Yea yea... I apologize for abandoning my livejournal. Work has been a little crazy and I am really only on the computer when I'm at work
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I havent been to the restaurant but I've eaten at the cafe and I have to say, it was quite delicious for what Alice Waters and her followers do in terms of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. But, as nice restaurants go in the whole scheme of things, I wasnt actually that impressed. I really wanted to be, but I have to say that I've had nicer dinners, though none nearly as fresh, I'm sure.
Maybe I'll try it again sometime and have a different experience. But I'm glad you liked it. Those desserts look like heaven. I'm a big fan of light desserts with fresh fruit. I love summer fruit! Great looking trifle, btw.
There were some dishes that were good, but not super fantastic, but I think what the restaurant does very well is to mix things up so you finish on a high note. Two of the protein dishes were great, but probably not unique. The pasta dish I loved and the desserts were light and not too sweet which at about midnight was just about perfect. :)
I agree. What we had was quite tasty, but by no means unique or the best prepared I've had. But they do have moments of brilliance, and generally, everything was very good. There's something to be said for simple and fresh, just maybe not at those prices!
Out of curiosity, what were your protein and pasta dishes?
Freshly made pasta with tomato, basil, and ricotta- simple, but the execution was to perfection. The consistency of the sauce is slightly chunky with bite size ricotta that just added that extra bit of richness.
Clams with sauteed greens and a corn and green pea relish- what I loved about this dish was everything was very clean and fresh tasting! The sauce was delicious to soak up with bread.
Chicken Leg with romesco sauce and asparagus-asparagus was cooked to perfection. It was cooked enough to lose its crunch, but then broiled to give that perfect contrast between the crunchy and the soft textures. The chicken was juicy and the sauce was good, but the star of the dish was the asparagus by far!
Lamb Leg with Fava fritters and spinach- the lamb was very tender and the fava fritters tasted good but not overwhelming fava. I actually thought it was chickpea fritter at first taste. Good dish, meat was the highlight with a light sauce.
Sounds great! That's the thing that I always kinda forget about or take for granted with Chez Panisse, I think. Their dishes are always really simple, but it's the execution and freshness that they are known for. Most restaurants in that class do more complex dishes that are often heavier or with more classic French roots. It's nice to have something light and clean sometimes. Glad you guys enjoyed it...it's always nice to have a meal like that every once in awhile.
yea... I think I've always been curious... but never had the courage to go... the pricetag isn't super high, but up there and I'm getting cheaper as I get older! It definitely helped that Miguel was there to shepherd us along the wine path and the food choice path.
by the way, how was your birthday? I've just been swamped lately and haven't had a chance to wish you a happy birthday!
Wine lists are the only thing that continue to scare me a bit -- the nicest places have these massive books. Like I know where to start?? It would be super nice to have an insider help you along, especially at a place like Chez Panisse. Must have made for an even nicer experience.
My birthday was great, thanks. Fairly low key, just the way I like it! But thanks for the birthday wishes -- I know what it's like to be busy so no worries. :)
Yea seriously! and I don't really even like wine so it's even harder for me to pick which ones will match the food. I like Rose wines... mostly cause it's pretty!
We should hang out some time...brunch over the weekend maybe? I'm out on vacation starting the 14th and won't be back until July so if you want to do something during July?
I'd love to hang out. I think we may be in Napa this weekend as it's Josh's dad's bday but I dont quite know what the plans are. Josh isnt the best at planning ahead so we may be better off aiming for when you get back. But I definitely want to catch up. Maybe we can get Effie and Sarah to come too and it'll be almost like college all over again!
Where are you going for vacation? Somewhere fun, I hope!
Where in Europe? You and Hiro going? That'll be a lot of fun. And, btw, those are the best kinds of souvenirs! Maria brought back chorizo last time she was in Spain and it was amazing!
Maybe I'll try it again sometime and have a different experience. But I'm glad you liked it. Those desserts look like heaven. I'm a big fan of light desserts with fresh fruit. I love summer fruit! Great looking trifle, btw.
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Out of curiosity, what were your protein and pasta dishes?
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Clams with sauteed greens and a corn and green pea relish- what I loved about this dish was everything was very clean and fresh tasting! The sauce was delicious to soak up with bread.
Chicken Leg with romesco sauce and asparagus-asparagus was cooked to perfection. It was cooked enough to lose its crunch, but then broiled to give that perfect contrast between the crunchy and the soft textures. The chicken was juicy and the sauce was good, but the star of the dish was the asparagus by far!
Lamb Leg with Fava fritters and spinach- the lamb was very tender and the fava fritters tasted good but not overwhelming fava. I actually thought it was chickpea fritter at first taste. Good dish, meat was the highlight with a light sauce.
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by the way, how was your birthday? I've just been swamped lately and haven't had a chance to wish you a happy birthday!
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My birthday was great, thanks. Fairly low key, just the way I like it! But thanks for the birthday wishes -- I know what it's like to be busy so no worries. :)
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We should hang out some time...brunch over the weekend maybe? I'm out on vacation starting the 14th and won't be back until July so if you want to do something during July?
Reply
Where are you going for vacation? Somewhere fun, I hope!
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