On 6/5/2011 11:53 AM, Landon wrote:
> Regardless of the year or place, what meal were you served and what
> restaurant was it in?
>
> For me:
>
> Location: Pacifica California, USA
>
> Year: 1974
>
> Restaurant: Alioto's
>
> Meal: Steak and Lobster with grilled asparagus and Chocolate Mousse
> for desert.
>
> Price range: Expensive; $40+ per/plate (A lot in 1974 dollars)
>
> Description:
>
> Well, the only Alioto's I can find now is on Fisherman's Wharf in San
> Francisco. I don't know if they moved it from Pacifica or if there
> were two in that area. When I was there, it was literally over the
> ocean with windows where you could see the waves crashing over the
> rocks.
>
> Valet parking and the staff were trained very well. Professionals from
> the valet service to the coat room person, maitre d' and serving
> staff, we were treated respectfully and with full courtesy.
>
> The meal was truly awesome. The fillet was cooked exactly as ordered
> with an almost raw center to a charred surface. The Lobster was tender
> and very well seasoned. The grilled asparagus was tender and seasoned
> so well that it would be a meal unto itself. The desert? Fantastic!
>
> The reasons I loved this meal and place were numerous. It was my first
> anniversary with my wife, and even though we were pretty short on
> money, I saved up for this place. She was born and raised in Pacifica,
> so she was very familiar with the place, but had never eaten there.
>
> The grounds of the restaurant were impeccable and landscaped to
> perfection. The staff were all perfectly groomed, very cleanly dressed
> and each carried a professional demeanor that exemplified great
> service.
>
> There was literally nothing less than perfect service and food. I was
> trained for 5 years, by one of the top chefs in the world just a few
> years prior to this, and this place impressed me.
>
> Does anyone know if the one on Fisherman's Wharf is the same place,
> but just moved? I could find no reference to it in Pacifica now.

I have a few memories: the first Michelin starred restaurant we ever ate
at in Paris, Chez Mercier, Au Chapeau Rouge in Dijon (Magnifique!) and
La Antiga Casa de Botin in Madrid (the oldest restaurant in the world).
All of these were in 1965. All thro' our marriage my wife and I ate very
well indeed a few times a year at Chez Francois in Washington DC (and
then in Great Falls, VA). I also still remember our best ever
Smorgesbord in Norway with a wonderful view from above the
Hardangarfjord (I think.)

--


James Silverton, Potomac

I'm *not*