Xiaorui H.
Yelp
Located on the fifth floor of a high-rise, this restaurant offers an outdoor seating option with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a stunning, open view. The lighting is deliberately dim, seemingly designed for intimate romantic evenings.
Service is notably superior to Reign, both in professionalism and warmth. Thoughtful details, such as a designated coat-hanging area, add to the experience. Once you've made your decision, the staff affirms it with subtle compliments, enhancing the sense of hospitality. Every dish is meticulously plated, with tableware arranged with precision. The restaurant manager frequently circulates the floor, ensuring seamless operations.
Sunchoke Soup
The sunchoke delivers a flavor profile reminiscent of buttery mashed potatoes, with the soup itself offering a delicate sweetness. A layer of shaved truffle adds earthy aroma and textural contrast, while a drizzle of olive oil introduces fruity notes and a subtle peppery kick, elevating the complexity of flavors.
What surprised me most was the fraîche crème at the center. The contrast between chilled cream and hot soup creates an exciting temperature interplay, while the cream itself contributes a tangy brightness and velvety richness. Beneath it, a sunchoke purée offers an even lighter, airier take on potato purée. Among soups, this one truly stands out.
Lamb Saddle
The lamb is exceptionally tender and well-seasoned, a stark contrast to the steak at Reign. Both pieces come with crisped skin, reminiscent of Peking duck's crackling exterior. The sauce is deeply concentrated, pairing well with the parsnip purée and a Provençal vegetable ragout.
A standout element is the phyllo-wrapped parcel, filled with braised lamb shoulder. It delivers a more intense lamb flavor than the saddle itself, with the crisp pastry adding a delightful crunch. The dish excels in flavor layering, but its biggest flaw is richness overload--even with the parsnip's natural sweetness acting as a counterbalance, the saddle, braised lamb, and sauce all lean heavily into richness. Much like red-braised pork belly, no matter how good, it can become overwhelming after a few bites.
Coconut Sorbet
This dessert stole my heart. Compared to traditional ice cream, the sorbet is silkier, with a flavor blend of praline and coconut, though praline's bright, caramelized sweetness takes center stage. Shaved coconut flakes are sprinkled on top, enhancing chewiness and adding a whisper of tropical leafiness. The sweetness is well-balanced, never cloying. Two generous scoops disappeared in no time.
Overall Impression
Every dish delivered an element of surprise, making for an exceptional dining experience. While portions might not be the most filling, this is undoubtedly one of the finest date-night restaurants. From ambiance to service to execution, everything scores high marks. Compared to Reign, the distinction in hospitality and attention to detail is undeniable.