"Of the three or so restaurants with a Michelin star in or near the well-loved historical wine-town of Deidesheim, L.A. Jordan has to be the most pioneering, international and hip. The restaurant itself is composed of three dining spaces set back in the courtyard behind...the luxurious, small boutique Hotel Ketschauer Hof and shares a history with the impressive Weingut Geheimer Rat Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan. After being greeted in the courtyard upon closing in on the restaurant by a friendly young woman, we were led to our table in the large room looking onto the courtyard--first observation: they obviously take note of when guests are approaching them well before the guests arrive at the door (nice! . With the large French doors open all evening, my wife and I enjoyed the long summer sunset and fresh air in a tall room designed with nods to Philippe Starck, with touches which would not be out of place in South Beach Miami or Los Angeles. Both of us ordered the Signature Menu, which contains the greatest hits of Executive Chef Daniel Schimkowitz, and their wine menu pairing. First course: foie gras with fermented pepper and vinaigrette (great gateway . Second course: egg yolk, ham, parmesan and caviar (inventive, complex . Third course: salmon trout in a sweet, sour and spicy seasoning (delicious, international . Fourth course: an extraordinary charred beef in black burgundy truffles and teriyaki (technical, amazingly delicious . Fifth course: beans, almond milk, banana (singular, imaginative . All of these plates showcased artistic presentation, and used the fresh products in a well-thought, masterful, even flawless fashion. The second, fourth and fifth course left very lasting memories. On the hospitality front, the French Maitre d'Hotel Gilles Duflot offered perfect, friendly service with real charm, spirit and a sense of play. Second observation: from his conversation, which alluded to matters related to my profession, I could tell the restaurant staff google guests before they arrive, to get to know potential XPs beforehand. (You are guests in their game. The restaurant had a very enthusiastic young sommelier who described his logic in deciding on each pairing with enthusiasm and who no doubt enjoys the wonderful advantage of working in a restaurant located in the heart of one of the best wine regiions in Germany. Service personnel, outfitted in dress shirts with nice jeans, were very attentive in a casual, friendly manner, without stiff convention or outmoded rituals. Additional dessert wines, cheese course, and coffees were delicious, and they also graciously had prepared a cake for my wife's birthday. All in all, faultless, enjoyable, fun, creative, a restaurant at the top of its game."
