"What's in a name?" Not much, if you ask Romeo. But the question certainly bears contemplation when dining at The Restaurant. That which we call the restaurant by any other name would still be as delightful an experience. However, perhaps this restaurant really is THE restaurant by which all others should compare.
From the flavor bombs and textural contradictions to the attentive service and warm ambiance, our dinner at The Restaurant is among the top fine dining experiences of my life. Having the fortune and luxury to dine at Michelin restaurants around the world from Napa to New York City to Versailles, the twelve course tasting menu delivered more than anticipated and is perhaps the most memorable and delicious of them all. The Restaurant's name really can have no other name as fitting as its current epithet.
The meal began with an offering of champagne which we politely refused. Immediately my husband and I were served an array of half a dozen amuse-bouche with complex flavors and spices, mainly with an Asian flair. From the Gruyere cone and baked potato puff to the rice roll and seafood foam bisque with caviar, our palettes were absolutely whetted. Every course was on point. The various ingredients which independently are ordinary came together in every bite to be unique, one of a kind, bites of decadence and wonder. From the Norway lobster tail served with underripe mango discs in Rooibos broth to the Kagoshima beef prepared three ways, each dish was expertly prepared and delivered. It's no wonder Chef Heiko Nieder earned his three Michelin stars.
By the end of the meal, we were amazed how fast the five and half hours flew by. We finished with a dessert of milk and apple sorbets in a lychee broth, and of course several confections and pralines. The final bite was appropriately the best--a macadamia nut praline enrobed in white chocolate which reminded me of the Chantilly buttercream frosting on a Hawaiian Chantilly cake. Simply divine.
Wayne Newton couldn't have said it better: Danke Schoen to everyone at The Restaurant. read more