For me that is.
Up at the very top of the list has to be Mini Bar, Washington DC. I am lucky enough to have a friend who works at the restaurant where this six-barstool delight is located – quite literally in the main dining area of the restaurant, Café Atlantico.
This place covered all aspects of a successful and fun dining experience. Perhaps it was that my friend knew all the barmen, serving us the most exquisite cocktails before dinner, or that she already knew our waiter or that she was having a thing with one of Minibars chefs. Who knows but it was out of this world.
So if it wasn’t enough that you feel like royalty been lead through the restaurant, with all and sundry excited for you that you are eating in Minibar, you are literally placed on a pedestal over this fancy yet down to earth restaurant. At this stage you know that all the Atlantico regulars are excited for you knowing what is too come. Perfect American hype, but not without reason. There was no prepping me for what we were about to experience.
To begin with our wine was carefully selected. A fine Riesling to start followed by Pinot and finished by the finest 5 puttonyos Hungarian Tokaj (Chateau Patjzos, Esszencia, 1993). Amazing. Then the food. I don’t think there will ever be anything like it again. Thankfully they give you a memorable print out. But its still not enough – no matter how good your memory is you would need a book to explain the 28 courses. Each is a mouthful, or maybe two that is so carefully planning that they have you marvelling at it one minute, the next you are giggling! Each rolls perfectly into the next and you are never disappointed. A sugar coated olive oil bon bon that melts then explodes in your mouth. Deconstructed Ceasar salad. Sea Urchin with hibiscus foam. It will forever me my favourite!
