I needed a place to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday and was looking at local McDonald’s, but after threat of violence I ended up deciding on Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern in the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach in Dana Point. And boy was I glad I... Continue
Studio was built by The Montage Laguna Beach as a small Craftsman-style house atop a bluff with ridiculous views. I’ve maintained that they’re the best restaurant in Orange County and it’s because they’ve got the best food, but it might partially be because they’ve also... Continue
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Alexander’s Steakhouse is a fine dining interpretation of the classic American steakhouse with hints of Japanese influence laced into the menu. Yeah, I stole that from their own description but it sounds about right. They’re a super high-end... Continue
Gary Danko is probably San Francisco’s most famous fine dining restaurant. And instead of the usual tasting menu, Gary Danko gives you the option of three ($76), four ($94) or five ($111) prix-fixe courses, and the kicker is you get to choose your courses. If... Continue
Before I get started I should explain how Next works. Started in 2011 by Grant Achatz (of Alinea), the concept behind Next is that instead of making reservations like you traditionally would, you purchase a ticket for a dining experience which changes seasonally. So instead... Continue
Part 1: Appetizers | Part 2: Main Courses Here’s Part 2 of my El Celler de Can Roca review. You can find Part 1 here if you want to see pictures of the interior or pictures of the exterior or pictures of the appetizers. And... Continue
Part 1: Appetizers | Part 2: Main Courses Like a bunch of other recent posts, this review is from four years ago and will mostly be me trying to remember what I ate. Pictures help, but they can only do so much. Also, I’ll be... Continue
I don’t care what anybody says, afternoon tea is awesome. When else can you drink unhealthy amounts of tea while downing little finger foods and sandwiches with the crust cut off? Tuesday, that’s when. Because that’s what I do every Tuesday in my living room.... Continue
The New York Times calls Canlis Seattle’s fanciest and most expensive restaurant. That sounds pretty accurate and is one of the primary reasons I made a reservation. Because I’m fancy, see? And rich. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with architecture combining modern and natural elements,... Continue