Flashback: Burgundy, June 1984

In 1984 my parents joined Gérard and me for a road trip to Burgundy. We didn't have a plan or an itinerary because in those days, advance reservations weren't necessary. I had a copy of the Michelin red guide, for hotels and restaurants, which I read in the car while Gérard did the driving.

I read about a restaurant called l'Espérance which was highly rated and, as it was Gérard's 50th birthday, I suggested we go there. I had no idea that the chef, Marc Meneau, was a superstar or that l'Espérance was the pinnacle of fine French dining.

I didn't realize that the year before (in 1983), l'Espérance - and Marc Meneau - had been awarded a third Michelin star, the highest culinary honor a restaurant and chef can receive.

We were in for the gastronomic experience of our lives!