Michelin Star Magic
- Nikki
- Sep 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 25
One of our favorite things to do when at home and when traveling is to eat. To say that we are foodies is an understatement. Even when we dine in, we have a table for four but we sit right next to each other, light the candles, hold hands, share bites, and discuss life. Sitting at a quiet table for two sharing a meal is one of the best ways we know to connect and spend time together - we have yet to run out of topics to run through. I also try to make every meal delicous, even if it is just a regular work-week night. We are by no means food snobs (Nacho Daddy in Vegas is one of our favorites, one of the best lunches we ever had was eating chips doused in hot sauce and lime in Mexico from a wandering beach vendor, and I will drive out of my way for any Taco John's within striking distance), but there is something truly special about a Michelin Star dining experience. The service is always top-notch, the settings are usually beautiful, and you are guaranteed at least a few bites that will blow your mind.
Edinburgh
Number One (at The Balmoral, where we stayed for a magical week) was our first and still favorite Michelin Star experience. It is in fact Number One! There were so many courses I lost count.
From the website: Chef Mathew Sherry and our award-winning team showcase our favourite seasonal produce through a five course tasting menu, creating Scottish dishes by combining classic flavours with modern flair.
The service was excellent. I get excited about the way the food looks and smells almost as much as the taste. My exuberance was greatly appreciated here (this is not always the case!).
Japan
My second favorite experience was a memorable lunch in Japan. After a morning spent touring Nara, a city ruled by the world's tamest deer, we had a reservation for lunch at La Terrasse. As is always the gamble when doing a group tour, we had members who were late for our designated start time. We waited for them, thus causing a ripple effect with the itinerary. In the words of Kate Bush, we found ourselves Running Up That Hill (in the 90-degree heat) in order to make our reservation. We did, but I fear the hostess thought I was going to drop! After we settled in, got some cool drinks (a local strawberry gin and tonic that I still dream about) and had our first bite, we knew we were in for a treat.
From the website:
In pursuit of French cuisine that suits the Japanese palate,
we offer dishes that bring out the maximum flavor of the ingredients,
detailed and bold presentation, and unforgettable hospitality...
all about comfort.
Before our meal even started, one of the staff brought out a tray filled to the brim with the farm fresh ingredients they would be cooking that day. It was so impressive.
Each bite was better than the last and we felt like we were long lost family members. We tried our best to express our sheer joy without terrible Japanese, and I don't think I have ever felt more welcome in a restaurant.
This was another situation where we had a huge part of the dining room to ourselves, and it felt like a beautiful romantic lunch for two straight out of a movie.
Everything was absolutely beautiful and scrumptious. Oishi desu, indeed!
I am sad to report that this restaurant recently closed.
Amsterdam
This trip to The Netherlands was to celebrate a milestone birthday that shall not be named. Vinkeles is a gorgeous space.
From the website:
Upscale modern French cuisine served in an atmospheric former 1700s bakery at the hip Dylan Hotel.
There were many beautiful little bites. The staff checked in on us ... a lot. There was a pigeon dish I was not overly fond of, but everything else was thoughtful and tasty.
Paris
This experience was equal parts wow and weird.
From the Hémicycle website:
In the heart of Paris's prestigious 7th arrondissement, a stone's throw from the National Assembly and the Palais Bourbon, Hémicycle offers a new gastronomic chapter at this memorable address at 5 rue de Bourgogne. It is in this eighth address that Stéphane Manigold hands over the reins to the talented Flavio Lucarini and Aurora Storari, drawing on his rich and varied experience, notably at Bistrot Flaubert and Le Gabriel. The chef offers contemporary gourmet cuisine with an Italian touch, in which sour, bitter, and spicy flavors merge into a brilliant blend.
At the Hemicycle, there is no debate, just an invitation to discovery and pleasure.
The tables are set up on two floors. The waiter (dressed in a tracksuit) was unimpressed with our wine selection, he was outie most of the night. The dishes were served by committee.
Tampa
I love cheese. My sister-in-law Victoria is on a next-level relationship with the fromage. Last year she informed me that Rocca offers a tableside mozzarella cart - I knew we had to try it on our next visit.
The hype is real. They pull that cheese right next to you, then plate it beautifully with heirloom tomatoes. This is my idea of a perfect way to kick off a meal.
I can also highly recommend the Salumi, the Ricotta Gelato, and the Dry Aged Rohan Duck.
This is the loudest restaurant, definitely not suited for a romantic dinner at all, but the food is so scrumptious. It is perfect for a fabulous night out with the in-laws, we now have a standing fam date every time we visit Tampa Bay.
New York City
Our first big vacation together was to NYC in 2011. We hadn't been back since! It was meaningful to walk the same streets and see how far we have come. We decided to lunch at Aquavit.
From the website:
Aquavit offers exquisite seasonal Nordic cuisine in an incomparable restaurant setting, located in Park Avenue Tower at 65 East 55th Street between Park and Madison Avenues in Midtown New York. With respect to tradition, a penchant for excellence and the conviction to try new techniques and ingredients, Aquavit transforms Nordic cuisine with extraordinary care.
This was our first two-Michelin Star experience. The servers were very kind. I have also never had my water refilled that many times, thank you for the hydration. The appetizers and desserts were outstanding. I am slowly moving towards being a person who only orders apps/salads/desserts, those are always the best parts of the meal.
The shiny star here is the Arctic Bird's Nest (goat cheese parfait, sea buckthorn, blueberry). There were many other thoughtful small ingredients included with this dish. It was gorgeous, thoughtful, and I couldn't stop eating it. It was fun to crack into those eggs. Sometimes desserts are all show and no substance - this was both.
Do you have any Michelin Star favorites?
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