This dinner was the longest I'd ever attended, about 3.75 hours, 30 minutes longer than the 10-man fiasco Jacko hosted at the Kokomo's five years ago, but it went by pretty quickly.
One thing odd. In place of the traditional sorbet to cleanse the palate, Alain Rondelli served cotton candy. I would have enjoyed it more, but cotton candy just doesn't taste right to me without salty Santa Cruz ocean air. Plus it made my Muscato taste sour.
Later I may add some comments and flesh out a trip report, but for now, here is the menu:
(Ratings added on 7/2/01. Recollection, and thus accuracy, arguably suspect.)
| Mussel Soup with Orange Zest, Fennel, Star Anise, Dill | +8 | |
| Pan Roasted Calamari Cocktail with Tomato Water, Jalapeno, Mint, Carrot Juice, Aspic | +10 | |
| Shrimp and Potato Gnocchi with Lime Emulsion and Daikon Sprouts | +1 | |
| Foie Gras and Figs with Brioche, Watercress, and Aspic | +7 | |
| Egg Yolk with Onion Puree, Mini-Bagel, Caviar | -5 | |
| Crispy Skin Salmon with Wild Rice and Mushrooms, Potato Puree | +2 | |
| Broiled Monkfish with Honey, Caraway, Bee Pollen, Butternut Squash, Red Onion Confit | 0 | |
| Roasted Squab Breast and Confit with Tomato Confit and Squab Liver Foie Gras | +7 | |
| Lamb Loin, Rib, and Sausage in Oregano Broth | +4 | |
| Braised Beef Short Rib and Roasted Bacon in Red Wine Sauce with Mashed Potato | +3 | |
| Seared and Caramelized Pear with Champagne Reduction, Roquefort, and Black Pepper | -3 | |
| Creme Brulee with Mango Compote | +6 | |
| Assorted Cookie Platter | +4 | |
| Chocolate Variation (includes espresso ganache, nougat, pot de creme, chocolate hazelnuts, egg nog, chocolate sorbet in chocolate florentine, beggar's purse) | +8 |