I have lots to write about but this one post and sensational dinner could not wait.
The decor- the food- the service- Outstanding on every level.
Upon our arrival (we took friends this time), we entered the sleek contemporary space with our taste buds already salivating from anticipation.
Just as beautiful as always, with gorgeous vibrant flowers, candles, a bustling bar and its incredibly attentive staff, who then ushered us to our table to begin our gastronomic tasting.
As I mentioned in my July post, this is a unique dining experience with a choice of 3 , 4 or 5 courses- and YOU get to customize & select all the items, from appetizers to the fish course, to the Meat & Game entrees, to the Artisan cheese course and finally, last, but certainly not least, the dessert course.
I promised my self I would choose new items this time around, even though I was dying to re-order what I had in July.
After we were seated, the manager, over hearing we were there to celebrate my birthday sent over a lovely Rose' Champagne with their compliments. Ice cold, pink, bubbly and just fantastic!!! Then, as always, they bring over a "Chef's Complimentary" hor d'ourve, and then, to my surprise, they also sent over a perfectly cooked mini buckwheat blini, topped with melt in your mouth smoked salmon and topped with my all time favorite- CAVIAR!! Happy Birthday to ME!!
The four of us began with the following appetizers: the glazed Oyters with Osetra Caviar, Zucchini pearls and lettuce cream, the Seared Foie Gras with Carmelized red onions and peaches, the lobster salad with avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel in a tarragon meyer lemon vinaigrette, and the Sweet Corn Soup with Dungeness crab, creme' fraiche and a chive biscuit.
The next course- Fish & Seafood.
I promised a reader & avid follower I would NOT have the Branzino, but it is just SO good, I couldn't help myself! It was perfectly seared, atop Sorrel Gnocchi, Romano Beans & Fried Capers- OMG! The other three had the Roast Maine Lobster over Potato Puree with corn & chanterelle mushrooms, the Seared Sea Scallops with a zucchini-basil puree, tomato fondue, haricot verts and asian mushrooms, and pan Seared Tuna with Couscous, fennel, olives in a saffron orange emulsion.
Got your attention so far?
Meat & Game course-
My husband had the most outrageous Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb- pink and tender with a Tian of Vegetables and polenta, on my recommendation, my friend has the foie gras stuffed Quail, with mushrooms, cornbread pudding, with a bean and tomato corn relish, her husband had the Braised Veal Breast with Pistachio Crusted Sweetbreads, leeks & chanterelle mushrooms, and I had the Filet of Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Zucchini, mushrooms, chard and a tomato & eggplant confit.
Next, 2 of us had the cheese cart- just fantastic and then, of course......... DESSERT.
I just had to have the baked chocolate souffle- served with two sauces that are poured table side by their wonderful and top notch staff. The other desserts were the Trio of Creme Brulee, A Lemon Souffle Cake with a Creme fraiche Panna Cotta and Raspberry Sorbet.
Then, they always send over a tray of amazing cookies , truffles, and chocolate sensations for all guests.
As you leave, they give you a lovely departing treat- that evening, it was a banana pudding cake.
I can't wait to go back!!!!!
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