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$9.99 (as of April 7, 2025 11:41 GMT +00:00 - More info)Are you a food lover looking for a new culinary adventure?
Fine dining is a world of its own, full of intricate details and exquisite flavors that can leave you speechless. And who better to guide you through this world than someone who’s experienced it all – NBA star Harrison Barnes. In this article, you’ll join him on a journey through his favorite MICHELIN-Starred restaurants and learn about the finesse that makes fine dining truly special.
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A Passion for Fine Dining Born on the Court
Barnes’ love for fine dining wasn’t always there; it was sparked by his teammates and the various travel experiences he had throughout his NBA career. As he traveled across the country, he had the chance to try all sorts of food, and it wasn’t long before he developed a taste for the finest cuisine. You probably can’t blame him – when the finest athletes in the world come together, they’re bound to have some incredible food. And Barnes was no exception.
Learning from the Best
Barnes’ passion for fine dining has led him to some incredible restaurants, including SingleThread in Healdsburg, Meteora in Los Angeles, and Claude Bosi at Bibendum in London. He’s had the chance to learn from some of the best chefs in the world, including Thomas Keller and Josiah Citrin. “When I’m eating at a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, I’m not just enjoying a great meal, I’m learning about the importance of finesse and quality ingredients,” he explains.
Underrated Food Scenes
Most people might not associate Portland and Denver with fine dining, but for Barnes, these two cities are an absolute hidden gem when it comes to food. “I think Portland and Denver are two of the most underrated food scenes in the country,” he says. “There are so many incredible restaurants that are really pushing the boundaries of what you would normally expect from a city of that size.”
Discounting the Hype
When it comes to Portland and Denver, Barnes recommends a couple of restaurants that might not be as well-known but are definitely worth a visit. In Portland, you’ll find Kann, a restaurant that serves classic French dishes with a Portland twist. Denver has The Wolf’s Tailor, a restaurant that takes inspiration from Italian cuisine but presents it in a unique and exciting way. And then there’s Brutø, a fine dining restaurant that combines classic Nordic flavors with a modern twist.
| Restaurant | Location | MICHELIN Stars | | Kann | Portland | Not Rated | | The Wolf’s Tailor | Denver | 1 Star | | Brutø | Denver | Not Rated |
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A Taste of Texas
San Antonio, Texas, might not be the first place that comes to mind when it’s time for fine dining, but for Barnes, this city is a must-visit destination for any food lover. When in San Antonio, he recommends Mixtli, a restaurant that serves delicious small plates in a fun and lively atmosphere, and Olamaie, a cozy little spot that focuses on seasonal, locally grown ingredients.
| Restaurant | Location | MICHELIN Stars | | Mixtli | San Antonio | 1 Star | | Olamaie | San Antonio | 1 Star |
Fine Dining Across the Country
Barnes has had the chance to try his fair share of MICHELIN-Starred restaurants across the country. From California to Texas and Colorado, he’s made a point to try all sorts of incredible cuisine. Some of his favorite spots include:
- Pineapple and Pearls in Washington D.C. – a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant with a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients.
- Heritage Food & Drink in Denver – a one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that serves classic American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
- Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina – a one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that combines classic Southern cuisine with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.
Paying it Forward
When it comes to his young teammates, Barnes is more than happy to share his love of fine dining. “I love taking my teammates to a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant,” he says. “It’s a great way to bond and experience some of the best food in the world together.” One of his favorite restaurants to take his teammates to is n/naka in Los Angeles – a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that serves exquisite omakase cuisine in a fun and lively atmosphere.
| Restaurant | Location | MICHELIN Stars | | n/naka | Los Angeles | 2 Stars |
A Fine Dining Future
Barnes has had the chance to experience some of the best fine dining in the world, but he’s still got a few restaurants on his bucket list. One of his top picks is Hayato in Los Angeles – a one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that serves exquisite Japanese cuisine. “I’ve heard great things about Hayato, and I’d love the chance to try it out,” he says.
A Journey of Discovery
In the end, fine dining is all about discovery – trying new flavors, visiting new restaurants, and learning about the art of cooking. And when you’re joined by someone like Harrison Barnes, who’s as passionate about food as you are, it’s a culinary journey you’ll never forget.
