Darrell M.
Yelp
Wife, son and I dined 2/23/24 at the Bayhouse At Salishan. We have dined at a number of Michelin starred restaurants, most when we lived in the SF Bay Area. In our unanimous opinion, the Bayhouse stands solidly in the same league; positively superb from beginning to end. We chose to have the five course Tasting Menu dinner. This begins with Mesclun salad, a refreshing start with just the right amount and flavor of dressing to accentuate without overpowering. The second course consisted of a large scallop, bathed in the cooking in what must have been a pound of butter, surrounded by chantrelles and purees that were so flavorful together one might imagine the scallop as the virtuoso surrounded by an operatic chorus. Next up was pheasant. I had pheasant several times as a child, some decades ago. It was edible, but always a bit on the tough side. Not so at Bayhouse. This bird was brined, tender, and juicy, again surrounded by a complimentary cast of purees and wild rice. The best pheasant I have ever experienced. I would say the same for wife and son, except this was a first for both of them. Then came the beef tenderloin. By this point one might expect the portions to moderate a bit, given the substantial meal already served. Not so. Instead, a very nice cut appeared with tenderness and flavor that any steak lover would readily say was the epitome of perfection. A wonderful blueberry bordelaise rested on the plate for optional use (and woe to those who fail to avail themselves of its wonderful flavor out of a pretense of naked beef purity). The carrots, onion, and pommes fondant provided contrast that only accentuated the flavor of the beef. And then desert: a "popsicle" that was perhaps the most unadorned expression of the great creativity that went into this meal; a strawberry cream puff (OMG!), a cheesecake, and a tiramisu trifle. Double OMG OMG!! This is a meal we will never forget. While definitely in the league with Bay Area prices as well as food, it is hard to imagine money better spent. It is worth a week of starvation to afford such a masterful and thoroughly rewarding meal. By now you probably think the author must be a relative, equity holder or have some other connection to this enterprise. Not so. We have no connection with the Bay House or its personnel or interests whatsoever except for enjoying among the finest two or three meals we have ever had. This place is worth a standing ovation.