SPAGO=The Best TM LUNCH in LA

[russkar]

Yesterday 4 of us decended on Spago for Lunch (11:45a).
I had PRE- ordered the TM so the kitchen had time to prepare in advance.

Salmon Tartar Cone
Foie Gras Mousse
Mini Salmon Pizza
Seared Foie Gras w/fig

Sweet Breads

Angelotti Pasta w/ ALBA White Truffles

Tazamanian Prawn

Venison Medallion

3 Cheese Platter

Mini Apple Cobbler w/ ice cream

125-ea, time 4+ hrs

wines: Gavi de Gavi (S), 64 Clos V (Gros), 96 CLR (burg), 88 Griottes C (chezeau), 88 Sauturne , 70 Latour

Service was perfect along with the food!

[ipsedixit]

While I don't necessarily disagree about Spago's tasting menu at lunch being the "best," I really don't think there's real competition.

After all, how many restaurants actually have a tasting menu for lunch?

On that note, anyone know if Cimarusti is planning a tasting menu for lunch at Providence?

[russkar]

I have the Chef's Tasting Menu at Providence for lunch several times. Unfortunately he's only open Fri's like Valentino. Plan on about 3 hours. La Cachette does a nice Tasting Menu for Lunch also with notice.

[ipsedixit]

How does Providence's lunch TM compare with Spago's?

-thanks.

[russkar]

Completely different!
Providence's TM is much more sophisticated and unique.
Prices are similar 85-120 depending on the Truffles and Caviar.

[ipsedixit]

I've been to Providence for the TM several times (both 5 and 9 courses) and have been left somewhat disappointed, or perhaps a better way of putting it is underwhelmed.

[russkar]

I've been to Providence 30+ times and had the Chef's menu (12courses)120- and been blow away, along with my guests.
I also like Pizza Next Door in Downtown.

[Clare K]

I think the pasta at Spago is stellar.

[jcwla]

The Spago tasting menu lunch is a must to avoid!

The pasta in particular tastes like cardboard.

[russkar]

You apparently did not attend lunch with us yesterday. If you had the only cardboard you would be referring to would be the box holding our empty wine bottles. Everyone in attendance yesterday is either a serious foodie or a wine collector who has dined at Spago several times and the verdict was unanimous, EXCELLENT!!

[sku]

I had the tasting menu for dinner a few weeks ago and they had veal cheek tortellini with white truffles. It was absolutely superb. The best white truffle dish I've had and better than any of the other pasta/white truffle dishes I've had there.

[Ingrid Ingrid]

What is Spago's corkage policy?

[RicRios]

Theoretically, still $25/btl (Corkage at CUT is $35), and I believe one charge waved for ea btl you buy.
But in practice, it is ad-libitum of the waiter/sommelier/manager.

[Bert]

I think the Spago BH pasta is the best around, as good as any high-end italian place. the Agnolotti with white truffles is absolutely amazing. but that's already been repeated ad nauseum in this thread!

[emily]

I don't remember that the pasta tasted like cardboard, but the truffle agnolotti at Spago was a let down when we tried it. I make truffle pasta at home and have had it in Italy and Spago's was not a good version.

[hrhboo]

I too was disappointed with the pasta at Spago.

[ostudio]

sounds delicious! wow impressive lunch for a tuesday afternoon.
how were the sweetbreads and venison prepared?

[russkar]

Sweetbreads were light tempura.
Slow Roast on the Venison (best I've had in a long time, very delicate)