Taillevent: Tasting menu or à la carte

[wittlejosh]

Have reservations for dinner there next week. Should we do the tasting menu or go à la carte?

[PBSF]

For Taillevent, one can go either way. For tasting menu,the entire table has to order it and I find it is easier to match wines with. The tasting menu is composed of dishes from their regular menu and each course is a half portion rather than just a 'tasting'. You can ask the staff for a substitution if there is a dish that you do not want. I have also ordered a la carte and requested a half-portion of a dish and they've been very generous and accommondating. I have not eaten there in a couple of years, but from what I read, they have not changed.

[bill1jan]

If it is your first visit, I would opt for the tasting menu, as it will give you a chance to sample more items. If you've been there before, you can go either way. Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time.

[wittlejosh]

Tried the tasting menu last night---fabulous. There was a langoustines fricassee of some sort (with artichoke-heart slices and garlic) that was unbelievably flavorful, and a celeriac soup that was gorgeous. Best service I've ever experienced, perhaps.

Only a few meals I've enjoyed more: French Laundry is far and away the best, and Le Bernardin is somewhere up there. Several years ago, I had an incredible meal at Toque, in Montreal, that I remember as being that good, but it also could have been before I was well versed enough in fine cuisine to know. Taillevent is definitely in my top 5 or 6, however.