Best dish you've had at a restaurant
I went out for dinner last night to celebrate an anniversary, and the restaurant was a huge hit! Everything I ate was amazing. I had "12 oz. Beef Tenderloin bone-in filet with blue cheese gratin, glazed carrots, foie gras and cabernet butter". For dessert, I had "maracibo chocolate souffle and tatian vanilla bean souffle with bailey’s sabayon and fresh berries in grand marnier". I have to say that one of these items was the best thing I've ever eaten in a restaurant: the "blue cheese gratin". The potatoes were deliciously tender, the cheese soft and creamy and tangy, and I was just in heaven. Usually my steak is the best part of my meal, but in this case even though the steak was really great, the side really stole the show. Even the delicious chocolate souffle couldn't stop me wishing I had just one more bite of those potatoes.
So now the question. What is the one best food item you've eaten at a restaurant?
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
59 Comments:
Well, there was this place that served 100% Kona coffee ...
(Damn, must stop doing that!)
The seared tuna at Wolfgang Puck's in Orlando a few years ago is probably the most memorable dish I've ever eaten. Swoon-worthy, that's for sure.
LunaPierCook at 4:28PM on 10/27/08
Years ago I went to the Chestnut Street Grill in Chicago and had grilled shrimp in a Chardonnay Buerre Blanc as an appetizer. I have no idea what I had for the main course that night, but my mouth still waters every time I think about the appetizer.
IndyGal at 4:45PM on 10/27/08
At Citronelle in D.C. I ordered this lobster pasta appetizer. Basically, it came out in a small round tin can and looked like large caviar; however, it wasn't. Those were black pearls pastas and the lobster was saturated in butter at the bottom of the can. It was quite possibly the most amazing thing I've ever had. I also had the coco puff dessert, which was spectacular!
avideater at 4:52PM on 10/27/08
I'd say it was the Key Lime Pie from the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City. Incredibly tart and a perfectly creamy texture...they offset the tartness with a drizzle of guava syrup that really ties all the flavors together.
For a main course type of dish, nothing I've had so far can touch the sea scallops at Maison Lacour in Baton Rouge...you would think sauteed scallops with lemon and butter might be just a little plain...and you would be wrong :)
brickh at 4:55PM on 10/27/08
On a Mexican Riviera cruise I had a Grand Marnier souffle for dessert in the dining room one evening. Oh. My. God.
buffy at 5:01PM on 10/27/08
Thirty years ago...Peter Luger...Porterhouse for 2. Have never recovered.
bessfour at 5:03PM on 10/27/08
Years ago, I had the pork belly at Asia de Cuba in LA. It was, and still is, the best pork belly I've ever had in a restaurant. The flavor, texture, temperature, presentation - everything - was perfect.
When Monica Pope had Boulevard Bistrot here in Houston, the one dish I had that still makes me swoon was a lobster and avocado starter. I can still see the lobster tail medallions, alternated with slices of avocado on the plate. Simply dressed, touch of citrus, hint of red onion. Totally sublime.
hungryinhouston at 5:21PM on 10/27/08
For my (high school) graduation dinner, my family went to Butterfield 9 in DC, where I had the barley and quinoa risotto that was absolutely incredible. I know it sounds kind of health food-y, but it didn't taste like it! I wish I could remember more about the flavors in the dish so I could give more detail. I do, however, remember spending the following three years reminding myself to write to Bon Appetit or Gourmet to ask them to get the recipe from the chef.
That also happened to be the night when my mother accidentally dumped her glass of red wine on me, still wearing my white, floor-length dress from the prize day ceremony. I then spent about 30 minutes in the ladies' room, surrounded by attentive women from tables all over the restaurant, using every trick in the book to try to get the stain out. I suppose I have several things to remember that (no longer open) restaurant by...
ChristineB at 6:03PM on 10/27/08
bone marrow flan@Cut steakhouse in Las Vegas, NV. far and away the best dish I ate all of 2008(well, I got two months, but with no trip to El Bulli planned I doubt it will be outdone).
concreteoatmeal at 6:45PM on 10/27/08
It was something I had at the Luna Pier...oh, wait, never mind. I've never been there.
Actually, it was lunch at a restaurant somewhere on a beach in Mexico. No idea what restaurant or what beach...which is okay, because if I ever went there, they probably wouldn't have this on the menu. It was some sort of shrimp dish with a delicate sauce...Best. Shrimp. Ever.
dbcurrie at 6:46PM on 10/27/08
Ground Bologna sandwich. I forget where.
izatryt at 7:24PM on 10/27/08
Maybe I need to start a ground bologna hot dog stand here, eh?
LunaPierCook at 7:47PM on 10/27/08
Foie gras grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup at Alan Wong's in Honolulu. I had to grovel, because it was actually only available on the tasting menu, but I wasn't with tasting menu company. They were incredibly gracious across the board, possibly the best service I've ever had in a restaurant.
Second best was a squash tart at Cube in Los Angeles. We ate there pretty frequently, but the tart was only on the menu once.
cyberroo at 8:28PM on 10/27/08
Black truffle explosion, Alinea.
kathryn at 9:14PM on 10/27/08
So, there used to be this little cafe in Ellicott City, MD called Java Hut or something like - long gone - but the guy who ran it, Devon, made the MOST amazing Squash soup with quinoa. It's been almost a decade and I'm still trying to recreate that soup.
In the "entree" category, it was a nut crusted chicken breast at The Hobbit in Ocean City, MD. I continue to order nut crusted chicken any time I find it on a menu, just because that one was so good.
aaaaand, not to forget dessert, it has to be the bread pudding at Food For Thought, in Williamsburg, VA. Perfect texture, perfect flavor.
AliceBlue at 11:08PM on 10/27/08
There was a place in Niagra Falls called "Franks Tomato Pie" They made a wild mushroom ravioli in a Gruyere cream sauce. Was to die for, but the next year we went back it had just closed :(
canadiangirlrox at 11:39PM on 10/27/08
- Sashimi from any japanese restaurant for sure
- Hamachi Collars (oh man, MELTS in your mouth!)
- I had this AMAZING TUNA nicoise salad that was actually WARM at this French restaurant in my town and it was pretty darn amazing (well I should hope so considering I ordered it for dessert too...) sadly, they changed their menu and it is no longer on there!
Giasbash6260 at 12:11AM on 10/28/08
I like to think that I can beat, or at least match, much of what is available at a restaurant except having someone else do the dishes and kitchen clean up. The one exception is a really well prepared prime rib. The best that ever crossed my lips was served up at Meeker's Landing in Kent, Wa. about 25-30 years ago. The restaurant is gone but not its memory. They also offered up a Seafood Madiera, served in a gratin dish that still warms the depths of my long forgotten psyche.
czken at 6:11AM on 10/28/08
a hole in the wall indian rest, called Vinnie's Authentic Indian Food. I love goat curry, and this place was amazing, almost as good as an old friend used to make for me. And that's a high compliment from me.
huneybumper at 8:28AM on 10/28/08
I remember as if it were yesterday. Les Etoiles in Rome. It was this fresh fettucini dish with truffles and cream and it was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Which, considering the service (waiters who snickered at the tourists to their faces) says a lot.
chisai at 9:00AM on 10/28/08
Capital Grille, four years ago. 32 ounce porterhouse, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, pricey but delish merlot, and chocolate melting cake.
Second best is a warm steak salad I had for lunch at Bleu two years ago (right before they closed; they re-opened as Parc).
BITTER at 9:15AM on 10/28/08
Pan Seared Duck Breast with a smooth Blood Orange Reduction Sauce and sauted seasonal veggetables at Jaqu's restaurant (pernounced jacks) in Huntington Beach, CA
cooked7 at 9:20AM on 10/28/08
The best must be in 1984 in Mazatlan Mexico at a place called Lobster Trap, they had the best lobster, chicken and veggie kabobs I have ever eaten.
pjracz10 at 11:40AM on 10/28/08
It was the foie gras done two ways. Mmmm!!!!
gammypie at 10:49AM on 10/29/08
Ferraras in Westfield on Elm St. has an Italian dish I've never seen anywhere else. Linguini Mare Chiara. it's basically red and white clam sauce combined with lots of garlic and one shrimp on top. it's always incredible
dozertx at 11:13AM on 10/29/08
When I was around 11 years old, I went with my parents to my first Indian Restaurant - any Milwaukeeans out there remember the Khyber Pass restaurant? Anyway, it was my first exposure to it, and I ordered the saag paneer. To this date, it was the best paneer ever - I think they house-made it - and the whole dish, with the fragrant rice and gingered nan - I was in love. And oh, the masala chai afterwards. Again, the first time ever for that. I was intoxicated by it. Sadly, it spurred the great cardamom dump of 1986, but what can you do. I still love Indian food, but nothing compares to that first taste.
BangieB at 11:39AM on 10/29/08
Early 90s downscale Italian restaurant in one of the very far western suburbs of Boston. Low ceilings, old wall to wall carpet, we could practically touch the cars on the highway from our table. We always went early to avoid the cover band. There was an appetizer of chicken livers in marinara sauce. Creamy tender livers coated with just barely spicy marinara. Good Lord those things were good!
brobin at 12:18PM on 10/29/08
I know it's a bit odd perhaps to hold this as my most memorable, but I had a bowl of chowder at The Blue Frog Grill in Chicago on LaSalle that remains the absolute best bowl of soup I have ever consumed in my life.
DeaconVolker at 12:49PM on 10/29/08
Pappardelle with wild boar Bolognese sauce at Ora in Morristown, NJ.
fatitalianbroad at 12:51PM on 10/29/08
Chicken Shawarma with hummus at the Babylon Cafe in NOLA.
DCraver at 12:57PM on 10/29/08
Mussels Au Gratin at Legal Seafood in Boston. Plump, meaty mussels, with gooey cheesy deliciousness on top, with hints of sherry and garlic and buttered crumbly goodness. Heaven on the half shell.
juliebugsmama at 12:59PM on 10/29/08
Okay, I need to add one more VERY memorable meal. My best friends, hubby and I went to Todd English's Bluezoo in Orlando last January, and splurged on a decadent and over-the-top delicious meal there. I started with the Teppan seared jumbo sea scallops wirh braised beef shortrib, and silky cauliflower puree. It was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, and that was just the beginning. I then got the Two Pound Maine Cantonese Lobster, which was chunks of tempura fried maine lobster tossed in a sticky soy glaze. If you are ever at Disneyworld, and can get a reservation at this fabulous restaurant in the Dolphin Hotel, definitely do it. This meal was one I will never forget.
juliebugsmama at 1:08PM on 10/29/08
Crawfish etoufee at The Gumbo Shop in NOLA. Thankfully, I bought their cookbook.
missvenuz at 1:24PM on 10/29/08
The Gumbo Shop is quite good. In fact, I may have to convince the boyfriend we should go there this week.
nightowl at 1:33PM on 10/29/08
Fresh ahi. May 2007. Waikiki restaurant with a large grill. Right on the beach. Fish/meat served raw, and you cook it yourself. Have never had fish that was so fresh. It was divine. Nothing compares.
I also had a damn good salad in Woodstock, NY about 15 years ago.
And a bite of the omelette my brother ordered at a diner 10 years ago.
Kerosena at 2:08PM on 10/29/08
Oh god, the zucchini raviolo at Tom Colicchio's CRAFT in New York. I died a death.I could eat that every meal of everyday for the rest of the rest of my days.
GretchinF at 2:16PM on 10/29/08
Roasted duck breast with a port wine/cherry sauce at Prairie in Chicago. Mind-bending.
tnword at 4:03PM on 10/29/08
Vina del Golf, in Argentina, rabbit ravioli, amazing. the rabbits were murdered fresh.
seikel at 4:55PM on 10/29/08
I still remember my dinner at ROMA AMOR in the old section of Montevideo, Uruguay - a pizza with no sauce or cheese, only the most thinly sliced seasoned eggplants, second course was fried artichoke, then ricotta and spinach ravioli in a tomato sauce and wild mushroom ravioli in a white cream sauce.
I still dream of going back to visit the same restaurant again... Donatella, the owner, was lovely as was her food.
MadelynRodriguez at 5:55PM on 10/29/08
There was this soup - some sort of pumpkin cream soup - that I had in lieu of the fish course at Victoria and Albert's in Orlando. The entire meal was great - the cold and hot hor d'overes (foie gras with apples and warm duck breast salad with melon, respectively) and the wine selections were superlative - but this soup was culinary perfection. I could have just had the soup and declared the entire meal worth it.
jenilowrance at 6:10PM on 10/29/08
GRAMIGNA ALLA SALSICCIA AT A RISTORANTE IN BOLOGNA. GRAMIGNA IS PASTA THAT IS YELLOW AND GREEN AND SHAPED LIKE A TREBLE CLEFT. THE SAUCE IS SIMPLY CREAM AND SAUSAGE. SO GOOD WE WENT BACK THE NEXT NIGHT FOR MORE OF THE SAME.
pksmash at 6:54PM on 10/29/08
so I ate at Vina de Golf too, it was awesome. But, also in Argentina, at La Tupina @ Bodegas Altus was kid goat roulade that is unforgetable. My favorite resturant in the whole world. Also, at La Tupina is was siting outside after lunch and had an apricot from their tree fall on my head. Best piece of fruit ever to cross these lips.
coolname at 10:13PM on 10/29/08
There have been a few but the one I remember most fondly was at a local neighborhood Italian restaurant in Marin County that has been there forever, it seems. I had the most delicious Italian pot roast on a bed of the creamiest polenta. It was just so satisfying and full of flavor. I barely said a word while I ate except for several "mmmmm"s and and "Oh, my God" or two.
Marls Barkley at 10:26PM on 10/29/08
Pistachio encrusted lamb at TUNDRA in the Toronto Hilton. I also had a salad of microgreens w/ citrus vinagrette. The lamb came with a spinach dish that was also wonderful. My husband's fish came with the most wonderful purple potatoes I have ever had. The whole meal was just awesome and the restaurant is beautiful.
omnomnom at 12:50AM on 10/30/08
Coeur a la creme with berries at the Ginger Man. I was crazy in love; he suggested I have it; and it was a total surprise and revelation.
islandexile at 2:41AM on 10/30/08
Wild mushroom appetizer followed by andouille-encrusted Texas redfish at Emeril's in Orlando.
1stmakearoux at 9:20AM on 10/30/08
The hubby and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Commander's Palace...18 years later, I still remember every course...I had never eaten grouper before (or since, living in CA)...it was an amazing meal...capped with a split of Champagne and the famous bread pudding souffle. Another memorable meal was in Venice--traveling with a tour group made up of good friends and our kids...we picked up take away--pizza, sandwiches (wine for the grown ups) and ate on the terrace of our hotel....lovely food, lovely weather and most of all, lovely company...a night to remember!
jsd517 at 1:55PM on 10/30/08
Braised Rabbit at AL DI LA in Brooklyn, NY
PstryB at 2:58PM on 10/30/08
Recently it's been the Vegetarian Nirvana dish at the Bicycle restaurant on Light St. in Baltimore. Also worth mentioning is the beef tartare with mustard ice cream at Pazo also in Baltimore. It was my first time having a savory ice cream and it was beyond heavenly.
steamsoldier at 3:56PM on 10/30/08
The octopus appitizer at Babbo. Had it multiple times and still the best thing ever
jasmall at 5:37PM on 10/30/08
During my first trip to NYC, my friend and I went to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill and I had the chile crusted pork tenderloin with a sweet potato empanada with butter, brown sugar and roasted pecans. Simply delish.
The best sandwich I've had lately has been at JCT Kitchen here in Atlanta... grilled chicken on ciabatta with lemony dressed arugala, red onions and goat cheese along side truffle oil fries. Simple and hits the spot.
CaseyD at 6:23PM on 10/30/08
Rosemary Shrimp from Bravo Cucina. Unfortunatly I only had it one time because they discountinued it when I went back. Dang!
smile at 10:39PM on 10/30/08
Five years ago I was fortunate enough to get a reservation (through a friend who works at a nearby resort) at the French Laundry. We had the meal that included 11 courses (of course they were all tiny, but OMG--works of art and so tasty!) and wine. Thomas Keller is an amazing chef and afterwards I got the chance to go back to the kitchen to meet him and took his picture at work on one of his masterpieces (I was actually also working on a travel article at the time, so I wasn't just a groupie!). Anyway, EVERYTHING I tasted was like heaven and I hope with all my heart I get the opportunity to go back in a year or two. The problem is getting a reservation, so I am trying to stay in good with my friend who helped me before : ) Incidentally, I did buy her dinner there, as well as a thank you.
gourmetgal at 12:38AM on 10/31/08
One summer on Nantucket, I tried American Season's foie gras creme brulee for the first time. 'nuff said. Period.
mmlandsmann at 9:10AM on 11/03/08
The Baja Fish Taco's at Rio Rio Cantina on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Oh dear lord the chipotle mayo worked so well with the slaw and the other side items that I think I almost went to food nirvana. Oh and the fresh guacamole was so much better than what I could ever hope to get at home.
FrostyGhost at 1:37PM on 11/04/08
Grilled lamb chops served on fried polenta with rosemary that changed my life.
or...
Spicy Kevin Roll, tempura-fried spicy tuna roll with special sauce.
KTempesta at 10:54PM on 11/09/08
Long Island Duck with orange sauce at Le Soir Restaurant in Bayport New York.
longisl at 5:25PM on 11/21/08
took a cruise to canada a few years ago and during a pub crawl in nova scotia, we were hungry and had the best mussel's i have ever experienced.
dearrie at 7:59PM on 11/21/08
Waterfall Beef at Mykha's in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Ethereal.
caryhill at 8:33PM on 11/21/08