Rafael C.
Yelp
I am pleasantly surprised with my experience in this fine establishment. I wouldn't be shocked if "REDD" stood for reliably executing dashing deliciousness. I can tell that this place is managed with pride. The inside of the restaurant was elegant. My group and I walk in and we are greeted with a huge smile, our coats were checked in and we were immediately directed to our booth. We had two wonderful waiters and were both very professional and cared for our comfort and satisfaction. We started with fresh bottled water and cocktails. Service was extremely efficient, so my drink " how to disappear completely", was delivered in a glass bottle full of wood smoke and was poured in an old fashion cup garnished with an orange peel. I can smell the citrus vapor from the release of the peel oil. This cocktail was well balanced, and this is the theme in this restaurant. Everything was consistently well balanced. My group and I ordered 3 starters and 4 main meals. For starters the tuna tartar was fresh and decorous. The mixed elements of crispy fried rice, the delicate crunch of the asian pear, and the tender tuna took this dish to a level I never experienced. The squash ravioli was presented with multiple ways to enjoy squash. First you get creamy squash inside a perfectly crafted ravioli. Next, you have evenly cubed squash cooked to the point where you have the perfect resistance while chewing instead of being mushy. Then you have caramelized yellow squash giving the dish a happy color and the right amount of sweetness. Last you get the crunch from the buttery hazelnut- just beautiful. After that we have the lobster risotto. This dish was light and buttery. The lobster was done perfectly. Unexpectedly, we were treated by the chef with more of his heart and soul. We were surprised to receive four dishes to try on the house, three of which are not even on the menu yet. For average joes, we sure felt special. First, we got the cheesy buttery shrimp and grits (off menu). I am not a fan of grits at all, but oh my, I fell in love with this artwork. There were crunchy bits all over that gave this hearty dish a crunch. Even with the cheese consistency of a grilled cheese sandwich, it was light on the palette- super dish! Then we were greeted with delicious, crispy, tender, glossy chicken wings (In the menu). Even with a simple dish like this, the talent in the kitchen elevated those wings to new heights. I felt I was on cloud 9. Amazing how one has the skill to get a chicken wing crispy on the outside and maintain the protein juicy and tender on the inside. It gets more impressive when the restaurant manager casually walks to our table with the chefs fish and chips (off menu). As if I wasn't impressed with the skills shown with the wings, this fish was on point. The batter was golden and crispy while the fish was flaky and tender. The fries were tossed with salt and herb and not overpowering. TLC did not fall short on the fries by the way. Every single fry was crispy as a pringle on the outside and soft as baked potato on the inside- no clue how, perfection. At this point we thought the generosity curtain was closing, but no, we were wrong. The chef also blessed us with Holy lentil ( off menu and I added holy). This lentil had a subtle smoky flavor, buttery lentil and crispy prosciutto for a crunch- Yum!
OKEY, feel free to take a break, I didn't even get to the main dishes we ordered yet. We welcomed the main dishes like homecoming. One out of the four dishes was the NY strip steak. The presentation was beautiful. The steak was perfectly cooked medium rare, and seared to perfection obtaining that satisfying crust on the edge. Most importantly, it was juicy and tender. The caramelized onion sauce and crispy kale was such a compliment to the dish. The mushroom added a bonus umph to it as well. Next, I wouldn't underestimate the grilled chicken here. This plate was full of bold colors and the flavors followed suit in their own ways. The chicken thigh was juicy and the shallot- balsamic jus paired nicely on my palette as I was dancing with the stars. The herb potato puree was so light and airy . Last but not least the Halibut. People! This dish made me tear up a little from authentic tasteful joy. The fish was cooked with love and passion like Jon Favreau from the movie chef. I mean, it was seared enough to have a crispy crust and a juicy, flaky fish. The Crispy sage and prosciutto just boost this dish to other dimensions. This dish did not cease to impress. The butter squash island surrounded by lobster butter was paradise, and such a great place to dip the crispy fries from earlier. FYI, the fourth dish was another order of the halibut dish. What's impressive is that the dish was literally identical in texture, taste and presentation which proves consistency in every dish. Love and soul was bluntly expressed in the form of magnificent culinary art. My experience at REDD was divine and memorable.