From the very first bite to the last lingering sip, this was a meal to remember - thoughtfully crafted, beautifully balanced, and full of delightful surprises. Each dish told a story, and every wine pairing felt like the perfect companion on this journey.

We began with fresh dorado, an elegant composition of rhubarb vinaigrette, strawberries, leek, Sichuan pepper, black olive, and radish. The flavors played beautifully between sweet, tart, and savory, all brought together in effortless harmony by a crisp and aromatic Riesling, whose bright acidity tied the dish together like a perfectly placed final brushstroke on a painting.

Next came the crispy battered wolffish, a dish so dangerously addictive it should come with a warning. The fish, encased in the lightest, most impeccably crisp batter, yielded to a beurre blanc so rich and velvety it felt borderline illegal. Fermented radish jelly and crispy chili sauce added intrigue, while the Rheinhessen Kerner Spätlese from Erbeldinger took everything to the next level. This off-dry, aromatic delight, with its lush fruit and lively acidity, was the perfect counterpoint to the dish’s decadence - like an effortlessly charming dinner guest who knows exactly when to bring humor into the conversation and when to let the moment breathe.

The succade followed, a dish with deep, rich flavors that spoke for themselves. Served alongside two beautifully executed preparations of chicory and a glossy veal jus, it was indulgence at its finest. The Garnacha from Catalonia was an inspired pairing - its warmth, structure, and quiet confidence made every bite feel like sinking into a well-worn leather armchair by a crackling fire.

And just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any better, the cheese platter arrived, paired with a slightly fortified wine from the South of France. But what truly made this moment special was the way the wine was poured. The sommelier, with an air of playful mischief, “stole” the wine straight from a posh crystal carafe using a glass thief - a tool I had always assumed was reserved for me, should I ever decide to sneak into the deepest, darkest, and most well-guarded Rioja cellars to pilfer yet-immature treasures. Watching it happen felt like witnessing a delicious crime, one in which we were more than happy to be accomplices.

Yes, the experience leans toward the pricier side, but every course, every sip, and every thoughtful detail made it feel absolutely worth it. That said, a small touch of generosity could make it even more memorable. A fixed-price water service per person - rather than charging for each refilled bottle - would be a welcome touch and more in line with the warm hospitality the restaurant already excels at. Similarly, it would be lovely to follow the lead of many establishments at this level and waive the charge for small extra pours of pairing wines, especially when the bottle is already open and bound to be finished that evening. Given that the wines weren’t particularly expensive (less than €20 retail) and that guests are already indulging in a €100+ per person menu with pairings, such gestures would elevate the experience from excellent to truly exceptional - making guests feel not just satisfied, but genuinely cherished.

A place to return to - not just for the flavors, but for the stories, the moments, and the sheer joy of it all.