The best pictures of 2012, pt. 6 – Video of the day

Here are some of the best videos of 2012:

In the three-Michelin-star Fat Duck, the legendary chef-owner Heston Blumenthal not only says, but also seriously thinks that the restaurant is not just about eating – a complex experience needs to be provided to the guests.

The spectacular (and huge) absinthe jelly is intended to be used at adult birthday parties. According to him, the natural state of jelly is oscillation, four vibrators are moving it.

(The serving of the trembling green cones starts at 1min 10 secs in the movie).

Grant Achatz's Next and its ambitious elBulli menu may be getting tons of attention these days, but this video depicting the creation/consumption of an edible balloon shows Alinea's still got it. What goes into an edible balloon, you ask? Well, helium, and “the string is obviously dehydrated apple,” says Achatz. Also, they recommended you pop the balloon with your tongue and suck the helium out; the diner below chooses to sing the Star Spangled Banner in a chipmunk voice all on his own.

Preparing the meal in front of the guest is always a task every visitor loves to watch, but teppanayaki restaurants add the spice of freestyle mixers to the show: