"Last week, Shirley Brasserie chef de cuisine Craig Hopson, a fine dining vet who’s worked in New York City, launched a Tale of Two Cities — an ongoing dinner series starring guest chefs from around the world. The latest dinner featured chef Yuu Shimano, the Japanese-born, French-trained chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Yuu in Brooklyn best known for serving roulades and pastry-covered roasts. Shimano served a meltingly tender, salt-crusted lamb saddle over a silky-smooth puree. A lamb and clam reduction studded with aonori (seaweed laver) gave the dish a tint of Japanese flavor, while ginger and pine nuts nestled into the meat lent some texture. Unfortunately, this dish won’t be repeatable outside of Brooklyn. Upcoming events will include chef Mads Refslund from Noma and Ilis in May, Thomas Troisgrois from Brazil’s Olympe in October, and Sylvestre Wahid from France’s Restaurant Sylvestre in November. Even with LA’s immense traffic, it’s easier to get to Hollywood than travel to France or Brazil." - Eater Staff
