Culture
Jan 31, 2020
Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, however, those wanting to celebrate early should get a jump start and book one of the globe’s most innovative restaurants. Chef Joël Robuchon's legacy and flair for fine dining returns to London in an exciting (and inviting) new experience at Le Comptoir, while in the city of lights, chef Bertrand Grébaut continues to feed the buzz with his intimate, tasting-menu only experience at Septime.
Across the Atlantic, Michelin starred Japanese yakitori master chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa brings his skills and flavour to the Lower East Side; chef Dave Beran focuses on SoCal produce with game-changing plating and concepts; and in Miami chef Alain Verzeroli brings the same level of detail that earned him a Michelin star to his second Le Jardinier location. Below, a breakdown of some spots to check out with a special someone.
Miami
After their sister restaurant in New York was awarded a Michelin Star, this Miami outpost brings a similar, approachable vibe focused on a refined take on vegetable-first dining. While sustainable fish, meat, and poultry are on offer, it’s the herbs, fruits, and greens that steal the show at Chef Alain Verzeroli’s airy and bright Design District establishment. For more information, visit https://lejardinier-miami.com/.
London
The iconic chef's hallmark of creative culinary experiences returns to London with a focus on a simple, refined approach to dining. Under executive chef Jeremy Page (he worked with Robuchon at the chef’s L’Atelier location in Saint Germain) the resulting bites between the two offerings—a changing, seasonally focused selection and a classics menu—complement each other with Robuchon’s signature savoir faire. For more information, visit https://www.robuchonlondon.co.uk/.
Santa Monica
Inside a nondescript door in Santa Monica, lies one of America’s culinary visionaries. Chef Dave Beran composes his tasting menu to reflect the best of the season including local produce from Southern California. The 18-seat restaurant invites guests to share in the experience together in a convivial and sophisticated setting. For more information, visit https://www.dialoguerestaurant.com/.
Paris
Chef Bertrand Grébaut’s CV reads like a foodie’s dream—first interning with chef Alain Passard at L’Arpège and working as an executive chef at Michelin star restaurant L’Agapé—but it’s his innovative, deceptively simplistic approach to dining at Septime that has made it a consistent favourite amongst the cognoscenti (and a Michelin-star recipient). The tasting menu changes seasonally with Grébaut’s signature take on flavourful cuisine without the pretension. Need more convincing? It’s one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and boasts a seven-course menu for under €100. Head there quickly as this fine dining with a boîte feel books up fast. For more information, visit http://www.septime-charonne.fr/en/.
New York City
By now, everyone’s heard (if not seen) the story of sushi master, Sukiyabashi Jiro, and his legendary 10-seat, 20-course, Michelin three-star restaurant. Applying the same principles but to yakitori, chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa brings the same extraordinary combination of flavour and love to Torien, his 16-seat restaurant on the Lower East Side. Just as revered as his original outpost in Tokyo (which earned a Michelin star), book in advance to make sure you snag a spot for a transcendent experience. For more information, visit https://torien-nyc.com/.