here. Spherified salmon with caviar. Why would you do this to perfectly good salmon. The spherification adds nothing. I bet they had to extract out (or emulsify) some of the fat so that it would spherify correctly--fat has the flavor here!
Everglades Frogs’ Legs
Sautéed with Parsley and Porcini Custard
Foie Gras
Terrine with Golden Pineapple, Pickled Pearl Onions and Rum Raisin Brioche



This was a disappointment.
Scottish Langoustine
Poached with Cauliflower, Toasted Almonds and Raisins


Milk Fed Veal
Braised Cheeks with Celery Root and Black Truffles

“Soda Pop”
Tangerine, Grapefruit, Pomelo and Lemon

Milk & Chocolate
Variations of Flavor and Texture

Amore Patisserie @ MO LV, Las Vegas

The last time I was at the MO LV in January, I bought several pastries for A. who just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl (congrats A.!). When I returned today, I found these cupcakes, this one happens to be vanilla. The Red Velvet cupcake was not photographed because it was eaten too quickly. But it is authentically made with vinegar and cocoa powder. Astonishingly, the clerk not only remembered me, but remembered what I had ordered and who it was for. The service at the MO LV is truly amazing. Where do they find these people?

I do recommend you stop by Amore. Make sure to try their gelato: chocolate strawberry is highly recommended.

Twist @ MO LV - Second Visit

My second visit to Twist was much more approachable than the tasting menu I enjoyed on my first visit--which I thoroughly enjoyed--but may be too adventurous for some eaters. For those eaters who are afraid of excessive innovation, I suggest the a la carte menu, for which there are excellent choices that should please everyone at the table.





Tuna Chantilly and Japanese rice cracker amuse bouche.
Bread is baked by Bon Breads Baking Company in Las Vegas.
The Scallops starter entree.



The fillet entree ordered a la carte from the tasting menu.

Gaignaire's pomme puree, not as rich as Robuchon's--which means you can eat more than a spoonful. Yum.
Fillet carpaccio stuffed with foie gras, on top of a beef Bolognese.
The fillet, perfectly cooked.
My waiter brought this dessert for me because I raved about it from the last tasting menu, even though I didn't order it. Yum!
The red ring dessert, almond on puff pastry and cream.
Bathroom break. Wow!
Meringues and cookies.

Lunch at Olives, Bellagio, Las Vegas

I was trying to keep it light for lunch in anticipation of my dinner at Twist tonight. Todd English's Olives was the perfect choice. It has gotten mixed reviews in the past, but the location is perfect and I was feeling adventurous. I found that despite previous reviews of poor service, my server was excellent and the views of Lake Bellagio are wonderful. Definitely sit outside if you can.

I opted to start with the Beef carpaccio, which was surprisingly gigantically proportioned. The presentation could definitely scare a vegetarian, but don't let that scare you. The huge mound in the middle is a wonderfully-dressed salad with perfectly acid dressing to accompany the unctuous beef. There is tangy earthy cheese that adds complexity to the flavors. And, when you think you have dug through the dish, a square of perfectly pan-seared polenta reveals itself.

The perfect bite.
The shrimp scampi polenta was also very flavorful, and the garlic chips weren't at all bitter.

A great lunch, and value at $45.00.