Sad note

The first five-star restaurant in the United States, Philadelphia's unique and ultimate dining expereince, Le Bec Fin, has turned in its five-star award, and moved to business casual, a single plate and set of silver, no fixed price menu, and who knows what else.

Ramona and I dined there at Christmastime, 2006. The seven course meal, army of waiters, 30 page wine list, elegant silver, crystal, china, and their own bottled water, made for the most wonderful dining experience of our lives. We were looking forward to another visit so we could share with the friends of Jim & Ramona's Restaurant Journey. Alas, no more.

The chef/proprietor, George Perrier was a caring and meticulous host. I remember once when he visited our table and saw a tiny piece of cork in a glass of Montrachet, he took the half-empty bottle and glasses away in a fury and ordered them replaced. Ramona's cassolet with Escargot in champagne and white wine was not exactly lined up, and our table captain, Michael, slid it into position with a slight, tsk-tsk.

This was dining as only the French can manage it. It was as much a performance and a work of art as a fabulous, three-hour meal. Adieu, George, adieu. We will miss you! At least we have the memories, and as we toast with a fine wine, I can tell Ramona, "Here's looking at you, Bayb! We'll always have Le Bec Fin in our dreams.

-Jim