Paris, France
We can begin by saying what this place means: "The perfection that vegetables represent in the hands of a true genius". When entering Arpege, we must understand that we are in a temple of world gastronomy. Alain Passard, more than a virtuous chef, is a lover of nature at it's best. He has an admirable passion for nature especially for the vegetables which he cultivates, cares for and uses with the perfection that only he can achieve. It was a special night since it was our wedding anniversary and since the moment we entered the atmosphere was magical. They took us to our table, we were settling in to the place when the same genius Passard approached our table. What he told us was something that marked our evening and the way we now see vegetables. He immediately told us: "I have just started harvesting my vegetables and they are wonderful, I am going to make you love them". A person who shows such a passion, love and respect for vegetables can only do with them a master piece. I am a lover of meat and seafood but after that introduction I didn't hesitate to ask for the vegetable tasting menu and believe me it was an epic perfect decision in my life. After that night my view and understanding about vegetables changed for good. A menu of 12 dishes executed with the greatest perfection. I would like to explain the structure of each dish but I think that is impossible. Only its creator could explain that although no explanation would be fair. Our brain is programmed to determine odors and tastes that have been part of our lives, but what happens when we try something new? Something we can not determine? Easy, it's a unique sensation, an explosion of fascination and taste. Since the beginning with the first dish until the end with dessert it was a process, a catharsis of emotions and culinary sensations. We finish this process with a sublime apple cake. Elegant place, impeccable atmosphere, unique food, the price is high, but really worth it without hesitation. If we want to qualify a restaurant as a wonder of the world, this would be among the 10 world wonders.
An experience of a lifetime.