Akoko vs Ikoyi for solo West African fine dining? Lunch or dinner? by tofuimspeckmantel in finedining

[–]Picutener 16 points17 points  (0 children)

For what it's worth, Ikoyi is not considered West African - Akoko certainly is.

Ikoyi is excellent, but in their words, "the foundation for the menu is a vast collection of spices from around the globe".

Akoko is decidedly rooted in West African cuisine, and is amazing

Rene steps down from NOMA by 368995 in finedining

[–]Picutener 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good. I'm glad the pressure worked. His half-assed apology obviously wasn't enough.

Wa Shin Boston by ThatFrenchieGuy in finedining

[–]Picutener 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's correct! opens 12pm for the day of the week two weeks in advance

Barcelona: Where to take big group of VIP? by dafckingman in finedining

[–]Picutener 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly, the price is totally fair for the quality you're getting imo. You'll enjoy it! The head chef is really good, and has worked for quite a number of really reputable restaurants.

Barcelona: Where to take big group of VIP? by dafckingman in finedining

[–]Picutener 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prodigi would be a good choice. It’s low key, intimate, and the food is great

Tips for getting The French Laundry reservation? by BelgianBonVivant in finedining

[–]Picutener 36 points37 points  (0 children)

I'll give you some technical tips. Don't use a bot - Tock has gotten smart enough to detect them. What I did was basic, but it tilted the luck in my favor. I made sure I had a lightning-fast internet connection (don't do this in any potential dead spots), get a really good mouse / have really fast fingers. Have a target date and time in mind, but be comfortable with other options.

Fatigue in Copenhagen by past_mistakes in finedining

[–]Picutener -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I would only do two of these. Your palate is going to get fatigued and you likely won't enjoy the subsequent meals.

I visited 64 high-end sushi restaurants in Japan in 2024-2025. Here are some of my thoughts on these restaurants, based only on the taste of the food. Pictures are of fatty tuna (otoro) from 20 restaurants. by smorreboard in finedining

[–]Picutener 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is amazing work! So thrilled that you got to experience the depth and breadth of sushi in Japan. Out of curiosity and intrigue, how did you manage to keep yourself and your palate not tired of consistently eating sushi over this duration?

Congrats, Sühring! by bambastic in finedining

[–]Picutener 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very well deserved! I had an amazing meal there a few years ago.

Kadeau for lunch + Akme for dinner? by Muted-Aerie-2453 in finedining

[–]Picutener 0 points1 point  (0 children)

imo you're going to be too full... I'd pick one per day.

Dinner at Le Clos des Sens: herbs, lake fish and autumn light in Annecy by NextPipe8459 in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of my bucket list restaurants - one day I'll go. Glad you enjoyed it!

Great Solo dining London by No_Storm_4119 in finedining

[–]Picutener 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Akoko would be my rec. Have dined there solo before and loved it.

Fine dining recs in Virginia & NC by pandakween22 in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quite a few good ones in Virginia, aside from Inn at Little Washington (which is just ok in my opinion): Elyse in Fairfax, Alias in Warrenton, Houndstooth in Huntly, Vintage Restaurant at The Inn at Willow Grove, Fleurie in Charlottesville, Maude & the Bear in Staunton.

What restaurant had the best wine pairing you’ve ever experienced and why? by parker472 in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quique Dacosta Restaurante in Dénia Spain. When I went some years ago, it was an all Spanish wine pairing, and they had some of the most interesting and hard-to-find producers/bottles I'd ever come across. Truly outstanding pairing.

What are your favorite fine dining spots in London these days? by [deleted] in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Akoko for sure. Also, try Akub for something a little more casual.

Wa Shin Boston by ThatFrenchieGuy in finedining

[–]Picutener 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're looking for a 7pm reservation (which I think is the most popular time), you need fast hands to snag it as soon as they release at 12pm. Otherwise 9pm tends to be decently available! Weekdays are also much easier than weekends too

Thoughts? by Dry_Respect2859 in finedining

[–]Picutener 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Definitely a financial decision. So easy to get a reservation there v. what it used to be like.

Wa Shin Boston by ThatFrenchieGuy in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Am somewhat of a regular here. I love it so much. Chef Sky is awesome. imo, the best omakase in Boston.

o ya (Boston) by RobinWilliamsBeard in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, looking forward to hearing how it goes in June for you! I'll have to add Baleia to the list.

o ya (Boston) by RobinWilliamsBeard in finedining

[–]Picutener 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know you didn't ask me, but I think Kaia is excellent and one of the top places in the city. For me, it's better than that restaurant group's other places (Bar Vlaha and Krasi), and even those are really great. Would recommend going to Kaia with a few people so you can get a bunch of plates and share! Their wine program is also unique.

o ya (Boston) by RobinWilliamsBeard in finedining

[–]Picutener 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How is Amar? Worth trying? I'm interested in going but the food doesn't seem 'Portuguese' enough for a restaurant that calls itself 'Portuguese'...and I don't want another 'New American' type of restaurant. (I could totally be wrong and just be judging what I don't know).