OT: Elite restaurants
I’m in Napa for a conference and we had dinner at Singlethread last night in Healdsburg.
It’s a Michelin 3 star. It was predictably marvelous. I’ve been to a couple of 3 stars over the years and this one was as good or better than any, except maybe Eleven Madison Park in its original incarnation. The food and the “experience” there was at yet another level. Any meal experiences that stand out as epic and recommended?
A few:
by ReginaldVelJohnson 
, Saturday, July 25, 2026, 14:00 (1 day, 20 hours, 3 min. ago) @ Dallasdomer
Le Chantecler - Nice (*): We went here on our honeymoon about 10 years ago. Hard to separate out the experience from the positive energy regarding why we were there, but it really felt like "classic" French food. And the service was mind-bogglingly good. Better than some of the other ** and *** places we've been.
Ever - Chicago (**): Agree with Joe on this that the real highlight is the setting, service, etc. Food was creative and interesting, but not sure there were "best bite" candidates. Also went here for an occasion (wife's 40th), and I called in advance to let them know her favorite spirit which isn't so common. Bartender went out of his way to buy a bottle and create a cocktail with it.
Mirabelle - Rome (*): Food was good (though nothing amazing), and so was the service. What really sets it apart is the view, where you can sit on an open terrace on the top of the hotel to eat. Anything tastes better with a panoramic view of Rome, with the sunset behind St. Peter's, etc.
Boulevard - San Francisco: Might be my favorite meal at a restaurant ever as far as the food goes. 10/10. No notes. Doesn't have the Michelin star anymore, but my understanding is because they don't "cook to the test", so to speak.
LaToque in Napa
by PasadenaDomer , Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:42 (1 day, 23 hours, 20 min. ago) @ Dallasdomer
One of the best meals we’ve had, granted it was when they were still in Rutherford and I had proposed to my wife a few hours earlier.
A few that stand out.
by Joe 
, Saturday, July 25, 2026, 09:18 (2 days ago) @ Dallasdomer
Alinea, the first time I went which was right as COVID was starting, was undeniably amazing. I went again post COVID, still great but not as crazy. They recently lost their third star, so it'll be interesting to see where it goes from here.
Ever, two stars, technically perfect food, kind of uncannily perfect service, but seeming to lack depth and soul.
Schwa, one star, if you like your fine dining with Tupac bumping over the loud speaker, give 'em a shot. I enjoyed it quite a bit but the food was a step down from some others. Still great.
The above are all in Chicago. RIP Elizabeth, which was a wonderful restaurant that is no longer with us.
Ikoyi in London was one of the best meals in my life. I think they hold two stars right now, but absolutely worth the stop if you happen to be there.