Day 178: Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

Tonight was my second pilgrimage to Chez Panisse in Berkeley and once again, I had a wonderful experience.

Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in the seventies, soon after graduating from UC Berkeley.  She is known as the originator of California cuisine and as a huge supporter of local farmers, was the first restauranteur to begin crediting her sources within her menu.  Goat cheese wasn't just goat cheese, it was Laura Chenel goat cheese.  This dedication to local growing means that the Chez Panisse menu always features the freshest and most seasonally relevant ingredients.  Ms. Waters also played a huge role in introducing the Slow Food movement to America, in an attempt to encourage people to take their time with food, enjoy meals together, and to think about and appreciate the food they eat.  One of the best books I've read about Alice Waters is called "Alice Waters and Chez Panisse" by Thomas McNamee.  I highly recommend it.

So...back to dinner.  Chez Panisse has two parts - the downstairs dining room and the upstairs cafe, which is more casual.  The thing to make sure you understand about the Chez Panisse dining room, is that they offer one set menu per day, the only alternative being the vegetarian menu.  So, you really need to be open minded when it comes to food and willing to try new things.  Monday nights, the restaurant offers a 3-course meal and as the week goes on, additional courses are added.  You can see the current Chez Panisse menus on their website.

Last night's dinner began with a salad of grilled squid and chicories with herbs and preserved lemon.  Delicious.  The entree was a fish and shellfish soup with saffron, leeks, green garlic, and aioli.  I actually opted for the vegetarian entree, as saffron is one of the few ingredients on this planet that I just do not care for.  Instead, I received a plate of warm and creamy fettucini with wild mushrooms - shitakes and black trumpets, I believe.  Dessert was a warm chocolate cake with burnt caramel ice cream.  Amazing.

The food isn't the only reason to splurge on a visit to Chez Panisse.  The service is always impeccable.  The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and very welcoming.  All in all, dining at Chez Panisse is a really wonderful and special experience.