Steve L.
Yelp
Note: Restaurant Week Summer 2018 review.
Wow. I don't quite recall how I initially came across Clement, but doing some typical (obsessive) Restaurant Week research, it looked like Clement had a very decent offering and is relatively close-by to where I work, so...why not have some fancy dinner - we all gotta eat, right?
As other reviewers helpfully pointed at, the restaurant itself is located in the Peninsula Hotel and is just a quick flight upstairs as you enter. I was happily greeted and promptly seated. While the restaurant wasn't super busy at the time (8pm on Thursday), I must say the staff is impeccably attentive. I was quickly 'watered' and asked if I wanted a cocktail (opted for the 'seasonal' - Ultimate Vodka, St-Germain, Lemon - refreshing and delicious). Shortly thereafter, with my drink came some hearty whole wheat bread (several more rolls than I could ever finish) and softened butter. And then the courses began.
Complementary Starter: a lovely, velvety [sweet potato...maybe?] mousse-filled tart with chili flakes.
Appetizer: Crispy Octopus with Basil-Pea Puree, Pickled Stone Fruit, Puffed Grain - it wasn't huge, but it was very tasty. Puffed grain added some nice crunch to go along with the stone fruit. Solid dish.
Complementary Pasta: An amazing rigatoni dish with peas, green beans, watercress, and plenty of cheese garnishment. Absolutely delightful. Plate cleaned.
Main Course: Za'atar Roasted Rack of Lamb with Japanese Eggplant, Juniper Yogurt - Wow. You had be at za'atar...and at lamb. Just a phenomenal dish. The lamb was cooked to a perfect medium rare and incredibly seasoned, and I could help but slather it in the delightful juniper yogurt. The eggplant was tender and scrumptious as well.
Complementary White Wine: ...wow. why? but wow. thank you.
Complementary Red Wine: ...god I love you guys.
Dessert: Peach Melba with Chocolate Dirt, Olive Oil Sorbet, Almond Sour Cream. Light, fruity, delightful.
Oh, and here's some birthday cake while we're at it.
I can honestly say dinner at Clement was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long, long time. Thank you.