Michael M.
Yelp
Absolutely wonderful dining experience. This was a special outing as it was my wife and my anniversary. This was denoted on the reservation, but no one mentioned anything. No big deal as we weren't expecting anything other than quality time together over a delicious meal- which we got. However pointing it out because if you are there for a special occasion is asked when using Open Table.
Now on the important part- the absolutely delectable food served up at Ida Claire! We arrived with about 39 minutes left of happy hour, started with a couple of drinks- a beer for me and an old fashioned for the wife. We also got the Boudin Balls appetizer off the happy hour menu. Note: the happy hour menu had featured apps (like the boudin balls) that were not on the regular menu. The Boudin Balls were absolutely delicious (and filling). They had way more meat in the meat/rice ratio to most Boudin that I've ever had. The meat was flavorful and tender. The batter was thick and crunchy which blended nicely with the tender meat/rice and the dipping sauce (presumably remoulade) was the perfect accompaniment. Although we did not need it, we also ordered "THE crab cake" appetizer off the dinner menu. We understood the emphasis on THE after tasting this delicacy. It was filled with tender crabmeat, subtle lemon dill sauce, microgreens, and a delicate crust. It was just an exquisite bite. We finished it and took home 3 of 5 Boudin Balls (which were just as amazing reheated).
For entrees, my wife ordered the seafood pasta, which had a nice (and appropriate level) of of spice with a delicately mild flavor, lots of meat- shrimp, scallops, and crayfish/langostinos. I got Ida's fried chicken, which came with an amazing pimento Mac n cheese. The chicken itself was crispy batter fried. Amazing flavor and absolutely perfectly fried.
Finally for dessert, we ordered the Vice Cake, which turned out to be the ideal closer to a great anniversary meal. It looked dense but was not. The layers nicely complimented each other in richness and lightness. Topped with a slice of the candied bacon, which if you added a piece to each bite made for an absolutely exquisite sweet-savory profile that made you close your eyes and just savor its essence. Don't let "tobacco syrup" in the description scare you- we weren't sure what it was or where it was in the finished product, but it didn't matter as the cake was excellent.
All in all an outstanding eatery. After talking to our wonderful waitress who told us about their Brunch menu...we have made plans to return for brunch over the upcoming Christmas holidays.
I declare that Ida Claire is THE culinary gem of The Quarry...you must go!!!