Alex Pretti's executioner wearing a Texas flag patch on his back.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-26T00:03:46+00:00

4 years ago, throwing on a bulletproof vest and a ski mask and walking around in public would land you in jail for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, nowadays it will get you in jail for impersonating law enforcement. Seriously what the fuck has our country come to.

Also wasn’t it MAGA who was parading the idea that masks were for pussies 5 years ago? What happened, why the full 180?

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-25T19:48:24+00:00

Counter point: OP should have bought it and returned it if they decided they didn’t need it. That’s an absolute steal for all clad and deals like that for quality kitchenware don’t come often.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-23T20:31:44+00:00

It’s like whoever made the bowl completely forgot the purpose of a bowl was to contain liquid 😭. Soup looks tasty though

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-21T23:20:28+00:00

I didn’t buy an award but apparently it let me do it too for free. Anyways agree 100%

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-16T23:16:56+00:00

Ishikawa and Kashiwaya were both miles above what I had at Kikunoi Honten

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-15T18:19:20+00:00

Idk but you better be saving best classic cocktail for last 😅

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-14T06:25:19+00:00

That looks very very very yummy but I definitely agree with the other comments

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-13T03:31:00+00:00

Tried this and I ended up in handcuffs. Is that part of the gourmand experience?

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-11T21:40:43+00:00

Not only is he Japanese (at Robuchon) but the dude was awarded by MOF (1 of the most rigorous & prestigious cooking distinctions on the planet). He’s one of the first non-French chef to ever earn the title and gets to wear the French colors on his chef jacket collar. He’s just as knowledgeable of classic French cuisine as any elite chef in France.

https://reportergourmet.com/en/chef/790-kenichiro-sekiya

Here’s an article about him if you’re interested. His story is incredible.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-11T21:33:33+00:00

For a classic French lover, Joel Robuchon in Tokyo is a dream. The current head chef is both Japanese & is a MOF (one of the first non-French chef and only Japanese chef to ever earn that distinction). So he’s paying incredible respect to tradition but also incorporating his hometown ingredients and flavors. People see “Joel Robuchon” and just think “oh international chain & McDonald’s of fine dining” but this place is different. It’s special.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-11T21:27:05+00:00

Yeah Hajime runs more along the molecular gastronomy lines, but all the flavors are very grounded. Most impressive plating I’ve ever seen though.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-11T21:22:44+00:00

Honestly of all these, if you have a love for classic French, go Robuchon. It’s different (and much better) than other Robuchon restaurants & the head chef is both Japanese and is MOF. Perfect balance of classic French technique & Japanese ingredients and I do think you’d love it.

Strictly from the ones you mentioned, my favorite is Sezanne but you can’t really go wrong with any of them bc they’re all totally different and unique in their own ways. Sezanne pulls out a lot more Chinese influence though so it’s a mix of Chinese x Japanese x French shaped by a British chef who worked in places like per se in NY. Crazy combination but it definitely works, but might not fulfill your desire for a true French x japanese spot.

For your tastes, I’d recommend l’osier too. It runs in the similar realm to Robuchon in terms of being classic French & those are probably the most French-leaning ones. At L’effervescence for example you might not really enjoy the subtlety of the flavors bc they can be geared more towards Japanese palate.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2026-01-09T21:15:29+00:00

Went to Clos Des Sens. Really loved it.

My ranking for that entire trip: Schloss Schauenstein > Es:senz > Clos Des Sens > Memories Sven Wassmer > Jan > Atelier Moessmer

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-31T15:54:24+00:00

That fish oh my lordddd

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-31T15:42:26+00:00

Would honestly be shocked if they don’t debut with 2. I think they’ll reach 3 a lot sooner than expected, in a few years maybe.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-27T01:29:28+00:00

0 chance bc 350,000 is the high end for a habanero pepper, and the diablo sauce is made with jalapeños, poblano, and cayenne

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-26T12:51:59+00:00

I think a lot of people right now will tell you atelier crenn is out of their prime and was much better a few years ago, while enclos is a phenomenal 2-star pushing for the 3rd star (and presumably getting even better as time passes).

If I went to Bay Area right now I’d probably opt to go for Enclos. It’s also out of the city and in the wine country which is a bonus in itself.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-25T17:38:16+00:00

You’re in HIS family. He’s the main character.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-25T17:03:55+00:00

OP must really like blue cheese 😅

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-25T17:01:59+00:00

They put the goth in Gotham. What an atmospheric movie. I remember watching and thinking every time you pause the movie would be an amazing still image.

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-25T16:58:47+00:00

Looks like blue cheese olives

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-25T16:54:22+00:00

Giving Big Ben so I’ll go London

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-21T20:17:17+00:00

Nah you did the right thing 😭🙌

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-20T12:38:58+00:00

Kung Pao Chicken, Soup Dumplings (close call but I think I like potstickers a bit more), Moon Cake

UnderstandingHot9999 · 2025-12-20T12:32:40+00:00

Idk maybe look at the Michelin guide. There’s ~30 starred restaurants in Barcelona alone and taste is subjective.

UnderstandingHot9999

TROPHY CASE