If you are passionate about food, as we obviously are, it is sometimes necessary to splurge on a ridiculously over-the-top meal, one that is way too expensive and way too indulgent. This is because a meal like this can change your life (as much as food can be life changing). A meal like this opens your eyes, makes you see food differently. It is an exploration into the mind of a brilliant artist, the mastermind behind this indulgence, the Chef. And for me it is an invaluable learning experience, a culinary clinic and an education that I cannot receive anywhere else. Sometimes a meal, just like going to see a famous work of art, or viewing a magnificent natural wonder, can be a once in a lifetime experience. And such was our experience during our 4 hour lunch at L'Arpege.
Matt had come to L'Arpege about 20 years ago, and still speaks of it as the greatest meal of his life. When we were deciding where to have our fanciest meal in Paris, there was no question where we would go. The chef at L'Arpege, Alain Passard, was a genius twenty years ago. And he is still very much a genius today. But this chef has experienced a fascinating evolution since Matt first went there as a 12 year old boy. Back then it was all meats and heavy sauces. But then Chef Passard discovered vegetables, and, in a very un-French move, focused on elevating vegetables to new levels. We opted for the multi course Vegetable Tasting menu, available only from June through September and only during lunch. And let me tell you, Chef Passard has succeeded in his quest to take vegetables from a boring side dish to the shining star of a meal.
This was, without question, the greatest meal of our lives. In this blog, we often say that something is the greatest ever. The greatest sandwich ever, the greatest piece of cheese ever. That's because in that moment, in the context of when and where we are eating it, it may be the greatest. But this meal will withstand the test of time, regardless of what came before or what will come after. This meal was to taste the very essence of brilliance and creativity. This meal took food to an almost ludicrous level - in fact, it would be an insult to call it "food." From the sheer beauty of the dishes - the most vibrant culinary colors you will ever see - to the impossibly nuanced flavors, this was the best. The Best Meal Ever.
There are a lot of photos here. So we hope you will settle in and enjoy!