Three Latest and Best

Harvest Dinner at L'Explorateur! Even with a few small glitches, the meal from Neal Brown was still better than what you'll get almost anywhere else. Incredibly fresh tomatoes in a salad with drunken goat cheese and a white basalmic vinegrette, Royer Farms lamb with risotto and a wonderful pesto of capers and lemon, and a peach tart in phyllo crust with a sake foam. Add wonderful wines and a great table-sharing format (we sat with two other couples) and you have a really wonderful evening full of great food, people, conversation, and, of course, wine.

Lunch at McCormick & Schmick: The baked bay scallops loaded with butter, garlic, and just-right-crunchy breadcrumbs were just what I needed on a cool fall day. Add a simple green salad and spiced rice and it was a perfect business lunch (complete with an Indy's who's-who in the dining room.)

Jonathan Wright Lands at Lark Creek Inn: We can finally confirm that the rumors are true. Jonathan Wright has landed as executive chef at Bradley Ogden's Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur, California. This northern California institution should provide the perfect spot for the recently departed Indianapolis chef. It's a great position for him. Best of luck to Chef Wright.