Chutzpah, Truffles & Alain Ducasse

It occurs to me at the end of this post that I didn't, in fact, tell you what a white truffle tastes like. How to describe it? It's really the smell that gets you--the smell is pungent and earthy and unlike anything else you've ever smelled. See, wasn't that helpful?

I also want to mention here at the end how incredibly generous and kind and surprisingly unpretentious everyone was who interacted with us. Perhaps they appreciated our enthusiasm for the food as opposed to those who dine there to show off their wealth. They're closing up at this location soon and moving to the St. Regis in the spring. Maybe this is their chance to rise above their reputation for being fussy and over-the-top. Judging from our meal, Alain Ducasse is ready to be born anew.