Aurora Takes a Holiday: 07/26/07

Aurora Takes a Holiday!?!

Beginning July 22 – July 30, Avner and I (and the rest of the family) are going to do something unheard of for the Samuels – we are going to Europe for VACATION! Of course, it’s impossible to drag Avner away from the kitchen too long, so while we are there, we are going to check out the latest and greatest in "New French" cuisine. And since food is such an important part of the Samuels' life, we would like to share our experience of traveling through what we know best -- food. So check out our daily blog to see the world through Avner's eyes.

PLEASE NOTE: Aurora will be closed July 22 and reopen July 30 for dinner.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

It is not just about the food

So we ordererd this remarkable bottle of 1989 Château Giscours Margaux. IT is rich and full bodied and actually the best bottle of wine we have had so far in our trip. What one can really appreciate about the chateau is it is rich history, which dates back to the 14th century as a dungeon. Louis XIV is also to have been a huge fan of this fruity classic

I guess now Avner and I will have to decide who gets the last glass, which is quickly going to happen, since our glasses are both sitting rather empty.

Lunch in Monoco

So we had a wonderful lunch today in Monaco at a lovely restaurant called Le Michelangelo in the Fontvielle district. A Focused on regional cuisine, Le Michelangelo is one of the local favorites with staple foods of the Mediterranean liked this lamb dish that I am dying to taste. The smells are intense and so are the other dishes around us. It is meals such as these that inspire Avner's own concoctions he creates at Aurora. To be honest, sometimes he creates things when you eat there that aren't even on the menu. I am sure this meal will be the impetus for something to come very soon.

About Chef Avner Samuel

Chef Avner Samuel is a super chef. It’s a moniker attributed to him by journalists and foodies that have followed his 35-year culinary journey. Perhaps it is his passion and charisma. Or, the years of training he spent in Jerusalem, London and Paris. Perhaps it is sheer talent. Whatever it is, there is something uniquely special about Chef Avner Samuel. In Dallas, his contribution at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Fairmont Hotel is the stuff of legends. Just ask any Dallasite about The Mansion’s renowned tortilla soup. They will tell you. Today, Aurora stands as the expression of Chef Samuel’s love and passion for exquisite food and wine. But, don’t just take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. Learn from him during a cooking class. Attend a wine tasting. Visit for dinner. Meet Chef Avner Samuel, and you will experience an element of genius, and you will have met one of Dallas' finest.