Frankly speaking, collaborations can be hit or miss. But when they work, they really work.

I sensed a culinary kinship between @luca.fantin and @amaurybouhours of @lemeuricealainducasse, two chefs whose styles synch so well yet maintain their distinctiveness. Amaury’s punchy, bold dishes provided a deft counterpoint to the subtle finesse of Luca’s cuisine. A bright dish of raw scallops, broccoletti, and vegetable mole with citrus had muscle and verve, followed by diced tuna and beetroot in a scarlet sauce ringed with smoky pimenton oil.

Ravioli filled with fava beans in pecorino broth with housemade lard was a show stopper, while the asparagus-topped risotto flavored with sansai mountain vegetables and hamaguri clams displayed the green exuberance of spring.

There was lightly smoked akamutsu with saffron potato cream and a deeply flavorful pescatora sauce, then Amaury’s brilliant grilled veal, marinated in spices and white miso for two days and served with charred baby gem and green olives in mint sauce. The beautiful dessert of rhubarb and licorice with ginger crumble by @ariitea_rossigno provided a bracingly refreshing finish.

Pairings with @domperignonofficial 2013, Rose, 2008, and P2 2004 made this event extra special.

3 amazing chefs, 4 incredible wines, 1 unforgettable afternoon at @bulgarilucafantintokyo. Less