RSS FeedDoes Size Matter?
Mrs Columbo assures us that size isn’t important, but we can’t help but have our doubts.
We’re talking of course about José Andrés plans to expand Minibar from 6 seats in Café Atlántico, to a complete Minibar restaurant. We dined recently at Minibar for the second time in as many years; it is an amazing culinary experience. The two hours of dining on approximately 30 courses (and the additional wine pairings) make for such an incredibly enjoyable evening.
But is part of the joy of that experience the limitation? Does the difficulty in obtaining a coveted seat at Minibar make the meal that much more special? Would an entire restaurant on this theme become nothing more than a fancy Benihana?
Continue this article after the jump.
Maybe Mrs Columbo wasn’t just trying to make us feel better; perhaps size doesn’t matter. After all this is José Andrés we’re talking about, the guy who in just over 10 years was able to buy out his bosses to take over the DC restaurants we all know and love. And of course Andrés’s restaurant empire isn’t just in DC; the recently opened Bazaar in Los Angeles is receiving rave reviews.
So we’re willing to go along with José and Mrs Columbo, size doesn’t matter. Or perhaps bigger can sometimes even be better.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
Ed — The first time we went (two years ago) I called every day for about a week, for a reservation one month out (the farthest they take them). Eventually I landed two seats for the Wednesday 6 pm slot.
This most recent visit a friend made ther reservation, and he landed all six seats for another weekday 6 pm reservation. Part of what made the second time even better was knowing all six people at the Minibar. Perhaps my friend Thundar will chime in with a tip on how he landed all six seats, but I suspect it was just calling each morning as they opened for reservations.
Thanks! As long as I know it’s possible, I’ll be more persistent. I totally agree with the 6-person idea and will try to follow suit as soon as I can.
I always perceived the difficulty of getting reservations at Minibar, the exclusivity, as part of the “allure” which made my interest passing at best. after watching Anthony Bourdain’s visit to Minibar during his DC No Reservations episode, my understanding of the concept changed considerably from a standard chef’s tasting dinner experience to an opportunity to a) have dinner in a great space, b) view an uncommon culinary artistry in real time and c) engage with the food preparers throughout the experience in a meaningful way. (I’ve been to a few chef’s tastings where the chef didn’t do much more than intro themselves and disappear into the kitchen.) more artistic, less feed ’em and fuel ’em up.
more capacity might improve the odds of getting a reservation thus improving the odds I’d pick up the phone and call. the wait until September 2010 per the WaPo article and the $120 cost notwithstanding, I’m up for that.
Myself and three other “Dining in DC” members will be dining at the Minibar this coming Thursday. We’re all very excited and looking forward to the experience.
You’re post was very informative.
Thank you!
Minibar sounds like a great experience,hopefully the changes will be a positive one. Another unique experience in the Penn Quarter area is Co Co Sala.
I have to admit, Ed, I got pretty lucky. Beginning at 9:59 a.m. I started calling Minibar. Two minutes and two dozen redials later I got through and made the reservations. It was the first day I tried. So luck and persistence.
If you can be flexible … ask to be put on their waitlist and leave your cell phone number, they will call if they have cancellations. That’s how we got in on my birthday.
FYI- Jose Andreas’ newest place in the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills is wildly popular. From what I have read, the menu for the whole place seems to be very much like Minibar.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
If he can create another el Bulli (J.A.’s training ground, inspiration for mini bar, and best restaurant in the world 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008), then I’m all for expansion!
Any tips on how you got a mini bar reservation?? Every time I call, the line is busy and I can’t get through until everything is booked. So frustrating!