Robin R.
Yelp
Came here last weekend, I was a guest in a party of 11, graduation dinner. We were here right at opening, 4pm on a glorious sunny Sunday. The setting, an old farmhouse with lovely terrace and gardens, was just perfect for the event. Inside, it was perfect, too. Although another reviewer said it needed a makeover, I beg to differ. The owners live on site, it is their home. It reminded me of old American or Euro- country inns I have gone to in the past, before fine dining became an obsession in this country. The kind of inns that were always the standard by which a good dining experience was measured as a whole, not by picking out just one feature such as food or service. This is how I choose to measure this place.
After cocktails, wine was ordered and the helpful head waitress brought the selection to my hostess (two half bottles each ordered separately by diners) along with a suggested choice of a full bottle presenting a substantial savings which was gladly accepted. The apps were preordered by my hostess of the day and I did not have any (limiting my carbs), but they were served old world style off of a platter with tongs, the server asking each diner if they cared for one, and returning to the table again to offer seconds until they were gone. Everyone seemed to enjoy. The salad course was not special, but standard. A small serving of tossed green salad was presented to each diner along with a cruet of Italian whose top was almost impossible to remove. Although I can't rave about it, it's purpose was fulfilled -- a breather course, a way to extend our afternoon at table celebrating with good conversation and laughter, toasts and reminiscing. Although it is an Italian restaurant, I ordered the Derby Duck which came perfectly cooked -- crispy crust, ever so slightly pink in the center. The bourbon cherry sauce was a little syrupy for my taste but it was delicious nonetheless. Aside it was a braised red cabbage full of flavor, again a little too sweet. Instead of the potatoes I substituted escarole which, although it wasn't really paired well with my meal it was a low carb alternative. I'm glad I got it, it was classically prepared as Italians do, and it was enough to share with my brother who found it delicious as well.
The service was colorful! Our head waitress was most definitely in charge and I would categorize the style as more Germanic than Italian. It was, however, a big part of the fun experience we had and we loved her for it. I'm sure she was appropriately rewarded as she must be used to. We had moved our reservation up from 5pm to 4pm, and when my hostess apologized to her for the inconvenience of arriving right at opening she replied, "Don't worry, I'm here now and all is well". The two other servers were totally competent but clearly under her authority and were on their toes all afternoon. All the lovely details of classic table service were there; crumb removal, underplates, silverware replacement, glasses refilled when low, proper revereance paid to the diners. A perfect opportunity for my 13-year old to practice her "fancy" table manners, she looked at me and blushed slightly when a secondary server addressed her to say "May I clear, Miss?" I was proud when she asked our head waitress what type of meat was in the meat ravioli, and upon the waitresses return with the information (beef and veal), she politely declined (no baby animal slaughter for her), and ordered the penne marinara instead. A couple of years ago she wouldn't have been bold enough to ask.
After dinner was cleared, a nice touch was a few bowls of cut up fruit with toothpicks for the table, for nibbling before dessert. This is something my mother would have done at home, and another nice extension of our time while finishing our wine. The cake was preordered by my hostess from a bakery and delivered to the place , not a restaurant selection -- cannoli creme cake -- delish! Coffee service and more lounging. A very beautiful day and dining experience, everyone left satisfied, happy and relaxed.
