13 Sep Once in a Lifetime Experience: Dining with the Michelin Stars

This post originally appeared on FoodableTV.com Seeking out the best restaurants in the world is a passion of all foodies. We read reviews, listen to critics and friends, and establish our own opinions and standards. And when the Michelin Guide, the prevalent rating system in the world that awards 0 to 3 stars of excellence each year, comes out and we make sure that restaurants that have received the coveted stars are on our lists.

With just over 100 Three Star Michelin restaurants around the world, and maybe double that number of Two Star Michelin restaurants, these are some of the greatest chefs in the world and restaurants worth visiting.  But, it can also be a costly venture for foodies. In fact, for approximately $275,000 per couple, a UK company offers a travel package that takes guests on a six month journey around the world to eat at each of the 107 Three Star Michelin restaurants. 

Eating at just one of these restaurants can be a formidable experience both for the palate, as well as the wallet. And even just meeting the chefs can be an inimitable experience, that only the truly zealous can geek out about. But, to get more than one of these chefs in a room at one time to cook together, there just aren’t words for this. However, it was done at Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival in August. Four Michelin Star chefs were brought together to create a foodie’s dream dinner. The dinner took place in Vibiana, originally Los Angeles’ first Archdiocese Catholic cathedral. With the high ceilings and the light streaming in from the windows as the sun set, it really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Dining With The Michelin Stars.

The Chefs

Chef Pierre Gagnaire Born in Apinac, France, Pierre Gagnaire is one of France’s biggest culinary names. Gagnaire received Three Michelin stars in 1992 at his restaurant in Saint Etienne and Three stars in 1996 at his restaurant in Paris. In 2009, Gagnaire opened his first and only US restaurant, Twist, at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. Chef David Kinch David Kinch is the chef and owner of Manresa in Los Gatos, California. He has been awarded Two Michelin stars for six consecutive years and is only one of seven Two Michelin star chefs in San Francisco. Sadly, in July, a fire destroyed Manresa and while the restaurant is being rebuilt and will reopen, this was a rare opportunity to experience David Kinch’s food. Chef Dominique Crenn Dominique Crenn received her Two Michelin stars this year for Atelier Crenn in San Francisco. This not only makes Crenn one of the seven Two Michelin star chefs in San Francisco, but also makes Atelier Crenn the first female-helmed restaurant in the United States to earn Two Michelin stars. Chef Michael Cimarusti Michael Cimarusti is the chef and owner of Providence in Los Angeles. Sadly, Michelin has not produced a guide in Los Angeles since 2009 however, in 2009 Providence was one of four Los Angeles restaurants in total to receive Two Michelin stars.

The Menu

The chefs worked in harmony as they created an exquisite and exemplary menu. From the passed hors d’oeuvres to the seated five course menu, there was synergy, delicacy and harmony of flavors. Hors D’Oeuvres

• Beggar’s Purses – David Kinch
• Middleneck Clam with Chorizo, Coriander, Red Pepper – Michael Cimarusti
• Uni/Licorice/Caviar – Dominque Crenn
• Oyster/Coconut/Wheatgrass – Dominque Crenn

Menu

• Tajima Wagyu Beef Tenderloin with Eggplant Cannelloni, Ratatouille Piquillos Puree – Pierre Gagnaire
• Bouillon Zezette with Cod Cake, Parmesan – Pierre Gagnaire
• Roasted Haunch of Wild Striped Bass with Oven-Roasted Tomato, Rosemary, Black Olive, Roasted Eggplant – Michael Cimarusti
• Beef with Pole Beans & Puffed Rice, Onion Broth – David Kinch
• Corn/Brioche/Chocolate – Dominque Crenn