We all have gone through or have had moments in our lives that have been impactful. Some may define these moments as fundamentally life changing which shape us into the people we are today. Whether it is completing post secondary education, landing the dream job or traveling the world, these experiences change a person’s perspective and outlook on life. For anyone who considers themselves a food critic, chef, culinary enthusiast or even someone who just loves food and is a foodie, stepping into Alinea is one of those moments that is ever so life changing.
World renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Aarón Sanchez have asked a number of culinary chefs to showcase their work and talent on MasterChef. On a memorable episode Mind Blowing Food noted chef Grant Achatz was asked to be an additional guest judge on the show. I became enthralled by the art of unconventional plating of food and revolutionizing the way we think of food being put on a plate. Allowing food to become a piece of art on the table.
Background:
Alinea is known for its innovative approach to modern cuisine. As one of the only 14 restaurants in the United States to earn a Michelin 3-Star rating, it has also been named as the Best Restaurant in the World, the Best Restaurant in North America and the Best Restaurant in the United States.
With all the accolades Alinea has received, obtaining a ticket may be hard to come by if you plan on dining on a whim. Bookings are typically released on the 15th of each month at 11:00AM. Alinea recommends booking approximately two months in advance in order to secure the experience.
Eats:
Alinea has three options when dining: The Salon ($210-$285/person) is a 10-14 course tasting menu located on the second level of the restaurant. The Gallery ($305-$365/person) is a 16-18 course tasting menu on the main level and finally, the Kitchen Table which is $395/person and this only allows for six people at a time, all booked under one party. Our group opted for The Salon ticket experience.
Prior to attending Alinea a survey is sent out with any dietary restrictions that guests may have. We had guests in our group that strictly do not eat pork and the waitstaff made sure to assure these guests that pork was avoided in the preparation, plating and serving aspect.
Dress Code:
We attended Alinea as a Bachelorette group and were all well dressed in black while our Bride-to-Be was dressed in white. There is a dress code in effect which requires a jacket for gentlemen and a tie is optional whereas ladies should wear comparable attire. Be sure to look the part for this special occasion.
Despite Alinea’s experience being well over a week ago it turned out to be an indescribable experience that words cannot put to justice what this experience really is like. Dining at Alinea is more than a meal; it is food mixed with science, art and passion combined all at once with meticulous planning of design and the execution of making one’s palette explode.
Experience:
When arriving at Alinea you’ll find that the building is not labeled, no sign outside, just a porter wearing a red vest opening the door with a smile on their face directing us to the attendants with iPads waiting to check in dinner guests. After being escorted upstairs and along the various dining rooms we finally reached our table, the waitstaff greeted us and our fifteen course meal began.
Alinea must be experienced in person to fully grasp its brilliance of food, textures, smells, designs and pairings. The preparations and presentations are so inventive and just wild beyond belief. Each and every single dish delighted us and it was a clear portrayal of the talent and creativity of chef Grant Achatz. The food is considered upscale due to its complexity but it was the overall feeling that provided guests a playful and fun experience while fine dining. Even with the elite status of Alinea the environment itself is welcoming with the waitstaff being down to earth and knowledgeable; they were ready to answer and explain each dish as it came out.
The dining experience at Alinea can take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours depending upon what part of the restaurant you are dining in. The way to envision dining at Alinea is to simply put it as a two-hour “theatre” experience. Patiently waiting for the proverbial curtain to open and then spent the next few hours participating in a show that left us perfectly full but still wanting more at the end. Which is exactly the feeling you want leaving Alinea.
The Menu:
Osetra- Grated, Crépe, Créme Fraîche Launois, “Réserve,” Blanc de blancs, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger
Charred- Artic Char, Maple Syrup, Fish Sauce Smoked Char Roe, Carrot, Smoke A Clape, Marsanne Blend, Saint-Péray
Trampoline Papillote- Rouille, Turbot, Bouillabaisse Scallop, Niçoise
Thailand- Celery Root, Hor Mak Talay Coconut Curry
Sun Stone Skull- Morel, White Asparagus, Mole, Gold Hoja Santa, Higo Chumbo, Granola
Chipped- Wagyu, Truffle, Bresaola, Hashbrown
Milkshake- Pistachio, Cherry, Chantilly
Paint- Red and Black Fruits, White Chocolate Ice Cream That’s Been Nitro Frozen, & Lemon Glitter
Unfortunately chef Achatz was not there that evening but his influence was clearly all around us. And just like that it was all over the experience itself seems a bit surreal, very much an Alice in Wonderland experience. It is a bit difficult to put into words until one has experienced it for themselves.
