An exquisite experience...

We have always seen the meal as a center of the human experience. -ChezPanisse Commitment to Sustainability

Thursday night we had the pleasure of dining at Alice Waters' famed Chez Panisse in Berkeley. We had made the reservations two months in advance, studied up on Alice Waters' philosophy on food, and had the tasting menu up on our screens the entire week leading up to this night: we were ready to rock. What was to follow was an evening of epic proportions (to be taken both figuratively and literally); an experience that changed the way I view, eat, and enjoy food.

Chez Panisse's core philosophy lies in the underlying belief that every segment of a meal- from the choosing of locally grown ingredients to our waiter capping the night off with hot mint tea- is inextricably linked to the human experience. I can say with absolute certainty that every individual we met who worked that evening personified these firmly held beliefs.

The wait staff: impeccable in execution. From the moment we stepped into the dining room, Gianni welcomed us with open arms. I am an incredibly curious person (especially when it comes to subjects of intense interest), and I peppered him with every question that came to mind. He answered them all, with no hesitation, in a way that conveyed the utmost passion for what he does. Even better yet, he dug our inquiries and gave us a personal tour of the kitchen in addition to giving us tastes of wines he felt went really well with our dishes. I would go back to Chez Panisse simply for the service I received from Gianni.

The food: fresh, seasonal, local DOES make a difference. Home made ravioli, squab liver, perfectly prepared duck, every dish appeared refreshingly simple while tasting absolutely divine. After meeting the chef and cooks in the back, you could tell the care used in the preparation contributed to how well these plates worked together.

In conclusion (and even though my fave Tony Bourdain despises the woman) we loved Alice Waters, Chez Panisse and the entire experience surrounding this little Berkeley eutopia. Go there...as fast as you can...and savor every minute!!