O the advice and reviews of
@inthecards and
@briandouglas The July 3rd dinner location was Next restaurant (which I'm certain needs little introduction) for their "Tapas" menu. It was a nice exploration in flavors, service was spot on and the food was wonderful. I wondered how the Alinea group could have a 2nd high end restaurant without infringing on the Alinea borders and they have indeed done a wonderful job. Everything was an exquisite step down without being a step down (if that makes any sense). I wasn't able to get all the food in the pics (e.g. missed the olive sphere ala ElBulli, chocolate and dates with burnt grapfruit etc etc so I apologize). The pairings were the only thing I would rate as good (some I didn't care for), but the meal itself was fantastic and the "bang for the buck"........well, I think we got off cheap........dirt-cheap. :-)
Anchovy and olive tomato with purple cauliflower white bean and goat cheese- mushroom and onion
Chef Beran canned Canned mussels - Octopus and eggplant. Mussels were carrying a bit too much citrus for me but still good.
Mussels
Grilled onions
Pork belly and romesco
Fried egg yolk achovie - Crispy salt cod
Iberico ham
Asparagus and squid
Rib-eye and Spanish tortilla
Olive oil caramel-Shrimp with strawberries
Cheesecake - Chocolate with cherries and oatmeal
