As far as gastronomy goes, I’m not sure I’ll ever top the sumptuous multi-course tasting meal I experienced in March at Guy Savoy, the celebrated chef’s three-star Michelin restaurant in Paris.
Sponsored by the journey planner ViaMichelin, the dinner brought together several well-known travel writers, including Peter Greenberg, travel editor of CBS News, and NPR Paris correspondent Eleanor Beardsley. The meal would have been memorable for the stories told around the table alone.
But oh, the food!
From the steamed Breton lobster that arrived in its own flurry of vapor (complete with a cappuccino foam we were instructed to drink with it), to the famed black truffle artichoke soup to the choice of rare and stinky cheeses, the tasting menu blew away my palate.
What impressed me the most at the time was not so much Guy Savoy’s inventiveness, although that was evident. I still recall the oos and ahhs that went up when our second dessert, a simple chocolate ball. melted away into another item entirely when the waiters poured a mango sauce on top of it. Or maybe it was the 2002 Satuernes from Chateau Guiraud that was paired with it that made it such a delectable morsel.
But honestly, what made the meal great is that it didn’t feel that a restaurant experience. It felt more like an awesome dinner party, that just happened to have some of the best food you’ve ever ate. And that’s due primarily to the feeling of plentitude which I’ve rarely experienced at such a high-end restaurant. Wine glasses were refilled, seconds were regularly offered, breads and desserts were dispensed liberally and you could eat as much cheese as you wanted. Bliss!
At the time, I estimated the bill at more than $700 per person, including wine. Would I spend my own money, the equivalent of a mortgage payment, to go back and eat there again with my husband? Quite possibly. The meal really was that amazing.
Did you have a “meal of the year” during your travels? Tell me about it in the comments!
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We just wrote a blog entry that touches on the importance of being happy for other people’s success. Well, you madame, are making this a challenge! I am “verte” with envy!
What an incredible experience. Eleanor Beardsley?! Guy Savoy?! Unlimited cheese?! I can barely see straight.
$700 per person! I trust the food and the experience was all that you said it was but $700. It reminds me of the credit card commercial where it might list the price of what you ate then mention the great conversation and experience as priceless. I’m glad you had this awesome experience.
Hey Chris, I did a similar post on my site, a “Best of” Mike’s Road Trip 2010. One of the topics was the “best dining experience,” if you’re ever in Cannon Beach, Oregon…you have to check out EVOO…very unique and amazing experience! You can see my list at http://MikesRoadTrip.com/best-of-2010.
Cheers,
Mike
Mike – I have yet to get to Cannon Beach, but that’s on my list for this summer. Thanks for the rec!