Three strikes, you're out. Sorry French Laundry, I guess it wasn't meant to be this time. Yesterday, I made another attempt to book a reservation at the French Laundry to celebrate our anniversary in August. Unfortunately, it was for a Saturday reservation and by the time I got into the phone queue at 10:10am and had an agent answer my call at 10:17am, it was already too late. By now, I'm not sure I want to try again. I woke up this morning contemplating, "Is it worth it?". Come on, Thomas Keller raised the prices at both Per Se ($295) and the French Laundry ($270). I know the prices include gratuity but still, that's a lot of cash these days and the last time I heard, we were still in a recession. But this post isn't about the French Laundry or the cost for greatest, it's about progression.Manresa is located in Los Gatos, California, a small town near the Santa Cruz hills. It is the brain child of Executive Chef David Kinch. I've been comtemplating a reservation here for some time. What made me decide to go there was: 1) It was ranked #69 on the World's Best Restaurants list and 2) The price point was just right at $170 per person for the tasting menu. Besides, Manresa seemed to be a good choice given we are going to Spain in a few months.
Earlier I mentioned progression. While Manresa has been around for sometime, it has progressed on the World's Best Restaurant list from #86 to #69. That's quite a jump to say the least given the French Laundry has fallen from grace to #56. 69 is not that far off from 56 so it will be interesting to see how Manresa ranks next year. For now, I want to get in before it breaks into the Top 50 and well, before the madness begins.
Side note: I'm so glad Chez Panisse didn't make the rankings because it really didn't deserve to be there. I'm a hater but it's my blog and I'll say whatever I want.
Manresa
320 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408.354.4330
1 comments:
Good blog post
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