The Tasting Counter is a really unique, high-end restaurant in Somerville that has been recognized for its creative tasting menu.


A complete sensory experience, we hope you will taste, talk, listen, and taste some more. We want you to be wowed, satiated, and surprised. Our mission is to bring our guests closer to the creation of fine cuisine, served in harmony with inspired natural wines, sakes, beers, and handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktails. (WEBSITE)



First of all, this restaurant is a "no wallet" space. You buy your ticket in advance (which is all-inclusive), note any dietary restrictions and pick the beverage pairing of your choice. Meanwhile, you have no idea what they'll be serving that evening. And no choice.

From Zagat: An “amazing experience” unfolds at this high-end yet “relaxed”concept from chef Peter Ungár, where inventive, always-changing multicourse tasting menus “transport you” beyond the intimate, spare setting within a “funky” Somerville warehouse; guests purchase tickets (gratuity is included), specify allergies and request beverage pairings online in advance, then assemble at a modern, 20-seat counter where the team theatrically crafts and presents each “exquisitely prepared” plate.


As soon as we walked in to the intimate space, we were seated and promptly served our first course. We didn't have to spend time looking over a menu; they already knew who we were, and we could begin our experience.  Our first taste was these welcoming bites: (furthest to closest) beet, marscapone & cherry; buttercup squash tart with white miso, and cured ocean trout with sesame and grapefruit. This was served with Asahui Shuzo Dassai 50 Sparkling Nirori Junmai Daiginjo (sake, because I've never had a sake pairing before) - so, so good.

 

Next up was a melon soup with smoked tomato ice, parma ham and basil. It was served with Asamai Ama No To Heaven's Door. This was odd, but the flavors blended seamlessly.


Then, it was schisandra berry tea with a pine nut and almond cookie. I loved this sweet little bite so much that I ate Kaitee's too.

 

Watching them make everything right in front of you is so cool, but this dish was my favorite to watch: striped bass with corn, kohlrabi, chanterelle and caulilini paired with Taka Noble Arrow. I could've licked my plate with that corn puree.

 

Next up was plum, sake lees, white chocolate, koji, plum pit sorbet paired with Kizakura Brewery Tozai Blossom of Peace.


Finally, we had "parting morsels" which was an everything bagel bonbon, a peach & sunflower chew, and a run & vanilla canele.


When they presented each dish, they talked about what was in it. But it's kind of a whirlwind of words and flavors. At the end they present you with a custom menu of what you just ate (complete with the drink pairings) so it's great to see it all at once.

Birch was the grand finale for our Providence trip.

Modern American cuisine rooted in classical technique, made from the best of New England's seasonal environment.

It is perhaps the smallest restaurant I've ever been in.

There is one horseshoe-shaped table where parties sit, and the servers walk through the middle to serve drinks and dishes.

It is a prixe fixe menu, where you can choose which dish from each course you'd like to have.

There were four courses overall, with a few choices each. We had some homemade bread to enjoy.



The first bite was a gift from the chef that looked like a little plant.


My first dish was "lightly smoked sea robin with brocccoli, cherry blossom, and celery."

Then, I had squid with pole beans, pickled peppers and seaweed. Perhaps my favorite dish of the night.

Then, it was Rhode Island Duck with lettuce, herbs and greens, and fermented husk cherry.

Dessert was a yogurt with golden raspberries and nuts

Then, these little whoopie pies as a chef's gift!

Arnaud's Restaurant is a fine dining establishment in the heart of New Orleans.

In 1918, a colorful, French wine salesman named Arnaud Cazenave opened the grand New Orleans restaurant that bears his name with a commitment to serving quality Creole cuisine. Arnaud believed, quite simply, that the pursuit of the pleasures of the table is as worthy as anything else one chooses to pursue in life. 

Sixty years later, in 1978, Arnaud’s was acquired by Archie and Jane Casbarian, the second family of proprietors the restaurant has ever known. Casbarian sought to return Arnaud’s to the roots from which it had strayed by both restoring the property and reinvigorating the cuisine. In so doing, Casbarian brought world renown and widespread acclaim to Arnaud’s. 

Presently, Arnaud’s Restaurant is being operated by a fourth generation of owners, Katy and Archie Casbarian along with their mother Jane. They, too, remain committed to carrying on the traditions originated by Arnaud Cazenave. More importantly, they are committed to staying true to the vision of their father as the restaurant nears one hundred years of operation.

I made reservations at this fancy restaurant after Kaitlynn already headed out of town, but the staff made me feel completely comfortable.

The menu is elaborate, and every single item sounded delicious.

First, some fresh, warm bread! I love this - every restaurant here does it!

I ultimately decided on "Crabmeat Karen" - Delectable Louisiana crabmeat and mushrooms baked in puff pastry. Served with White Wine Sauce.

And, oh my gosh, look at how cute this thing is.



It's like a potpie with crabmeat and mushrooms. You can't really go wrong with that.






And then they convinced me to get pecan pie. I couldn't help myself: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie - Served with whipped cream, spiced pecans and Salted Caramel.

I think I had to roll home this night.

One of the restaurants at the very top of my West Virginia wishlist has been Prime 44 West.



Located in The Greenbrier, it's certainly a "special occasion" restaurant on my budget.



It is Jerry West-themed and even features some of his memorabilia.



I recently splurged so I could try the place that was featured on "Best Thing I Ever Ate."



The restaurant is elegant, with a touch of sports bar - in the best way.



Like this!



The restaurant is known for its steak, and I knew I wanted the potatoes, so it made for an easy decision.



But, first, bread! Including the cornbread from First Lady Cathy Justice.



Here are those famous lobster mashed potatoes!



Love these little touches!



And, of course, filet mignon with the house steaksauce!

Have you been?

The Char is Beckley's premier fine dining restaurant, and I was so excited to finally check it out.

The interior is elegant and special.

And, there's a nice view of the pond from the floor to ceiling windows.



The menu features some really unique options.

But, first, house salad!

And the dish that stood out to me was the "Authentic Italian Stuffed Brascioli."

A brascioli here is essentially rolled meat with a sauce.



Tasty! And unique!




Plus hot fudge cake for dessert! What's your favorite?