Morris and I were fortunate enough to watch the ball drop this year while being treated to a multi-course food and wine symphony conducted by Chef Grant. We even got a few special treats not on the menu.
Of course the service was impeccable and the attention to detail exceeded all expectations.
However – for me – the highlight of the evening was a new / experimental dish being “test fired”… on us.
A wonderfully
whimsical “orchard-like” creation, intended to be eaten hands free.
Dangling from a heavy stainless steel base, leaning toward the
perplexed diner; a flower like combination of bay leaves, “candy cap”
mushroom and spun syrup creates a delightfully playful bite. “look Ma,
no hands!”
However, though it was truly beautiful and will no doubt become a famous addition to the Alinea menu; this little number was not ready for prime time.
The first three –
count ‘em, three – attempts to serve the complex new item failed. The
delicate “flower” kept slipping off the silver wire stem…. Plopping the
food onto the table in front of Morris. Like any good, finicky kitten;
she was not amused.
Eventually the
presentation worked. And I must admit it was spectacular. Yet being
there to witness the earliest test flights was even more entertaining
than the perfected presentation!
Go There.
"tell "em" - Chef J. sent you.
Ciao 4 Niao,
- Chef J.
The Enlightened Chef
.
*read my latest articles @
Dear Chef,
Exciting yes. However, is this really the point of dining? I would respectfully suggest the answer is no. There can be little doubt that Alinea is truly one of the world's great dining spots; but we all know that even the best can go a "bridge too far". What you describe is perhaps best put as Alinea's "Mr. Roboto".
I, for one, will have nothing to do with this abomination.
Dommo Origato,
X
Posted by: Major X | January 05, 2007 at 09:56 PM