D. Scott D.
Yelp
They only opened on the 21st, so I was skeptical of the dozen 5-star reviews that were posted prior to that date, since those would be family and friends. Nice to have their support, but I wasn't counting on them to be subjective. On the other hand, I saw a lone 3-star review from someone who claimed to have tried multiple items and thought they were all flavorless. Suspiciously she had never reviewed any other establishment. Could they be a competitor? But I digress...
Easy parking in the large lot at 7pm on a Saturday. Arrived by myself with no reservation, but assumed I'd find bar seating. The beautiful, tastefully-designed interior was pretty full. And I was able to snag the only available bar seat!
The was a bartender just to my right who was busy with people coming up to order drinks. Probably 8 or so others behind the bar and everyone seemed quite busy so I waited. Probably took 5 minutes but it seemed longer. I wasn't in any rush and was enjoying looking around.
Finally Steven approached and asked if I had been helped. I said I was interested in dinner and he gave me a menu and setup. I was impressed by the leather-looking mat and drink coaster. Better than a standard folded cloth napkin. But probably good to protect the wood bar. The flatware also had a welcome heft.
I had wanted to start with the Steak Tartar that I had seen on an online menu. Unfortunately that was nowhere to be found. Steven said they hoped to bring it back.
I opted for the Golden Corn Agnolotti, having brown butter, charred corn, and sourdough crumble. Agnolotti are long "pillows" stuffed with amazing goodness. Beautifully presented. Sized to share, but also too delicious to share. Get your own!
I then asked Steve for his entree recommendation. The seared scallop risotto seemed like a no-brainer, but he said it would be a toss up between that and the Napa Half Chicken Roulette. His description of the latter sold me.
Sort of a deconstructed chicken - the skin is removed, as are the bones, and the white and dark meat are then wrapped back up in the skin which crisps perfectly when cooked. Perfect slices were then placed standing next to each other on top of a creamy, rich white sauce and nestled next to colorful cauliflower and smoked paprika couscous. Kudos to the Chef.
The plate used had a beautiful blue scrollwork border - again unlike a standard restaurant.
Obviously I saved room for dessert. The strawberry cheesecake that I saw had just been served its last portion. So I went with an affogato and the tiramisu.
The former had the best presentation I've seen. A martini glass rimmed with crushed espresso beans and chocolate. The scoop of ice cream had a delicate white chocolate leaf on top. The espresso was on the side, ready for me to pour. Perfect!
The tiramisu likewise was beautifully plated. A sizable square, yet it was light, airy, and delicious.
For most of the evening it seemed like each bartender just took care of his or her own patrons. There was a time I was unable to get Steve's attention for a water refill. Amanda noticed it and took care of me. She then asked how everything was. When I gushed over the food she remarked "we like to hear that." As she left I commented to the man beside me that she must be the lead. He asked why I thought that. I pointed out how she was the only person beside Steven who offered to help me, she asked how everything was, she was happy I enjoyed it, and she interacted with others as though she knew what she was doing. He nodded his agreement.
When I saw Amanda again to ask her name I also asked if she was the lead or a manager. She said no - that everyone works together. Well, my experience was different, but perhaps everyone was just getting used to the flow. She stood out and did help others. Huge asset. As good as everything was, I'll take it up a notch next time and find the area she primarily covers. No slight meant to Steven.
I'll be back soon!