When I was in Germany we went to this crazy extravagant vegetarian place where the meals were similarly priced, but the food was a culinary experience.
The menu only told you what the ingredients were, the actual food you didn’t know until you had it. That was such an interesting idea and it worked out well! We got 2 menus and shared it, and I have to say I was so impressed with the vegan menu. I could really eat anything without fear (since I’m pretty sensitive to lactose), whereas there was a dish in mine that I totally didn’t want to eat (some poached fried egg concoction).
But I was thinking during this meal, that this restaurant celebrates the experience of eating. There is no dropping in for a quick meal and then leaving. Each course is a singular experience to be experienced without being rushed. It is about spending time with others while waiting for your senses to be moved. There is no point looking when the food will be done, because it will just be done when they choose. It isn’t about the food, or the time. You pay for an experience, and a new one at that.
One where the taste combinations are unique and innovative. Where your food palette and likes are challenged, but usually reformed on the other side of that first bite. It’s that first moment of tasting that is worth it all. When you taste something totally foreign and maybe even scary, but that just works. It’s the daring and the challenge.
That’s what you pay for. And in that respect, I loved it. The food really was innovative and delicious. They were so friendly and attentive. Plus the decor inside, everything in the place was about creating that atmosphere and experience. They had little wooden branches with holes where a bowl of salt and a container of oil was. Unbelievably cute and ended with the same branches but filled with chocolate truffles. It was a beautiful evening, which reminded me of the beauty (and possibility) of food.