Frances B.
Yelp
Ambiance : *****
Service: *****
Food: *****
Walking through the wine bar to get to the host stand feels lively, with people sitting at the bar, enjoying tastings. We asked if we could have a booth but realizing on NYE, it could be impossible. They were able to accommodate and gave us a lovely booth in the middle of the restaurant. We had a great view of the kitchen at the far end, through glass, the beautiful wood beams in the ceiling, and funky, warm overhead lighting. A mirror partition separated us from the other half, giving it a cozy feel.
The host who seated us explained that they can give us tastings of any of the wines before we commit to a glass or a bottle. Our server, Jacob, was amazing. He came immediately after we were situated and was wonderful at helping us decide. He listened to what wines I like, and brought two samples. Throughout the meal, he checked in at the appropriate times, never in the way, but always cheerful and adding to our festive NYE. We wavered between the flatbread and the Brussels sprouts. He recommended getting both, and after we saw the flatbread, we realized he'd been right and not trying to upsell us. The flatbread is quite thin so not overly filling - perfect app. We appreciated that he boxed our food for us - I haven't seen any place do that in decades. I felt cared for throughout the meal. We will definitely be asking for Jacob next time we come!
And the food!! Wow. Every single thing from our drinks to dessert was top notch. Husband had a Manhattan which we frequently get elsewhere. This one came with knob creek (although Jacob asked which spirit he'd prefer, he went with the knob creek), orange peel, and two cherries. Jacob also asked if he wanted it on the rocks or straight - nice to have the choice! My husband thought it might have been the best Manhattan he's ever had and I'm tempted to agree. I had the Pinot noir which was excellent. My husband hasn't tried a dip of wine in years due to the headaches he gets from them. But he drank half my wine, with no headache.
Jacob asked if we wanted bread for the table, explaining that everything, including the butter, is made in house. The bread is a pretzel roll, perfectly flaky crust with airy, soft insides, served still steaming. The salted butter is soft and spreadable. I could have made my meal just on that!
The mushroom flatbread special was perfect. Thin enough not to wreck our appetite, with strong flavors of fontina and mushrooms perfectly balancing each other.
We decided to split the salmon and chicken giardiniera. Jacob asked if we'd like them on split plates. That was such an accommodating extra that we were impressed. Both were excellent. My favorite was the salmon, cooked perfectly with just enough sauce to be interesting but not overpowering the taste of the salmon itself. The wasabi mashed potatoes had a wonderful flavor but not at all spicy. And a lovely creamy, yet fluffy consistency. We both loved the Asian slaw - more finely shredded than I've seen before with flavors that complemented each other and the rest of the dish but not coated in sauce. Not mayo based nor vinegary. The chicken was so thin and moist. The breading was crispy but not greasy and perfectly melted in our mouths. My husband loved both meals but slightly preferred the chicken.
We don't usually get dessert but with everything being so good, we had to try the special: caramel macchiato brownie with pistachio gelato, chocolate biscotti crumble, and espresso anglaise. So many flavors and textures but all working perfectly together. The smooth ice cream against the chewy, moist brownie, mixed with the creamy anglaise, with a satisfying crunch of the biscottti nut crumble. The sweetness of the kuhlua crema was balanced by the nuttiness of the ice cream and the slightly bitter espresso anglaise.
This was an amazing New Year's Eve meal. Now we can't wait to return!