TOP 40 RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S.
Michel Richard Citronelle

Michel Richard Citronelle
Washington, D.C.
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Sure, native Frenchman Michel Richard can be called a pioneer of French-Californian cuisine, but don't mistake him for démodé. Richard, who is skilled at reinventing himself, summons a chuckle and a "wow" with his latest style as he injects his dishes with a good dose of playful humor. Richard carries this fun philosophy to his recently published book for the home cook, Happy in the Kitchen. It's a big year for Richard with two new West Coast branches of his DC flagship: Citrus at Social in Los Angeles [editor's note: Citrus at Social closed in May 2009] and Citronelle by Michel Richard in Carmel Valley [editor's note: as of August 2009, this restaurant is now The Dining Room and not affiliated with Michel Richard]. We always await what this imaginative chef has up his sleeve, as does the rest of the culinary world.