In no particular order:
Playa Del Carmen - Antojitos Sandra
a hole-in-the-wall open-air restaurant with a faded sign right in the town. They sat us down and the cooking is all done on a raised area right in front of us. The waiter told us to relax and he would take care of us. what happened next was 2 hours of delicious heaven. Dish after dish of traditional Yucatan Mexican food cooked over a wood fire and plenty of cervezas. It cost around $320 for 8 of us and we still talk about it years later. So damn good and such a fun time with great service!
Craftsteak, MGM Grand - Las Vegas
One key aspect for a fun memorable meal is the ambiance and the company you keep on top of the excellent food. I and three Aussies I do work with took a break from a job site to go to Vegas for 3 days. Our first meal was at Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak. Each of us ordered the domestic Wagyu Ribeye and the damn thing took an hour to eat. It was so delicious all you wanted to do was slice off a sliver and savior it. Add to that Diver Scallops and Beef Tartare appetizers and it was amazing and a great time by all.
Jackson Hole, Wy - Friends house
What a meal! Elk Ribeyes, Venison Backstraps wrapped in Bacon, Buffalo Plate Ribs, and his homemade Boar Hotlinks. Add to that ice-cold Alaskan Amber beer, great friends you haven't seen in a while, and you have the makings of a day of food for the ages.
I love these food threads!
I am plain Jane, Haha.
A distant second but still good was the tasting menu at Scott Conant’s restaurant. Forget the name (and it’s gone anyway, I believe) but it was close to Chelsea Market.
Third is the Buffett (I know it sounds silly) at Nordic Lodge in Rhode Island. Expensive as hell for a buffet but all you can eat lobster.
Would love to go there & I know flights are cheap. But isn't it expensive as hell once there? A beer is like $20?
A little place in Rutherford, NJ- Cafe Matisse- many wonderful meals at this place, always a culinary masterpiece.
A night at Peter Lugers in Brooklyn- lamb chops, shrimp and bacon for an appetizer and the porterhouse as the main course- creamed spinach and hash browns as sides. Went their many times as a trader on the street.
Nobu was really cool. Went there when it first opened. I had the opportunity to dine in all the hot spots in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and other cities as I visited accounts across the U.S. Those were the days, and some of the meals I just forget.
1) An Italian Restaurant in Heidenheim, Germnay. The owner sat us down and said, "I cook for you tonight. No menu", then he proceeded to bring out about 10 different courses, served family style. Then before leaving, he gave my boss a framed painting of Padre Pio, another guy in our group a bottle of pickled peppers and he gave me a gallon of olive oil that was pressed on his Mother's land in Italy.
2) A meal at a seafood restaurant in Shenzhen, China. The first floor was a seafood market. You picked out what you wanted and they sent it to the kitchen to cook. Like a traditional meal, we sat at a spinning table and had several dishes come out and passed along. Razor clams, whole steamed fish, prawns, crab and a couple other dishes along with several plates of steamed vegetables. Fantastic
3) A meal in Rome with my wife and I in a hole in the wall restaurant. This was more circumstance than anything else. We had brought my parents and sister to Italy and after spending a few days in Rome, we rented a car to go inland to my Grandmother's hometown, Macchia Valfortore. When we went to pick the car up, it was a 15 minute train ride to the airport. We get the car, realize we don't have GPS and then go on a 3 hour drive back to the apartment we rented in Rome. We get back about 10PM and haven't eaten, so we see a restaurant down the street from the apartment and have a meal. The most delicious bucatini amatraciani ever. The pasta had a light sauce and then was swirled in a giant cheese rind and tossed with pancetta. Combined with the ordeal of the car and getting a romantic dinner with my wife over excellent food was amazing.
We get back to the apartment and my parents were waiting up for us and pissed we didn't call. We didn't have a cellphone that worked internationally! I felt like a teenager breaking curfew.
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Definitely go to Reykjavik. It’s cheap (at least to fly there) and beautiful. But just go for the tasting menu at The Fish market.
Would love to go there & I know flights are cheap. But isn't it expensive as hell once there? A beer is like $20?
It’s been a few years but it didn’t seem extraordinary at the time. We split the trip in half and went to London in the middle and that didn’t seem much different I cost. If anything, a little more expensive IIRC
Dinner
I had a pork loin medallions on mashed potatoes meal in Dresden that was fabulous.
2 - Backyard BBQ (that's the name of the place) - Arkansas - enough said
3 - Had dinner in Cinderella's castle in Disney World. That was just really cool
The only qualifier brother is it needs to be memorable. The complete experience! One of mine is at a buddies house
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I'm gonna have to give it some thought and I'm not sure something in the top 3 isn't something I've made at home
The only qualifier brother is it needs to be memorable. The complete experience! One of mine is at a buddies house
Hey, I've got 50 years to reflect on. It's gonna take some time :)
2. Sushi Kashiba, Seattle, WA. Did omakase that was trancedent.
3. Bateau, Seattle, WA. While I was there before for the steaks, the time after they open after COVID with a tasting menu was once in a lifetime. Having a 120 day aged steak was incredible.
1) An Italian Restaurant in Heidenheim, Germnay. The owner sat us down and said, "I cook for you tonight. No menu", then he proceeded to bring out about 10 different courses, served family style. Then before leaving, he gave my boss a framed painting of Padre Pio, another guy in our group a bottle of pickled peppers and he gave me a gallon of olive oil that was pressed on his Mother's land in Italy.
2) A meal at a seafood restaurant in Shenzhen, China. The first floor was a seafood market. You picked out what you wanted and they sent it to the kitchen to cook. Like a traditional meal, we sat at a spinning table and had several dishes come out and passed along. Razor clams, whole steamed fish, prawns, crab and a couple other dishes along with several plates of steamed vegetables. Fantastic
3) A meal in Rome with my wife and I in a hole in the wall restaurant. This was more circumstance than anything else. We had brought my parents and sister to Italy and after spending a few days in Rome, we rented a car to go inland to my Grandmother's hometown, Macchia Valfortore. When we went to pick the car up, it was a 15 minute train ride to the airport. We get the car, realize we don't have GPS and then go on a 3 hour drive back to the apartment we rented in Rome. We get back about 10PM and haven't eaten, so we see a restaurant down the street from the apartment and have a meal. The most delicious bucatini amatraciani ever. The pasta had a light sauce and then was swirled in a giant cheese rind and tossed with pancetta. Combined with the ordeal of the car and getting a romantic dinner with my wife over excellent food was amazing.
We get back to the apartment and my parents were waiting up for us and pissed we didn't call. We didn't have a cellphone that worked internationally! I felt like a teenager breaking curfew.
Primo. Rockland ME
Villa Igeia, Palermo Sicily.
Thai treats, al terrace Lebanese, Doha Qatar.
Edos Squid, Richmond VA
L'Opossum Richmond VA
Sobrino de Botín, Madrid, Spain
Eleven Madison Park - now it is vegan. But, when we went they had a wonderful menu , including some items and cocktails prepared tableside. It is a real dining experience.
Blue in the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman. It's an Eric Riepert restaurant (of Le Bernadin fame). Another true experience.
Honorable mentions:
Danube - now closed
Daniel - We met Daniel Bouloud. He wnet into the kitchen and thinly sliced cucumber for our 2 year old son and gave him a Daniel bib for being so wonderfully behaved.
Aquavit in the original location in Manhattan. Sat next to an indoor waterfall, had amazing infused vodkas and the food was amazing.
Vong
Wayan - Son of Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Villa Verdi - Capri - Best bufala mozzarella I've ever tasted.
No clue of the name of the place - We hired a small boat in Lipari of the Aeolian Islands to visit Vulcano and natural hot springs/mud baths. Leonardo, the captain, insisted on taking us to a restaurant only accessible by boat that only the locals really went to. He spoke no English and we spoke no Italian. He ordered everything and somehow we had the most amazing meal, full of vibrant "conversation".
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tough to narrow it down because of some fantastic dining experiences.
1) An Italian Restaurant in Heidenheim, Germnay. The owner sat us down and said, "I cook for you tonight. No menu", then he proceeded to bring out about 10 different courses, served family style. Then before leaving, he gave my boss a framed painting of Padre Pio, another guy in our group a bottle of pickled peppers and he gave me a gallon of olive oil that was pressed on his Mother's land in Italy.
2) A meal at a seafood restaurant in Shenzhen, China. The first floor was a seafood market. You picked out what you wanted and they sent it to the kitchen to cook. Like a traditional meal, we sat at a spinning table and had several dishes come out and passed along. Razor clams, whole steamed fish, prawns, crab and a couple other dishes along with several plates of steamed vegetables. Fantastic
3) A meal in Rome with my wife and I in a hole in the wall restaurant. This was more circumstance than anything else. We had brought my parents and sister to Italy and after spending a few days in Rome, we rented a car to go inland to my Grandmother's hometown, Macchia Valfortore. When we went to pick the car up, it was a 15 minute train ride to the airport. We get the car, realize we don't have GPS and then go on a 3 hour drive back to the apartment we rented in Rome. We get back about 10PM and haven't eaten, so we see a restaurant down the street from the apartment and have a meal. The most delicious bucatini amatraciani ever. The pasta had a light sauce and then was swirled in a giant cheese rind and tossed with pancetta. Combined with the ordeal of the car and getting a romantic dinner with my wife over excellent food was amazing.
We get back to the apartment and my parents were waiting up for us and pissed we didn't call. We didn't have a cellphone that worked internationally! I felt like a teenager breaking curfew.
Ironically, we had one of the worst bucatini amatraciani dishes in Rome. We were going out to Campo de Fiori for drinks and just went to a restaurant in the square. Our worst meal in Italy.
That sucks.
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In comment 15322738 FatMan in Charlotte said:
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tough to narrow it down because of some fantastic dining experiences.
1) An Italian Restaurant in Heidenheim, Germnay. The owner sat us down and said, "I cook for you tonight. No menu", then he proceeded to bring out about 10 different courses, served family style. Then before leaving, he gave my boss a framed painting of Padre Pio, another guy in our group a bottle of pickled peppers and he gave me a gallon of olive oil that was pressed on his Mother's land in Italy.
2) A meal at a seafood restaurant in Shenzhen, China. The first floor was a seafood market. You picked out what you wanted and they sent it to the kitchen to cook. Like a traditional meal, we sat at a spinning table and had several dishes come out and passed along. Razor clams, whole steamed fish, prawns, crab and a couple other dishes along with several plates of steamed vegetables. Fantastic
3) A meal in Rome with my wife and I in a hole in the wall restaurant. This was more circumstance than anything else. We had brought my parents and sister to Italy and after spending a few days in Rome, we rented a car to go inland to my Grandmother's hometown, Macchia Valfortore. When we went to pick the car up, it was a 15 minute train ride to the airport. We get the car, realize we don't have GPS and then go on a 3 hour drive back to the apartment we rented in Rome. We get back about 10PM and haven't eaten, so we see a restaurant down the street from the apartment and have a meal. The most delicious bucatini amatraciani ever. The pasta had a light sauce and then was swirled in a giant cheese rind and tossed with pancetta. Combined with the ordeal of the car and getting a romantic dinner with my wife over excellent food was amazing.
We get back to the apartment and my parents were waiting up for us and pissed we didn't call. We didn't have a cellphone that worked internationally! I felt like a teenager breaking curfew.
Ironically, we had one of the worst bucatini amatraciani dishes in Rome. We were going out to Campo de Fiori for drinks and just went to a restaurant in the square. Our worst meal in Italy.
That sucks.
It was a very fortuitous trip. We planned well and then lucked into some things too. One night, we saw people lining the streets and we saw a procession. It was a group of Cardinals walking and at the end was a galls cubicle being carried, but it was empty. Behind it was the Pope, walking instead of being toted. And cries from the people "Papa! Papa!". Completely unplanned on our part to see it.
It was a very fortuitous trip. We planned well and then lucked into some things too. One night, we saw people lining the streets and we saw a procession. It was a group of Cardinals walking and at the end was a galls cubicle being carried, but it was empty. Behind it was the Pope, walking instead of being toted. And cries from the people "Papa! Papa!". Completely unplanned on our part to see it.
I love memorable events like that, especially when there are random people involved
I love memorable events like that, especially when there are random people involved
Same trip...You could ski into Italy from the Swiss side...so we all stop for lunch on the Italian side. The Chef was the bartender...so the herb shots were flowing...I order Jugged Venison and Polenta...the Chef brings out dish after dish that are perfect...then comes mine
My plate looks like someone in the kitchen puked up food...
Everyone is cracking up over my food...It was perfection
2) Roasted eggplant with watermelon and pomegranates at Aubergine in Ibaza, Spain
3) Enchiladas at Hamberguesa in Old Town San Diego
Honorable mention — tasting menu at 11 Madison Park, the vegetarian selection of the day at House of Nanking, San Francisco
Tiburon- Sandy, UT. Our favorite restaurant in UT, we're going back there in 3 weeks when we visit. We always have the seared ahi and usually the elk tenderloin, and share. The bread is great and they always have a delicious compound butter with it. Intermezzo.
Park City, UT- My first experience with osso bucco, at Grappa's. They've since raised prices to where I didn't feel there was value anymore. I've made it many times at home, since, and it's one of my favorites.
Jackson Hole, WY- Mustard crusted rack of lamb at The Blue Lion. I've had many racks of lamb, but the meat was just incredible there.
We decided to make soup.
The councilors brought in an intact raw cow's stomach and hung it from a tripod made of three cut branches from trees. In was huge and stunk like hell.
We then proceeded to fill it 1/2 way with water, add local wild skunk cabbage, corn off the cob and whatever canned vegetables our councilors thought were likely available to native Americans, apparently.
Rocks larger than grapefruits were heated in a nearby fire and added to the liquid in the hanging tripe bag to get the contents boiling. I have a memory of one exploding as it hit the cold veg mixture. The stench was overwhelming, absolutely memorable to this day.
We kept adding rocks for quite a while.
Eventually we called it done and actually tried to eat it. The amazing thing is I don't remember anyone going hungry or getting sick.
That was 56 years ago. Right about this time in the summer. Undoubtedly the most memorable meal of my life.
One would have to be a meal that I had in Santorini Greece while on a booze cruise.
The other two would have to be big meals with lots of entrees that were home cooked
Chef Michael's in Islamorada for a some of the best fish I've ever had. Honorable mention to Morada Bay for another great meal, but come to find out that was where Bloodline was filmed. Pretty cool.
Beacon Room in Orleans, MA. Best surf and turf I can remember, and it blew away any expectations since it was the only place we could get into that night. Highly recommend.
Chèvre d' Or in Eze France
The (now long gone) sister restaurant of Commander's Palace when it was near the Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas.
2) Omekase at Kame in Las Vegas
3) Spaghetti Carbonara at Domo94 in London
Some honorable mentions:
Someone mentioned Matisse in Rutherford - totally agree
Spaghetti from Scarpetta
The steak sandwich from Helmers' in Hoboken (mostly memorable because it doesn't exist anymore)
2) Montpelier Plantation Inn, Nevis. Their grotto meal is only your table, in a cave, candlelight, seafood caught that day...you have to supply the very hot girl...I did..then married her.
3) Tailgating before a Monday Night Football Cowboys game about 15 yrs ago. Was a guest of Shop-Rite executives in a luxury box, but the pre-game was incredible...70-80 people, 3 guys grilling filet mignon, clams, you name it, we ate and drank like kings, the whole atmosphere was amazing...and we won!
That brings back memories! The fettucini alfredo there was my favorite growing up.
A distant second but still good was the tasting menu at Scott Conant’s restaurant. Forget the name (and it’s gone anyway, I believe) but it was close to Chelsea Market.
Third is the Buffett (I know it sounds silly) at Nordic Lodge in Rhode Island. Expensive as hell for a buffet but all you can eat lobster.
Scarpetta, which I wold agree is an amazing restaurant. The Mrs and I shared the shared the spaghetti with Tomato an Basil, which sounds awfully plain, but it was the best spaghetti and red sauce I've ever eaten, Wagyu Strip, which I could have eaten 2 of.
Ha!
I'm sure he could get more than three meals out of you, but only three would really be most memorable.
2. Twist at the Mandarin Oriental (now Waldorf Astoria) in Las Vegas
3. Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola, Italy
Asturian Fabada - My grandmothers farm Northern Spain
Sea bass Cuban style - my signature dish.
And yes I really appreciate these threads, keep 'em coming guys!
Second - An Oyster Loaf at K-Paul's in New Orleans. I went on one of the old Big Blue Travel (?) away games in 1993. First day we went straight to K-Paul's for lunch. Incredible sandwich. Fresh housemate yeast bread, hollowed out, and stuffed with fried oysters, and garlic mayonnaise. It was served with 'Fringers' on the side. Thin cut Onion Rings, and Shoestring Potatoes. One of my friends ordered Meatloaf, and the rest of us laughed at him, because he was a basic food eater. It was the best meatloaf I have ever tried. Lucky we went too, as we went back the next day for dinner, and they were closed for Christmas break. Giants win 24-14. Great trip.
Third - We did say memorable right? I was on a liquid diet called optimist. It was protein shakes only. For 6 weeks all I had was vanilla, or chocolate shakes. I had some health issues six weeks in, and they said I needed salt, so they told me to drink some instant broth. So after 6 weeks, a cup of MBT Chicken broth was the first savory flavor I had in 42 days. Yes, it was fucking fantastic, and that is no exaggeration.
Tapas crawl, or should I say Pintxos crawl in San Sebastian, Spain with the wife was probably my most memorable culinary experience. Also ordering half the menu at Ramiro in Lisbon, and plates of fish fry piled high with my parents when visiting Alhambra at Grenada. Can't forget eating robustly for a week at Florence until I got gout and had to be wheeled into customs at JFK.....good times.
Second - An Oyster Loaf at K-Paul's in New Orleans. I went on one of the old Big Blue Travel (?) away games in 1993. First day we went straight to K-Paul's for lunch. Incredible sandwich. Fresh housemate yeast bread, hollowed out, and stuffed with fried oysters, and garlic mayonnaise. It was served with 'Fringers' on the side. Thin cut Onion Rings, and Shoestring Potatoes. One of my friends ordered Meatloaf, and the rest of us laughed at him, because he was a basic food eater. It was the best meatloaf I have ever tried. Lucky we went too, as we went back the next day for dinner, and they were closed for Christmas break. Giants win 24-14. Great trip.
Third - We did say memorable right? I was on a liquid diet called optimist. It was protein shakes only. For 6 weeks all I had was vanilla, or chocolate shakes. I had some health issues six weeks in, and they said I needed salt, so they told me to drink some instant broth. So after 6 weeks, a cup of MBT Chicken broth was the first savory flavor I had in 42 days. Yes, it was fucking fantastic, and that is no exaggeration.
Great stuff and I can relate to your broth story. I had Diverticulitous 7 years ago that actually perforated my intestine. 5-days in the hospital not eating a thing and then finally on the 6th day I was allowed to have beef broth. Oh my God did that taste good.
Was it really that good?
but the first time I tried New Haven pizza (my first was Sally's - everyone remembers their first, lol) as someone old enough to have discernible taste (maybe 13 or 14) it changed my life. I became a pizza snob and I am now stuck with unfairly high pizza standards.
Hors d’oeuvres:
Pork rillettes with cornichons and whole-grain Dijon
Miniature crayfish cakes with chipotle tartar sauce
Benton’s bacon, fig, and Gorgonzola flatbreads
Muffaletta salad in phyllo cups
Seafood rémoulade crostini
Duck confit arancini with Creole mustard sauce
Main courses:
Voodoo shrimp with Worcestershire cream and jalapeño cornbread
Duck leg confit with duck breast, porcini, and Tasso ham jambalaya, white truffle oil, and Tabasco gastrique
Root-beer-glazed Berkshire pork strip loin with whipped New Jersey sweet potatoes and brown butter Brussels sprouts
Braised beef short rib with applewood-smoked bacon, mushrooms, caramelized pearl onion cheese grits, and braised New Jersey collard greens
The food never stopped coming, it was a magical, unforgettable evening.
Drew's Bayshore Bistro - ( New Window )
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The chef’s tasting menu at The Fish Market in Reykjavik.
A distant second but still good was the tasting menu at Scott Conant’s restaurant. Forget the name (and it’s gone anyway, I believe) but it was close to Chelsea Market.
Third is the Buffett (I know it sounds silly) at Nordic Lodge in Rhode Island. Expensive as hell for a buffet but all you can eat lobster.
Scarpetta, which I wold agree is an amazing restaurant. The Mrs and I shared the shared the spaghetti with Tomato an Basil, which sounds awfully plain, but it was the best spaghetti and red sauce I've ever eaten, Wagyu Strip, which I could have eaten 2 of.
Yes! Thank you.
OMG, how could I forget New Orleans??? (I guess that, by definition, makes them not memorable)
But my first time at K-Paul's was amazing. Just starting with the cajun martini and his blackstrap molasses rolls....Then I had this stuffed mirliton (without even knowing what a mirliton is...
I've been to K-Paul's several times and it was always good. But, definitely the first time was memorable.
However, the last time I was in NOLA, we went to Commander's Palace for lunch and K-Pauls for dinner and I have to say that I enjoyed lunch more. Finished the meal with this bread pudding topped topped with a baked meringue and then they poked a hole in and added a bourbon sauce). That would be up there for the best thing I've ever eaten.
Hors d’oeuvres:
Pork rillettes with cornichons and whole-grain Dijon
Miniature crayfish cakes with chipotle tartar sauce
Benton’s bacon, fig, and Gorgonzola flatbreads
Muffaletta salad in phyllo cups
Seafood rémoulade crostini
Duck confit arancini with Creole mustard sauce
Main courses:
Voodoo shrimp with Worcestershire cream and jalapeño cornbread
Duck leg confit with duck breast, porcini, and Tasso ham jambalaya, white truffle oil, and Tabasco gastrique
Root-beer-glazed Berkshire pork strip loin with whipped New Jersey sweet potatoes and brown butter Brussels sprouts
Braised beef short rib with applewood-smoked bacon, mushrooms, caramelized pearl onion cheese grits, and braised New Jersey collard greens
The food never stopped coming, it was a magical, unforgettable evening.
Drew's Bayshore Bistro - ( New Window )
2 Casablanca Bonaire
3 Medieval feast on the River Thames
Quote:
A few years back 2011/2012? I had the great pleasure of dining at The James Beard House, the guest chef that night was none other than BBI'S own Drew Araneo of Drew's Bayshore Bistro. On the menu that night:
Hors d’oeuvres:
Pork rillettes with cornichons and whole-grain Dijon
Miniature crayfish cakes with chipotle tartar sauce
Benton’s bacon, fig, and Gorgonzola flatbreads
Muffaletta salad in phyllo cups
Seafood rémoulade crostini
Duck confit arancini with Creole mustard sauce
Main courses:
Voodoo shrimp with Worcestershire cream and jalapeño cornbread
Duck leg confit with duck breast, porcini, and Tasso ham jambalaya, white truffle oil, and Tabasco gastrique
Root-beer-glazed Berkshire pork strip loin with whipped New Jersey sweet potatoes and brown butter Brussels sprouts
Braised beef short rib with applewood-smoked bacon, mushrooms, caramelized pearl onion cheese grits, and braised New Jersey collard greens
The food never stopped coming, it was a magical, unforgettable evening.
Drew's Bayshore Bistro - ( New Window )
Anyone else read that quickly and wonder how Drew Barrymore had a restaurant that would make a most memorable list?
2) some seafood chowder at a hole in the wall pub in Doolin Ireland
French Laundry-enough said
Chef Ron Siegel- Masa (SF) and The Ritz Carlton (SF)- truly remarkable tasting menus. The Ritz meal was the same weekend as the French Laundry, pure chance, did not know chef Siegel was there, what a wonderful foodie weekend.
Gaggan in Bangkok- 24 courses with an emoji menu, truly unique experience
Really great memories and looking forward to more!
But even with all that -- there are three meals we have had that were not only extraordinary but super special memories -- one was in vineyard in the hills on the outskirts of Greve in Tuscany, Italy and the other two were in Sardinia.
I'll start with the San Francisco Mushroom Farm in Sardinia. This spanish family had migrated to Sardinia and advertised a porcini mushroom farm and restaurant. Mrs gidiefor and I still raise mushrooms and were fascinated and enchanted with the idea of a porcini mushroom farm. Porcini's are wild mushrooms and we had never heard of a way to farm them. This farm was located in an old Roman section of Sardinia, they had an ancient farmhouse with their San Francisco sign out front. We had a wonderful time chatting with us and while they assured us they had figured out how to cultivate porcinis they would not show us their beds or describe the process to us, but they invited us to dinner and made us a meal that was all about the porcini mushroom. It was heavenly, and the porcinis were quite impressive as well as delicious (the wine was good too, lol). We staggered out of there and I drove into an ancient roman ditch on the way out. The owner of San Francisco came out, and called up all the local towns people to help us get our car out of the ditch.
A local restaurant/hotel next to where were staying and right on the water, attracted us to dinner one night. We ordered fish baked in salt, and they line caught the fish for us and prepared this sinfully delicious dinner. After dinner we and chatted with and became friends with the family matriarch, that owned the restaurant and asked her where one goes to have a traditional Sardinian pig roast. It's a roasting of a suckling pig in myrtle that supposed to be the quintessential Sardinian meal. She said to me - you're in luck. Tomorrow is the last day of the hotel season and we invite you to be our guest as we celebrate our staff with the traditional suckling pig dinner. We came back the next night and they apparently made us the guests of honor and served this elaborate meal that completely celebrated the entire pig. Seven course each made with a different part of the suckling pig. We were served the head, lol and apparently didn't realize the significance of this, but our friend came over and told us that you are the guests of honor and have been served the head, that we must eat the cheeks in front of the assemblage. Which we promptly did and it was an extraordinarily delicious and delicately succulent part of the meal.
The third meal was served at il Rignano (the hedgehog) an old world restaurant that is part of a giant vineyard in the hills of Tuscany. The waiter told us that the special of the day was baby artichokes, which we ordered and he came out with a wooden tray with raw baby artichokes. Their leaves were rolled back and they came with a bowl of olive oil and another bowl of lemons. The waiter asked us if we knew how to eat the artichokes this way, which we did not, never having had a raw artichoke before. He said you just take it and dip it in the olive oil and squeeze the lemon on it and take a bite (it was their own olive oil pressed there in their vineyard and lemons were from their own trees, and the artichokes were fresh picked from their own artichoke patch). Well they were exquisite and we gobbled them all down. I have never loved artichokes before but I fell Dave Gettleman full bloom in love with them then and there, leading to further adventures that I shall not report now. The rest of the meal was also devine, fresh homemade raviolis that burst open in your mouth with flavor, wine from their vineyard, fresh ricotta cheesecake and ices for dessert. The chef came out and sang opera to us and brought out his own grappa for us to drink while he sang to us, all while we were sitting in the midst of this beautiful vineyard. Another place I nearly crawled out of. I actually collapsed and fell asleep under a lemon tree outside the restaurant much to mrs gidiefor's embarrassment. Ahhh! it was heavenly.
[quote
A few years back 2011/2012? I had the great pleasure of dining at The James Beard House, the guest chef that night was none other than BBI'S own Drew Araneo of Drew's Bayshore Bistro. O
Main courses:
Voodoo shrimp with Worcestershire cream and jalapeño cornbread
[/quote]
Ah, yes, the dish that beat Bobby Flay
If you know anything about it, then you know...
But even with all that -- there are three meals we have had that were not only extraordinary but super special memories -- one was in vineyard in the hills on the outskirts of Greve in Tuscany, Italy and the other two were in Sardinia.
I'll start with the San Francisco Mushroom Farm in Sardinia. This spanish family had migrated to Sardinia and advertised a porcini mushroom farm and restaurant. Mrs gidiefor and I still raise mushrooms and were fascinated and enchanted with the idea of a porcini mushroom farm. Porcini's are wild mushrooms and we had never heard of a way to farm them. This farm was located in an old Roman section of Sardinia, they had an ancient farmhouse with their San Francisco sign out front. We had a wonderful time chatting with us and while they assured us they had figured out how to cultivate porcinis they would not show us their beds or describe the process to us, but they invited us to dinner and made us a meal that was all about the porcini mushroom. It was heavenly, and the porcinis were quite impressive as well as delicious (the wine was good too, lol). We staggered out of there and I drove into an ancient roman ditch on the way out. The owner of San Francisco came out, and called up all the local towns people to help us get our car out of the ditch.
A local restaurant/hotel next to where were staying and right on the water, attracted us to dinner one night. We ordered fish baked in salt, and they line caught the fish for us and prepared this sinfully delicious dinner. After dinner we and chatted with and became friends with the family matriarch, that owned the restaurant and asked her where one goes to have a traditional Sardinian pig roast. It's a roasting of a suckling pig in myrtle that supposed to be the quintessential Sardinian meal. She said to me - you're in luck. Tomorrow is the last day of the hotel season and we invite you to be our guest as we celebrate our staff with the traditional suckling pig dinner. We came back the next night and they apparently made us the guests of honor and served this elaborate meal that completely celebrated the entire pig. Seven course each made with a different part of the suckling pig. We were served the head, lol and apparently didn't realize the significance of this, but our friend came over and told us that you are the guests of honor and have been served the head, that we must eat the cheeks in front of the assemblage. Which we promptly did and it was an extraordinarily delicious and delicately succulent part of the meal.
The third meal was served at il Rignano (the hedgehog) an old world restaurant that is part of a giant vineyard in the hills of Tuscany. The waiter told us that the special of the day was baby artichokes, which we ordered and he came out with a wooden tray with raw baby artichokes. Their leaves were rolled back and they came with a bowl of olive oil and another bowl of lemons. The waiter asked us if we knew how to eat the artichokes this way, which we did not, never having had a raw artichoke before. He said you just take it and dip it in the olive oil and squeeze the lemon on it and take a bite (it was their own olive oil pressed there in their vineyard and lemons were from their own trees, and the artichokes were fresh picked from their own artichoke patch). Well they were exquisite and we gobbled them all down. I have never loved artichokes before but I fell Dave Gettleman full bloom in love with them then and there, leading to further adventures that I shall not report now. The rest of the meal was also devine, fresh homemade raviolis that burst open in your mouth with flavor, wine from their vineyard, fresh ricotta cheesecake and ices for dessert. The chef came out and sang opera to us and brought out his own grappa for us to drink while he sang to us, all while we were sitting in the midst of this beautiful vineyard. Another place I nearly crawled out of. I actually collapsed and fell asleep under a lemon tree outside the restaurant much to mrs gidiefor's embarrassment. Ahhh! it was heavenly.
Great stuff Gidie!
If you know anything about it, then you know...
Is Savoys worth the $600 per person price tag?
I remember being on a fishing trip as a young teen with my father and my neighbor and his father. We went out in the morning and caught a bunch of perch. The local guy took the boat to some island and we ate just caught fish cooked on a wood fire.
A meal that was memorable for for the people was with Kobe Japan's Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling in NYC. The restaurant was owned by ex-Jumping Bomb Angel Itsuki Yamazaki and her husband. Besides the DG guys, there was a jd'women's reunion there including Emi Tojo, who had been kicked out of wrestling for making an adult video.
I was paying when I went to Nobu, so it wasn't as good as it would have been on company money.
Steakhouse with the seafood tower always kicks ass.
1) Le Bernardin - my favorite meal - langoustine with a champagne and truffle sauce - best thing I ever ate.
2) Daniel - made my kid pasta with butter table side - best service ever and the cocktail was something other worldly like bourbon with blueberry
3) Per Se - Not sure Per Se has ever been 3rd in any list - the tasting menu was incredible - the salmon lollipop may have been the highlight.
Planned on going back to Le Bernadin and seeing a Mets game in 2020 - but plans changed...
Trout at Paris in Las Vegas.
Veal Chop at Campagnola in NYC.
:thumbsup:
Quote:
Have had just a ton of other great meals/spots but that one was the best.
If you know anything about it, then you know...
Is Savoys worth the $600 per person price tag?
It was for me and my wife. We weren't picking up the tab...
Quote:
In comment 15323827 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
Have had just a ton of other great meals/spots but that one was the best.
If you know anything about it, then you know...
Is Savoys worth the $600 per person price tag?
It was for me and my wife. We weren't picking up the tab...
Nice perc :)
Last class for the day at IAR on University Place. Stood up to leave, turned to the pretty girl sitting behind me, and said 'I'm starving'. She said 'Me too'.
34 years later, we've been married with 3 kids for 28 of them.
Good pizza, BTW. They were one of the first I ever saw that had a wide array of odd toppings.
https://www.foodsofny.com/ - ( New Window )
Quote:
In comment 15323938 montanagiant said:
Quote:
In comment 15323827 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
Have had just a ton of other great meals/spots but that one was the best.
If you know anything about it, then you know...
Is Savoys worth the $600 per person price tag?
It was for me and my wife. We weren't picking up the tab...
Nice perc :)
Yeah, I know a guy...
:-)
That actually sounds like a blast
Quote:
Highly recommended! https://www.foodsofny.com/ - ( New Window )
That actually sounds like a blast
It was awesome!
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Quote:
Highly recommended! https://www.foodsofny.com/ - ( New Window )
That actually sounds like a blast
The DIM SUM and the Peking Duck were out of this world on the Chinatown tour.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
Quote:
I have had was in Bremerhaven Germany in the Fischereihafen District. Basically an area of restaurants by the fishing docks just off the Weser River.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
Truly weird, as great as the fish was, the doggone German fried potatoes were tremendous - just sizzling and popping on the plate.
They had a system of seating by times. Two full seatings per night. IIRC it was 6pm and then 8 pm. You made reservation based on that, so basically no walk ins at some of the larger places.
Quote:
I have had was in Bremerhaven Germany in the Fischereihafen District. Basically an area of restaurants by the fishing docks just off the Weser River.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
I've posted this before, but if you live on Long Island you'll love this place. It's sort of like walking into Germany.
lol
http://www.forestporkstore.com/ - ( New Window )
Quote:
In comment 15324851 section125 said:
Quote:
I have had was in Bremerhaven Germany in the Fischereihafen District. Basically an area of restaurants by the fishing docks just off the Weser River.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
Truly weird, as great as the fish was, the doggone German fried potatoes were tremendous - just sizzling and popping on the plate.
They had a system of seating by times. Two full seatings per night. IIRC it was 6pm and then 8 pm. You made reservation based on that, so basically no walk ins at some of the larger places.
Their potatoes over there burst with flavor. I mean ours don't come close
Quote:
In comment 15324851 section125 said:
Quote:
I have had was in Bremerhaven Germany in the Fischereihafen District. Basically an area of restaurants by the fishing docks just off the Weser River.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
I've posted this before, but if you live on Long Island you'll love this place. It's sort of like walking into Germany.
lol
http://www.forestporkstore.com/ - ( New Window )
I'm all in on a currywurst
Italy had fantastic food at the rest stops..
Quote:
In comment 15324864 montanagiant said:
Quote:
In comment 15324851 section125 said:
Quote:
I have had was in Bremerhaven Germany in the Fischereihafen District. Basically an area of restaurants by the fishing docks just off the Weser River.
It was close to Christmas and most of the officers from my ship went out for a good meal. We ended up at a place that was quite lively. I had a sole diner with German fried potatoes and other veggies. As usual the German beer was great. Just alongside of us was a large table of locals partying. They offered us a toast with what is called Geist(ghost) a clear spirit akin to vodka. We could not turned it down, of course we reciprocated.
The fish was excellent, the fried potatoes were outstanding, the drinks and company were great.
One other time, I was in Salalah Oman. It was about 100+ degrees. There is a restaurant up on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Aden that is run by a South African and a two mile walk from the ship. We had a security team on board because we were running through the Somali pirate waters and it was made of four retired SEALs. The team leader was from DevGru and a CPO. I asked if he wanted to go up for a meal and associated beverages which was accepted. He asked how far and I said about a mile walk(lying). My Chief Engineer and another security member proceeded to make our trek. About half way up the hill, sweating like pigs, the CPO said, Skipper I cannot comment on your sea navigation, but your land navigation sucks... of course I replied, Chief I knew it was two miles, but figured you wouldn't want to walk two miles in 100+ degrees. He laughed his ass off. We had these gigantic prawns (like 4 count size) and a beer or scotch or two. It was memorable as much for the trek and the laughs as it was for the excellent seafood.
I have had so many good meals in my life that it was the company and the circumstance which lead to these.
Germany's food culture is very undervalued. I loved the way the towns would shut the roads on a Thursday and have a farmers market with some of the best veggies and meat I have ever tasted. Hell, we used to go get their baguette hardboiled egg sandwiches around 10 AM every day and they rocked.
Truly weird, as great as the fish was, the doggone German fried potatoes were tremendous - just sizzling and popping on the plate.
They had a system of seating by times. Two full seatings per night. IIRC it was 6pm and then 8 pm. You made reservation based on that, so basically no walk ins at some of the larger places.
Their potatoes over there burst with flavor. I mean ours don't come close
You want potatoes bursting with flavor., buy them directly from the farmer.
Whoever that chef was, he was a GOD.
Dune (Bahamas) 2004 - food was great but it was the combo of being outside in perfect weather with the waves rolling in with my fiance (now wife).
2016 - In a plane off Vegas, some guys bought me In N Out Burgers and Fries and I unleashed it on that overnight flight. Was my first time In N Out, will never forget.
We decided to make soup.
The councilors brought in an intact raw cow's stomach and hung it from a tripod made of three cut branches from trees. In was huge and stunk like hell.
We then proceeded to fill it 1/2 way with water, add local wild skunk cabbage, corn off the cob and whatever canned vegetables our councilors thought were likely available to native Americans, apparently.
Rocks larger than grapefruits were heated in a nearby fire and added to the liquid in the hanging tripe bag to get the contents boiling. I have a memory of one exploding as it hit the cold veg mixture. The stench was overwhelming, absolutely memorable to this day.
We kept adding rocks for quite a while.
Eventually we called it done and actually tried to eat it. The amazing thing is I don't remember anyone going hungry or getting sick.
That was 56 years ago. Right about this time in the summer. Undoubtedly the most memorable meal of my life.
Great story- my neighbor was a sports trainer at Springfield College when I was a kid, he was a little old British guy. He took me and my younger brother to a couple a summer camp days, cookout, huge swimming pool. I think we were the only white kids there and I never even had any black kids in my whole school up until then. It was a little awkward for me at first but we made a few friends and had a great time.