Booker D.
Yelp
We made reservations through Amex paid $35 to insure we got a table. We had seen on line they had these dome like eating area that looked really cool, but when we got there they said due to summer they didn't have them up. Only winter time. So we ended up inside. What's nice about making our reservations through Amex they ask if there's any special accommodation that is needed. Of course since I have food allergies it comes in handy and we write in what I am allergic to.
The restaurant is vibe was a twist on French cuisine, bite small and a little louder than expected, but following the theme of a French atmosphere, it was understandable. The view was nice from where we sat was a nice view. We were placed in middle of dining room so I was able to see everything outside the windows over looking the back part of Pikes Market Place towards the waterfront where the Big Ferris Wheel was going around and around.
We had a super nice waiter, very friendly and good looking I have to say. We went in for a late lunch early dinner. The menu is simple and not overly complicated one page with starters and main course and desserts.
I was immediately drawn to the Corte de Porc
Seared 16oz pork tomahawk, garlic butter, demi-glacé, mash potatoes and Brussels sprouts with thick cut bacon ends and caramelized onions.
I was most drawn to this dish since there were no mushrooms in the dish. The other dishes had mushrooms and the night before I had a steak else where so didn't want to repeat the whole steak meal again.
For a beverage I ordered iced tea, since I don't drink alcohol or soda. From the time the order was placed to when it arrived at table 10-15 mins. I found it to be fast, which was great since I was very hungry. Visually the dish was a beautiful, a culinary work of art. My first words were thumbs up to the chef. Before I could dive in to eat, I noticed mushrooms on my plate. I thought I was seeing things, but having allergies especially one that is a death sentence, I said nope can't eat it and called the waiter over. At first look the waiter said it wasn't mushrooms but I insured him they were in deed mushrooms naming the mushroom type and moving them aside. I told the waiter, I noted it the reservation I was allergies to mushrooms, I told him there was no mention of mushrooms on the menu for the dish. The waiter immediately took it away and apologized for the food mix up. "Side note I always feel so bad when the waiter's or waitress have to apologize for the cooks/chef's mistakes".
The waiter came back and apologized again, said I was correct and was correct about the dish not mentioning mushrooms, apparently the chef took it upon himself to do something different just right there and then. I was told they like re-fire and whole new dishes for me. "Side note, usually when that happens I usually cut the into the protein so that I don't get the same one or most of the time I don't get the same thing I usually just wait until whom ever I am with to finish and I eat elsewhere". Remember I went in for a late lunch early dinner so I was hungry so I let them re-fire new dish. Upon waiting the manager came to express his concerns about the mix up and apologized for that.
The waiter finally brought the re-fired dish out, it was a totally different dish altogether. I wasn't going to complain they left out the garlic butter or that the pork was completely smaller than the first one. Upon tasting the meal after waiting all that time. All I have to say is it was worth it, garlic butter who care they left it off, smaller portion of pork tomahawk who cares. The first bite sent me off to a place of the food heavens. It was like butter, it melted in my mouth, I had to stop chewing just to take in every flavor combination that was taking place in my mouth. The pork was cooked to a perfect temperature, the demi-glacé was amazing, the Brussels sprouts and mash potatoes spot on with flavor, and the bacon ends were unbelievable almost stealing the spotlight. This dish has landed in my top 10 dishes of all times. Rating #5 for me. From the first bite to the last I didn't stop to talk or drink, I felt like a was a kid racing to finish my meal to head off to play video games, trust me that big for me. Since video games is part of my life.
Despite the whole mix up with the chef adding his own little twist on the meal when I ordered it. I have to say it was and is most delicious dish I have had this year.
So if you are in the Pikes Places Market area, find Maximilien restaurant and try the Cote de Porc it will be the best delicious choice you will make have made.