Eating the $475 MENU at Atelier Crenn - 3 MICHELIN STAR in California, USA

Today, we are starting a brand new journey. In this new series, I travel overseas to visit California's best restaurants. 5 days, 5 restaurants, each with 3 Michelin stars.
It’s the first restaurant in this series, and it’s called Atelier Crenn. The owner and head chef is one of the most famous women in all of fine dining and was the culinary consultant for the movie The Menu. Dominique Crenn.
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Instagram - / alexandertheguest
My name is Alexander. I’m the co-owner of a ONE Michelin star restaurant, and I’m on a mission - to find inspiration in gastronomy. I love fine dining, good wine and sharing what I know with other people.
Check out my restaurant:
/ 42restaurant

[@freddyfrog70]

you know, when i watch your videos, you always have this semi serious tone and face when judging the food, but when you were eating the bbq bare handed, you had this childlike happiness on your face. its great man.

[@jamm8284]

The way he looked up and back in is like getting the Christmas present you most wanted that your parents kept on saying was too much to get. The absolute joy mixed with disbelief that your dreams actually came true 😂

[@tobascogladiomatteo4843]

Real food .... All the luxury in the world can't beat comfort food.

[@ezrabrownstein3237]

Just want to say that I like the way that you don't try to hide your wealth but also don't flex it so upfront. It is grounded. You enjoy nice things but are immensely appreciative and also have a certain humility and respect for the work of others. It isn't "This isnt good," but rather, "it isn't to my tastes."

[@MiniNoahTheWorm]

Whenever I feel like this concept might get old and that it will be an overload of fancy food you break it up by telling some stories of your trip or the staff or the owner. Love seeing your videos develop and good job keeping them both informative and entertaining

[@zes7215]

wrrr

[@StonedSpagooter]

You are going to be a great ambassador for the food community in the coming years Stay humble, friend

[@zes7215]

wrr

[@whyitmatterstome]

Humble? Okay.

[@robinpaulse4608]

The eyes lighting up after tasting the BBQ😅

[@zes7215]

wr

[@Burnzee94]

I feel so much more connected to him now!

[@ChumbahNutz]

Highly amusing that the 3* Atelier Crenn receives a decidely subdued "meh", yet Busters gets a "F*cking Amazing". Maybe a side project of "Alexander Does BBQ"?

[@zes7215]

wr

[@mae1ker]

I mean, it is entirely different. The 3* will be graded based on an entirely different scale. Texas BBQ will always be Texas BBQ,

[@ZattaBoy]

Because BBQ was tested by time and tasted by millions.

[@zacablaster]

@@ZattaBoy BBQ folk don't let Michelin in because all those tire salesmen do is jack up prices and make nice affordable things into rich people shit

[@effmerunning]

Thats because Michelin star restaurants are jokes. Pretention. Just ask MPW

[@spideraxe9325]

Man I love that you also include a small history lesson of the area with your videos, huge props to the whole team

[@Dazulolwarrior]

That barbeque was so fucking good Alexander had to say it to make a point 😂

[@paolointhenight]

I burst out laughing when he said that. Glad to know he appreciates both fine dining and simple, soulful food

[@zes7215]

wrr, outx, can outx etc any nmw s perfx

[@ChunandRice]

I love your honest, professional, but also genuine tone to all of these videos. No hyperbolic statements, a real interest in the places you go, and an unpretentious attitude towards these fancy looking dishes. Thank you for making these videos, looking forward to even more!

[@kingofmemes6931]

This is one of my favorite videos in a while. The sharp criticisms that Alexander had combined with the gentle praises really brought home the idea that Alexander really is doing his best to review restaurants impartially. I also really love how the video is extended with food that is not *just* from the Michelin star restaurants. Seeing the food from the airplane and the BBQ at the end of the video was fantastic. Also that ending is amazing. Keep it up, I am excited to see the rest of the videos from California!

[@N-Soc88]

I've watched Alex eat countless $1000+ meals since I found his channel, and have never seen his face light-up like it did when eating that BBQ.

[@ilovetolearn999]

which video is it

[@ZakRoM]

@@ilovetolearn999 this video

[@N-Soc88]

@@ilovetolearn999 This one. It's at around 16:19.

[@mcmdrpiffle447]

One of your Best Alexander ! The BBQ at the end.... "it was fucking good" Spoken like a true American ! Enjoy the rest of your stay here. I'm in Santa Cruz, just below San Francisco. I've visited several of these restaurants. We've got it good here in 'Northern California', we really do. Thank you for highlighting this ! Subscribed for a couple of years, bell rung, and ... Enjoy !

[@danielholmqvist2713]

After watching your old videos too, I really appreciate how you present the wine and service along with the food, and not clumped together at the end. It really only makes sense and is the way to go. These videos are what makes the channel great.

[@aq5426]

I love your reviews, Alexander. Your perspective is very refreshing and it's nice to see reviews that are not just honest but also constructive.

[@zes7215]

wr

[@Detvanliga]

Great review as always. The presentations looks absolutely amazing!! .

[@unapproachablelight]

I’m with you. The warmth and delightful personality of the pastry chef stole the show.

[@bradjohnson482]

The professional reviewers I've found online are nothing but gushes of wonderment, but when I found actual customers, many of their reviews matched yours. The only "wonderment" in several reviews was that the restaurant had 3 stars. No dairy, and pescatarian only. To an outsider, like myself, this would seem like climbing Everest (even more so than normal) to get 3 stars.

[@ep1981]

Some of the techniques on display here are extraordinary - those cauliflower gold plated leaves... incredible. Thanks for bringing us on the journey. Looking forward to this California series - TFL was the restaurant that got me into fine dining, so looking forward to that one in particular.

[@kapnobataii]

i don't know why this channel doesn't have over 1mil followers yet... best food critic of the 21st century.

[@jonathanprovost6746]

The format of these videos is incredible. Its Chefs Table quality but more personable. Love the history lessons / location introductions and the honest reviews. Look forward to more videos.

[@jakerio8]

Love that you take us all with you through the entire experience each time and the honesty. 💯

[@sam-to1mw]

Love the production, editing and story telling. Alex can also provide comprehensive reviews, be super professional in his analysis and yet still show his personality and 'fun' side when he needs. One of my favourite channels by far, which I've been following since 10k subscribers.

[@erwindennijs6639]

I don’t always agree with specific focus points in Alex’s videos but that’s because we expect a different experience from our dinner. But I do appreciate and respect Alex expertise and opinion very much

[@thalia2683]

Me too !!

[@snoopycs1102]

No one cares about your opinion tho

[@ZakRoM]

@@snoopycs1102 by giving his opinion, his engaging movement in the channel, already 3 replies, this helps the channel grow and to be recommended to more people, so most likely Alexander and his team do care.

[@Alvaro-qz6qk]

Damn, your tailoring is always on point

[@fkcoolers2669]

Yeah I'm pretty sure he's getting almost all his stuff done bespoke

[@amandavokins5958]

⁠suave and v attractive.

[@matthewsnyder77]

I'm glad to see more restaurants giving attention to non- alcoholic beverage programs, would've loved some detail about the juice pairing here.

[@stianaslaksen5799]

I love the bits of history and storytelling in your videos. Great work!

[@PeckishMarcio]

Might be one of your best videos so far, great job! Looking forward to the next chapter in California.

[@afoodcriticsmonolog]

Great review Alex, you are really at the forefront on this platform when it comes to give great insights of high-end restaurants 👏 Keep up the fantastic job you and the team are doing 👍

[@nicbarrax76]

I just love your videos... They're like a calm moment between the fast videos and shorts here on KZbin. Keep up the great work! 🙏👍

[@temporamen]

Can't wait for the rest of this series!

[@AlecNerd]

Been waiting for this one!

[@rudolfpunt3286]

Best video yet. Love your comment with the BBQ!

[@happywilliam1]

Love that you visited the winery and gave us the history from it, thank you!

[@RadeTcg]

For those asking Tock is a website he used to book the restaurant it likely required him to pay a deposit hence the - $1000 off

[@mosmarb]

The entire reservation at Atelier Crenn is prepaid on Tock, hence the deduction there. Same at Alinea for instance, or for The Fat Duck over here in the UK (also using Tock).

[@Kitty8791]

Yes, they charge you ahead for each diner + 20% gratuity. You have the option to select your wine/drink pairings when you book online as well, or defer until your actual dinner. Also, you can not change date/time. You would have to sell/transfer the reservation via Tock. [This would strictly be for exactly what you paid for, can not charge an additional fee. You would have to do that via some other method outside of Tock.]

[@Alsam]

Love the videos. Always fun and well done.

[@noahandal8695]

The quality of every one of these videos is so great, keep up the excellent work

[@Zissou42]

Tacking on a 2% surcharge for health coverage to a $1500 meal is peak USA. But it tracks with a chef/owner having their waitstaff doing laps.

[@raphaeleagle]

Yes I saw that too, as a european I will never understand this tip and extras culture.. btw, I saw there was a 20% service included what does that actually mean? does it mean the staff gets automatically 20% and you dont have to tip?

[@olicorrivo3289]

Definitely the best subscribe click of the year so far for me. Keep it up Alexander 👍This series seems exciting. I bet we gonna see a lot of green starred restaurant in California, they got all the ingredients in their backyards. Also love the wineries and vineyards history bits, they should be in every videos 😄

[@dirkhartog7438]

Your comment about Busters while wearing normal civvies put a big smile on my face. I like 3 star Michelin restaurants as much as the next foodie, but all that fancy food can get oddly monotonous after a while (both eating and watching). Would be great if you added restaurants that had Michelin potential or just very popular comfort food (as long as it was high quality). The research may be tougher and different but I think it would add variety to your videography. Also, you could do themed shows like your favorite steakhouse(s) in NY, Tapas in Barcelona, Teppanyaki in Tokyo - maybe even compare 2 of the best on the same show. As you know in every great food city there are dozens of great restaurants that do not have a Michelin star. I think viewers would be interested. I know I would be.

[@marco42863]

Ottimo commento

[@stryker94109]

This native San Franciscan (now Sonoma resident) hopes you'll return soon, Alexander! Your station is THE BEST! Cheers! Craig

[@dum6917]

Thank you for doing this review! I live in the Bay Area and was waiting for you to do a proper review of this restaurant!

[@dlvanderpeet2602]

So happy to see you went to California! Cheers.

[@skymuffn]

…stumbling on here has been such a treat. Your take on the finer things is quite candid yet ideally structured, I find very refreshing as too is the lovely pastry chef. I just love how you presented your experience at Atelier Crenn, oh the soirée of the staff is maddening but oh so American (Native of the Bay Area). In 2012 I had my folks have their 45th anniversary there and had emailed the staff regarding my father’s health and if they can arrange any non alcoholic pairings. They quickly replied and with no hesitation did a superb job. And Miss Crenn herself met them. So I sent her a thank you card with an an Oregon Pinot Noir from my friends Winery. She sent me an invite with my folks to her new Bistro Petit Crenn in 2015 and went in Nov and it was amazing. I sent her more wine as a late Xmas Gift of gratitude for giving my family a memorable evening with Dad for on Christmas Eve he passed. She is an amazing person and glad she is doing great but hot dang the total bill is far from my last visit with Mom in 2018

[@82Rmartinez]

Hope you enjoyed your tour of California, so cool to see content closer to home

[@dpovlak]

Can't wait to watch this and look forward to where you are going in the area I call Home. Lots of stars to choose from!

[@justinsmarttv]

What an experience for your godson! Always great to see your take on these restaurants!

[@theMolecularMan]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this series

[@rudra8833]

The red flower in a field of snow is Chef Diana Zaldivar!

[@MrZorroZorroZ]

Never expected to see my house in Alexander's videos but here we are at 0:49 😂

[@Elias-iy1dy]

thx im coming right now

[@almichaels4128]

Me too

[@MrZorroZorroZ]

​@@Elias-iy1dywonderful what do you want for dinner honey ❤

[@SeraphimLeo]

Thank God it wasn't at 11:33

[@SeraphimLeo]

Glad it wasn't 11:33

[@erwindennijs6639]

Thoroughly enjoying these vids

[@subarticb5670]

Same here. Glad I found this channel.

[@Viki12ify]

really like the added travel content, keep it up :)

[@PiotrMys]

A truly excellent video, again. Man you are living my dream :D

[@chapithedrummer1502]

I’ve been waiting for this for so long I can’t wait to see all of these restaurants. Keep up the great work and there’s a busters bbq close to where I live so now I gotta try it

[@Cant111]

I never miss your vidéos now ahah Great ambassador for the food community. You really are our "inspecteur pour le guide Michelin" ahah

[@tasiashiraori]

3:06 LOL! Reminds me of my brother when he reach 21, he told me not to stop him from having his first beer 😂

[@daigoro111]

Welcome to my home state, Alexander! Love your content!

[@jellokhat]

Absolutely loved seeing some wine names that I actually live around in this video

[@laughingman370]

i really like your content. I just noticed that the music in this video, atleast in the beginning, was very loud. Keep up the good work!

[@Eric-kd8fd]

always great and precise, you have been nice to Crenn, .....

[@jeff9760]

I liked your criticism of our experimental vegetable dishes we have going on a lot here in California, even in the nicest places it feels as if they don't properly try these dishes out before rolling them out onto the menu. Also if you ever want to check out the objectively best part of California come down to San Diego County we'll welcome you with open arms.

[@TheBrokenEclipse]

Great video once again! So when are we getting the BBQ place review?

[@Kees247]

Great video again. Thank you.

[@TimK2646]

The creativity and artistry is second to none. Really appreciate creme de la creme

[@TheLuftie]

Nice one your video and impressions gave me the same feelings you explained . Just back from Barcelona where i visited a non stars restaurant and a high level rated restaurant and honestly the non stars restaurant was for me the better one . Grts

[@cjjohnson4231]

Very cool video and review!

[@Joe_Ingles]

Alexander, you're on point about the service being lacking. Having dined in many Michelin Star establishments in Europe and in the United States, it just feels like the United States tends to have a much more mechanical style of service with more room for the service team to express their individual prejudices and attitudes - maybe it's a cultural/social thing. For example, your ethnicity, age, etc. are from my experience as being on the younger side of your average fine dining guest and being of Asian descent, are somewhat factored in and sometimes staff/chefs will act less friendly/hospitable to you based on some of those factors it seems. Three star restaurants in the U.S. don't have as much room for error like what I've previously described, but I've had some horrible experiences at many one and two-starred establishments where if the service is bad and you give a lower tip than what was customary, the staff would bat you with an side-eye or give you an cold attitude/demeanor, and at best the service in the U.S. is just professional and mechanical with little room for dialogue or conversation with the service team like what you experienced at Atelier Crenn. Although I haven't personally been to Atelier Crenn, the service is quite similar to that of Quince in my opinion, although everybody was respectful even if there wasn't much flavor to the service. I've found the best service I've probably had was at Thomas Keller's Per Se, and at Single Thread Farms. Meanwhile in Europe, almost all of the establishments I visited were not only professional but had flair to their service, which really made it stand out.

[@robdielemans9189]

Good read. Having only been to European Michelin starred restaurants, the service is almost always great and tailor made to the table. Usually they start out formal and with every interaction they know how to cater a little bit more to the overall feel of the table and even communicate that piece of knowledge to the rest of the staff.

[@Koenigg99]

@@robdielemans9189 It's the tipping culture. They think that hovering around and being overly attentive will lead to a bigger tip.

[@Joe_Ingles]

@@robdielemans9189 Exactly! I'm glad we feel the same way! In my experience European head chefs will also oftentimes even come out of the kitchen and have a chat with all the guests dining one by one and have some conversations on the food, and even ask for some constructive criticisms. Combined with what you said as well about how the entire service staff in Europe is well versed and well communicated, I think this level of professionalism and hospitality is something that the U.S. fine dining establishments could learn from as well.

[@ALX112358]

@@Joe_Ingles the attitude "overly polite but with a blatant lack of empathy" is what I've heard about US services. Not surprising that it extends to Michelin star restaurants as well.

[@neildphoenix]

Finally you told us about the sweets ( desserts & Petit fours) ABOUT TIME!

[@themearkat]

I've really enjoyed the concept of most of Crenn's food since I saw them on iron chef. Always fresh and innovative!

[@derleuchtturmwarter5866]

Love your content! ❤🍹🍽

[@danielbendheim]

Watched many of your videos, all are splendid! Nice to see you on this side of the pond for a change :). Quick question, anyone know what song is playing in the outro?

[@kennethwu115]

Hi Alexander. Love your videos…you’re an aviation KZbinr now ❤

[@michaelnissen4322]

Love the honesty

[@dannjrad2109]

I've been eagerly waiting for this series to drop!!! Super excited to see the future reviews of restaurants in and around the Bay Area.

[@florentlescouezec2785]

thanks for the honest review, i guess this one won't stay in your memories

[@got2b981]

You eating the barbecue at the end was hilarious 😂😂😂

[@LeonhardMrkos]

i love this format and it was nice to see you also eat normal people food and not just michelin star food.

[@neojb1989]

That asparagus at 10:55 was a little ... sus :D Wonderful video!

[@jeffersonsdecorators562]

Great content, in between the ever expanding adverts.

[@uncle_gazpacho]

Desserts look outstanding.😊

[@hejdu4480]

Love all the backstories!

[@Kevin-ct3ht]

Would love to see a videos on some non-michelin restaurants as well!

[@brandonluu6665]

Enjoyed your honest review where you weren't afraid to point out the negatives in your opinion. I wonder if there was a stop by the tenderloin...

[@blakeluvsu1]

alexander keeps it real everytime

[@jonnibelugabat2600]

Love to see shouting out the staff, from the people by the people

[@Labodyjr2]

Excellent review

[@literallyshaking8019]

Maybe I’m not sophisticated, but that $30 BBQ would make me far happier than the $1500 fine dining/food science experience.

[@MrWhangdoodles]

I believe they are just like preferences in different styles of music. Some like country, some pop, and others classical. Each fanbase have radically different cultures, but they're all enjoyers of music. Same with food. Some prefer their own local cuisines and mores and then decide to dip their feet into different styles. There is no better or worse. They all have beauty in their own ways. 😊

[@raymondzrike2085]

All kinds of dining has the capacity to be a great time. Also note, the price of BBQ had inflated dramatically over the last few years (in Texas at least), so it’s not always a cheap meal anymore. Go look at the BBQ subreddit and you’ll see the price inflation. And $1500 for fine dining is very uncommon-Alex just buys the highest-end wines that are available to him at any moment. The menu at Disfrutar, for instance, is currently $315, and that’s even after a recent price increase.

[@mosmarb]

@@MrWhangdoodles agree, there's definitely room for both. I visit Michelin-starred restaurants as a bit of a hobby (though Idon't really spend as much as Alexander because I don't take the wine pairing) but every now and again all I really want is a plate of egg and chips! Good food done well is a treat, however much it costs.

[@fridengieger999]

I don’t think it’s a lack of sophistication. Some people just love the novelty, creativity and complexity that comes with these kind of restaurants. However Alexander proves that you are not wrong. He love that BBQ too!

[@Ins4nia]

i recently found your channel and I love it :D Its a great insight , especially for Restaurants many of us wont affort to visit :-P . I would love to see you in Vienna and checking out "Amador" (the only 3 Star Restaurant in Vienna) and "Steirereck" (well known in Vienna, 2 Star) to hear your review about them !

[@adamrasmussen7379]

It's always fun to see others opinions. I've had the same menu and I very much enjoyed the dishes that didn't work for him. With service I completely agree. It almost seems like parody the way they hover over you.

[@pk525]

I'm so glad you enjoy Texas style BBQ. It's my favorite as well.

[@Krushe]

My own backyard and i didn't know about this BBQ. I need to get out more :)

[@mikethompson148]

The KZbin algorithm finally got something right.

[@bennytan6272]

I see a fly on table at 5:12 please take star away😂

[@sumayaoishee5395]

the winery! i pray it becomes one of the finests in the world, congratulations!

[@Vikotnick]

Amazingly creative food. But maybe I'm not in the mood today. My friend made a paella in the garden today and it is simple and very good. I'm just probably not in the mood today since it was a sunday with dogs, kids and friends. Something simple is sometimes better.

[@debbieelkington1643]

The march of the Crenn staff would kill the experience for me- thank you for your honest review!

[@ian-sm5lv]

2 hours and already 10K views, damn I'm happy to see your channel growing!

[@Jorg05111980]

Those shots of the waiters walking around made me feel you were waiting for a subway

[@blakeluvsu1]

yo the barbeque lmaoooo you should do a bbq tour in the southeast USA!

[@ALX112358]

That airplane food. I wish I had such comfort when flying...

[@bawseeeee602]

poor boy

[@Koenigg99]

Step 1: be rich

[@DS-qz2gu]

@@bawseeeee602 If you're commenting stuff like that, you definitely don't have money either 😂

[@bawseeeee602]

@@DS-qz2gu yes

[@patrickneale7378]

An interesting California wine fact is that the winemaker for Chateau Montelena at the Judgment of Paris was Miljenko (Mike) Grgich, who went on to found Grgich Hills wines. Mike just passed away last year at age 100. His Grgich Hills Judgment of Paris Chardonnay is their effort to make a chardonnay just like the one that won for Montelena. Enjoy California wines, but don't limit yourself to Napa. There are many other wonderful AVAs in California. I look forward to this series of videos.