annak wrote:The one lower note was the chocolate pot de creme - it seemed more on the gelatin side than the creamy side, but I've definitely been spoiled by the incredibly rich one at Floriole.

I agree. (My standards for great pot de creme are the one on Shaw's Sunday brunch and a homemade one.)

I went to Alinea this week. (I had previously dined there three times, as well as getting carryout three times during the pandemic.) How was it?

As a restaurant meal, it was very good. Some of the dishes were incredibly delicious. Some of them were, well, less so - although when you're presented with 6-10 different items as a single course, you may not like all of them, but you're bound to like some of them.

As an experience, it was unique and it was awesome. The presentations continue to amaze. SO MUCH FUN!

Photos:

I saw a great write up with some nice pictures, that I wanted to share.

https://www.insider.com/what-its-like-e ... -dining-20

I didn't realize that the whole room is served together. When I went there, it was the whole table that was served together and if someone at the table had to go to the bathroom, then service was halted while they were gone and the next course did not come until everyone at the table was finished. I would find that awkward.

lougord99 wrote:I didn't realize that the whole room is served together. When I went there, it was the whole table that was served together and if someone at the table had to go to the bathroom, then service was halted while they were gone and the next course did not come until everyone at the table was finished. I would find that awkward.

It looks like they do two seatings a night in the first floor gallery section, one at 5pm and one at 9pm. When I went eleven years ago, it was a more traditionally staggered seating and every table in the restaurant was on the same prix fixe menu with the only difference being the beverage pairing choice.

I am finally going to Alinea at the end of October. Found a fourth person to round out our table. We are looking forward to it.