The creativity in the Next: Alinea menus isn’t shown through food per se – the dishes and the plating are replicated precisely – but in the selection and combination of courses. Unlike the French Laundry menu, which captured a menu from a particular date in its entirety, the Alinea menus were assembled across a decade of options.
Of course, some of the most iconic presentations and dishes are included, like the slowly deflating “pillow of lavender air”, “hot potato cold potato” (my favorite, sadly now retired from Alinea itself), and the tabletop dessert.
The Next: Alinea 2005-2010 menu made me think the boldness and originality of Alinea in its youth – big statements and dramatic presentation, like the aforementioned plate-on-a-pillow, turbot served surrounded by flowers whose aroma is released by boiling water (I found it overwhelmingly floral), and a balloon of mozzarella playfully plated to resemble a snail.
The Next: Alinea 2011-2015 menu showed more nuance and confidence, Alinea having come into its own. There are influences from around the world, flavors that are explored in a quieter way, but still plenty of whimsy – salsify jerky woven into a centerpiece of branches, an oyster leaf (that tastes just like oyster) in an oyster shell, tapas served atop photos of themselves, and a cube of scallop fried to resemble agedashi tofu.
A few highlights:
Alinea 2005-2010
hot potato • heart of palm • oyster cream • skate • english peas
tomato • crab • lamb • wild turbot
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Alinea 2011-2015
camoflage • trout roe • driftwood • pebble • eggplant
corn • tapas • scallop
duck • cheesecake
milk chocolate
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How often does one have the chance to dine at what is, basically, a retrospective by a restaurant of itself? It was so interesting to see the evolution across the years and the thought that has clearly gone into every element. And of course it was fun to eat too!
Ballyfin, Ireland
Homemade mochi
A l’Etoile d’Or, Paris
Fat Ptarmigan, Anchorage AK
Wow Jennifer! Your explanation of the menus is very informative – but the difference between the two menus is powerful captured in your images. The first dinner looked amazing but the second looked both amazing and dramatic. Also, I like the new look of your blog! Keep up your stream of information and good times (well some better than others)!