Scott T.
Yelp
Came on a whim this past weekend and within moments started asking questions of judgement, like, why has it taken us so long to get back? When is something with this meal going to go WRONG?
We called late Saturday afternoon so see if they had an opening. They did, on the patio, 6:15. Perfect. Then we show up 45 minutes early and ask if it was possible to be seated. Bad customers, bad. Accommodated without so much as a concern.
A French Chardonnay for her, and I asked if they carried a somewhat uncommon Cohors, often called the "black wine," relating to it's deep inky color and from a relatively small southwestern region of France. My server knew exactly what it was, had it on hand, and within minutes I was closing my eyes and sipping in bliss. *That* was what I wanted.
An amuse bouche of tuna with green beans arrived. Doesn't sound exotic, but there were other things in there I couldn't identify and it was simple, interesting, and perfectly seasoned. No pretense, no fuss, brilliant execution paired with some bread that came with it. Would have preferred the butter at room temp, so a somewhat basic but major French sin we decided to overlook since the bread was quite hot.
Foie gras starter came with a small, complimentary Sauternes, the sweet wine of choice for the dish, brimming in it's own noble rot, as they say. Google it, use it as idle party chatter. Your friends will think you know a lot about wine, when in reality, you just know how to use Google. It's a tasty but pricey bottle so didn't mind the freebie. Also for starter, the Salade de la Maison... er, house salad, was typical French brilliance. Mostly greens, a few mandolined carrot slices and a lightly salted vinaigrette that was utter perfection, the kind that the slightest variance of anything, particularly the salt, and you have a plate of acidic ugliness. We cleaned the plate.
She had the scallops which came with a side of perfectly tender gnocchi in sage brown butter, a truly spectacular dish. I opted for the artichoke ravioli that came in (guessing) a beurre blanc accompanied by some carrots that had clearly been manipulated in a wonderful way beyond what most of us think capable of the lowly root vegetable. Some snow peas were mixed amongst. It was quite heavy for this mostly vegan (forget I ordered foie gras, please), but was just the right amount. Not too much, not too little. Exceptional.
Not typically dessert types, we opted to share a crème brûlée with glasses of Benedictine and Brandy. I make that dish often but they're finding a way to kick it beyond my capabilities. No complaint.
So here's the thing about this place (disclaimer, I've been to France many times for lengthy stays): it's French in the way that's the best. Rich dishes, small portions. Small details with food that often get overlooked. Really, who'd do an amuse bouche with tuna and green beans that was mind blowing when others might opt to serve a lobster cappuccino foam, something your grandmother would think is science fiction?
Great food, impeccable service, the kind that's friendly, nonthreatening, non-hovering, knowledgeable and a sense of humor at the right imtes. We came to have a great time, and did. The staff and kitchen collectively delivered at every opportunity. Well done, frog.