dStage (Madrid, Spain)

It has been a long 8 months since I have eaten a proper Michelin starred meal (cry me a river), in part because I am stateside, traveling frequently, working hard and living the business owner life. But, as I found myself on my way to Madrid for a trip, I just had to visit the recently-opened dStage (Days to Smell Taste Amaze Grow and Enjoy) restaurant in Madrid, which is a restaurant from Chef Diego Guerrero, formerly of two Michelin-star El Club Allard.

I am always concerned about new restaurants, but, well, my concerns were unfounded.

The decor: Industrial chic.

The food: The two amuse-bouche courses, served at the bar by Diego himself, were outstanding. Perhaps, dare I say it, two of the best dishes in the meal.  That and our final savory course, which was the best pigeon I have ever tasted.

There was only one “miss” which was the “Estructuras blandas y crujientes de la ternera,” which roughly translates to “Soft and crispy veal structures.”  It was about a 2 inch piece of veal tendon that had the texture of gee asy fat, and certainly was not edible on its own.  It was clever use of the meat, but not properly executed on the plate.

My predictions: 1 Michelin Star in 2015, 2 Michelin stars in 2016.  The place has the makings of one of Madrid’s best restaurants.