So this is it, our legendary night at Chez Panisse. We booked a hotel on Shattuck ave, 10 blocks from the restaurant on Friday, August 28th, 2009 which was the 38th anniversary. We were so happy to be there on such a festive night, with a menu that far exceeded our expectations. There was as first course, a bowl of fresh slices of about 6 different veggies from Alice's edible schoolyard... they tasted as if they were still alive. Also served in the first course was an appertif of of kava (a spanish sparkling wine) with fennel syrup. I cannot describe how good it was, I never tasted anything like it. The second course, fried olives and little fishes, was my favorite. Served with Alice's favorite french rose, the plate had fried sardines and halibut strips, gorgeous heirloom tomatoes than were so red and rich they looked like they were bleeding, fried olives, mache and garlic aioli. Superb. Next was the squash blossom souflee in a corn puree. It was perfect, very light and fluffy and went so nicely with the rose. I believe it was during this course that Alice Waters appeared at the side of our table. She said hello, shook all of our hands and endearingly would place her hand on the top of your back.. she was so genuine and thanked us each for coming, for being there, and I couldn't believe we were talking to her.. Eventually she went to say hello to some friends at another table. I thought we'd catch her on the way back, but here is where I confessed that I missed our photo-op with the great Alice Waters. My dear friend Jason Wallerstein once told me that a memory will always last longer and more vividly in your mind when you know you don't have a picture of it. I guess I have no choice but to hope that's true. At the time the main course arrived, which was the beautiful grilled squab with white beans, wine grapes and figs, we were switched over to a rhone that went so nicely with the darker meat. A plate of fresh garden lettuces followed, and the desert was mulberry ice cream with buckwheat crepes flambes. Howie, our wonderful server, kept the wine flowing all night. He also took us on a tour of the kitchen, which Alice herself encouraged, explaining that "the kitchen is what it's all about". Very true. This kitchen, it's gorgeous. To begin with, it occupies much more space than the dining room does. There are these huge amazing copper ovens, one for a wood fire, long blonde butcher block tables, arrangements of fruit and breads and vegetables everywhere. It's like a food lovers dream come true. If you ever go there you MUST see the kitchen. We even got to go way in the back, to all the walk-ins and fun stuff like that. Thanks Howie, for making our night at Chez Panisse so magical, it was way more than we ever thought it would be. I will be back.
