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| - Memorable first time experience at Alo tonight for their tasting menu after a patient 3 month wait booked through Amex. Tbh it was not a super "wow!!" experience like I was expecting, but think my expectations have grown too unrealistic over time with so much lead up time and hype surrounding Alo.
Since I'm not a professional food critic or come even close to resembling one, just wanted to make a few comments about the overall experience-
1. Impeccable service. Why is it sooo expensive here ($105/person for the tasting menu)? Because you'll be spoiled rotten all night by all the staff constantly refilling your water, opening doors, replacing your cutlery after every course etc. I mentioned that I was cold to my partner and next thing I knew a staff had brought me a shawl! The staff also knew all the dishes by heart and knew of our dietary restrictions (lacto vegetarian, pescatarian who doesn't eat dairy), which were super well accommodated without any eye rolls or judgement.
2. Despite probably being more known for their meat and seafood options, the vegetarian and vegan options on the tasting menu are also fantastic!!! Vegans- call Alo at least a day in advance and they will tailor your menu to suit your needs!
3. Booking through Amex will get you special perks such as champagne to start.
4. Remember that you are here for the EXPERIENCE, so slow down your bites (eat like the Europeans lol), savor each course, ask about the ingredients, look around you, enjoy your dinner company etc. The tasting menu offers very tiny portions, all intricately prepared and individualized for you, which is a food experience that you might never come across again, so cherish the time you spend here. Alo reminds us all that eating is to satisfy not just physiological needs, but also something more spiritual.
5. Every menu is unique, every day. My partner and I were both vegetarian basically, yet our vegetarian menu items differed.
6. We were here for almost 4 hours, so plan accordingly! Contrary to what you may have read in other reviews, the time between each course is not that long. Food does come fairly quickly (within 5-6 minutes between each course).
7. Yes, we were both still hungry at the end of our gastronomy journey. So smart foodies, do eat something before coming. Portions are, again, super small.
3 words to sum up tonight's experience? Meticulous, indulgent, anticipation.
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