$50 to $ 100 :: The Happy Fork

Aug

2007

Fouguet’s

by bradvr · Comments (0)

If you find yourself in Paris in August sometimes you have limited, elegant dining opportunities. This is what led us to Fouget for an overpriced, forgettable meal. Luckily the service and the company were wonderful and the evening didn’t suffer from the food nor the prices (Kir Royal 20 Euro Salade Galanga 26 Euro).

*Chateau Sirene 2002 Bordeaux at $ 75 a bottle was wonderful

Fouguet’s
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

99, Avenue des Champs Elysees
Paris 75008 France
01.40.69.60.50

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more

Categories : 1 Fork, Europe, Fork on the Road, The Happy Fork reviews

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Jul

2002

Fleming

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Living in California provides an opportunity to grill most any day of the year, so going out for a steak is mostly about the sides and the atmosphere. Good chains like Morton’s, and Ruth Chris serve up excellent ퟙmeat and potatoesퟘ at most any of their branches. Fleming’s is a small chain of 16 or so restaurants run by Paul Fleming of PF Chang’s China Bistro fame.

Go here to experience a decent steak with darn good sides. The steak selection is USDA Prime, and is offered with a choice of peppercorn or b

Categories : 2 Forks, Fork on the Road, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Jun

2002

Abbaye de La Celle

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Once upon a time, Abbaye de La Celle was a 12th century Benedictine Abbey. Today, it’s a wonderful restaurant and four star hotel, conveniently located to two destination golf courses. I don’t play golf much because the game takes so much time, however our four-hour lunch was one worth repeating any day.

While there are several al la carte selections available, the menu at Abbaye de La Celle, like many restaurants in France, is presented as a choice of prix fixe selections. on our visit, there were four options: Abbaye’s Grand Menu, Suggested Menu, Gourmet Menu and the Tourist Menu. Dishes vary between the selections and the courses range from six to three. Our group chose one of each of the prix fixe choices. We found that regardless of your selection, the kitchen serves up an additional course or two to stimulate the palette. In our case, the meal started with a trio of spreads including a spectacular shredded rabbit. After that, some in our party were treated to a small tasting of exquisite gazpacho, others tasted a chilled avocado soup. The highlight of our meal was a roasted half rabbit. Everything, from the presentation to the taste, was a joy for both the eye and the palette. We choose to have our dessert and coffee in the Abbaye’s serene garden. The kitchen again out did itself by offering a collection of imaginative dessert dishes.

After lunch we toured the grounds which include an acre-sized vegetable garden, olive trees, grapevines and a little shop selling food and kitchen supplies. Ask to see the Chapter House, a wonderful ancient retreat which is available for private parties.
Best Dish: Roasted rabbit
Notable Staff: Beno

Place du Général de Gaulle La Celle, Provence 83170 France

Near the town of Brignoles, about 62 Km from Aix-en-Provence or 97 Km from Canne.

04.98.05.14.14

Categories : 5 Forks, Europe, The Happy Fork reviews

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Jun

2002

Aubergine

by bradvr · Comments (0)

07-25-07 Update. However, rumor has it that they are reopening in a new location (hint, check the Arches on Coast Highway – and no not the Golden Arches).

Closed in 2004.

6/9/02 Original review

Aubergine

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.domainerestaurants.com/
508 29th St

Newport Beach, CA 92663
Off Newport Blvd in Cannery Village
714-723-4150

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Chef’s table, Patio, Private room, Table seating, Reservations, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Romatic Spot, Tasting menu, Prix fixe menu available, Available for private parties on Sunday and Monday
Dinner: Tue-Sat 5:30 pm to 10 pm

Categories : 5 Forks, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Feb

2002

The Lark Creek Inn

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Spectacular food in a spectacular location. Most everything from the kitchen is worth trying – dishes liked seared ahi with spicy sesame vinaigrette, roulade of pork tenderloin on wilted spinach and Chanterelle mushroom ragu and potato gnocchi, rosemary roasted free range chicken on wilted spinach and Parma prosciutto with a brown butter lemon sauce, and of course their famous mashed potatoes!

Warm and friendly atmosphere and service, perfect for a client dinner or a romantic evening.
Best Dish: Mash potatoes
What To Order: Mash potatoes, warm chocolate brioche bread pudding, salad of heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella, marinated pork roast, rosemary roasted chicken
Notable Staff: Bradley Ogden

The Lark Creek Inn

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.larkcreek.com/
234 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-924-7766

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Chef’s table, Patio, Bar dining, Private room, Open Every Day, Credit cards, Bar, Exceptional wine list, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Romantic Spot, Notable atmosphere, Prix fixe menu available, Catering
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 2 pm
Dinner: Mon-Fri 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Dinner: Sat 5 pm to 10 pm
Brunch: Sun 10 am to 2 pm
Dinner: Sun 5 pm to 9 pm

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Northern California, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2001

The Hobbit

by bradvr · Comments (0)

The Hobbit is a venerable institution in Orange County, serving seven course meals to a packed house almost nightly. Their menu entrees are published weeks in advance for convenience. On a recent visit our meal was as follows:

Champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the wine cellar where you choose your evenings wines (at additional cost of course) from their extensive collection.

Celery Root soup with Swiss Chard and Chanterelle Mushrooms

Thyme Roasted Duck Breast with lingonberry conserve

Baby romaine and Radicchio Salad

-intermission-

Sorbet

Tarragon Roasted Rack of Lamb

Back Gala Lady Apples with Maple Creme Anglaise

The standout dishes where the Lamb and the Duck Breast. From their wine cellar we had a 1994 Silver Oak Cabernet that was outstanding!

The Hobbit is housed in a old house with quiet dining areas throughout. The prefix meals, not including wine or beverages, is $ 58 per person.

Notable Staff: Michael Philippi

The Hobbit

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

2932 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92869
1 mile East of the 55 Fwy.
714-997-1972

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Private room, Reservations, Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Jacket required, Non-smoking, Smoking on patio, Romantic Spot

Categories : 4 Forks, Fork on the Road, Orange County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Aug

2001

Chez Philippe

by bradvr · Comments (0)

An institution in Memphis, Chez Philippe is at home in the historic Peabody Hotel. The service is refined, but the food a bit over done on presentation, and less so on taste.

Chez Philippe

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

www.peabodymemphis.com
149 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
The Peabody Hotel
901.529.4188

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Credit cards, Bar, Beer and wine, Exceptional wine list, Jacket required, Romantic Spot, Notable atmosphere

Categories : 3 Forks, Fork on the Road, Southeastern U.S., The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

2000

Matsuhisa

by bradvr · Comments (0)

I have had many amazing meals at this world famous Japanese restaurant. Not just great sushi. I love the soft shell crab roll – this crunchy, delectable treat is truly unique. In fact, just about everything on Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s 20+ page menu is unique and wonderful.

His restaurant Nobu in New York, Las Vegas and more locations annually are also consistently on many top ten restaurant lists.
Best Dish: There are so many delicacies – try anything and I am sure you will be pleased.
What To Order: Soft shell crab roll

Matsuhisa
This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.nobumatsuhisa.com/
129 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
one block north of Wilshire
310-659-9639

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Counter, Table seating, Private room, Credit cards, Bar, Snappy Casual, Non-smoking, Tasting menu, Valet parking available, Limited parking

Categories : 5 Forks, Fork on the Road, Los Angeles County, The Happy Fork reviews

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Nov

1999

The Fort

by bradvr · Comments (0)

Sam Arnold’s Morrison, Colorado restaurant. This special occasion restaurant, is full of charm and an unusual menu. At The Fort it is mostly about game meats, and trying something new.

The building and surrounds are an attraction themselves.
What To Order: Roast Bison Marrow Bones, Bucket O’ Buttons, General Armijo’s Grilled Lamb Chops

The Fort

This information was accurate at the time of posting, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead or visit the website to confirm hours, location and other details.

http://www.thefort.com/
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
Just 30 minutes outside of downtown Denver.
(303) 697-4771

Average Cost Per Person, excluding drinks: $50 or more
Private room, Credit cards, Beer and wine, Bar, Dressy Casual