Chris N.
Yelp
Well, we began like most probably do, flying like insects toward a light when we saw a big and lit-up sign saying, "The Foundry". That sign turned out to direct us to what would seemingly be a rabbit hole to the entrance. It was 20° outside. And although we were .4 miles away, and we tried to walk! The wind was brutal. So we found ourselves shivering in the car instead of on the looming walk home after a comfortable meal. It was a good choice.
So this sign that we saw lights up a stairwell, an outdoor one that tricked us with it's glass panels. It was the entrance to nowhere! We got to the bottom and could not figure out where we were. Mind you, it was pitch black and f cold. So if it was obvious, it wasn't obvious to us. Finally we look to the left of the stairs and it appears to be a door. No real bright lights, no more signs. Just a brick layout that appears to be a door. Anxiously, and very cold, we proceeded to what was ultimately our entrance to a heated reprieve, The Foundry. As soon as we walked in the atmosphere was palpable. You could feel the good energy immediately. The look was a mix between log cabin, brick hose, and industrial. Quite comforting if you ask me. We had made reservations, so when we saw all the people waiting, I felt relieved. Within minutes we were whisked away by a hostess and seated. It was extremely busy in there, and I came to find out that they can seat up to 400! That's an incredible feet when you are consistently the largest certified farm to table establishment in all of NH. Before we talk about food, let's touch on the service quick.
Our waiter was extravagant. The restaurant was super busy, as I said, so we didn't meet him until after about 15 minutes after we were seated. The 3 of us immediately connected. His name, as announced, "Thomas..... like the train, so you don't forget!" He was a very talented waiter. He offered recommendations, talked about the establishment and made us feel like the only couple in a place that seats 400. Once he got to us he was attentive, not overbearing, friendly, and immediately picked up on our vibe. This is a big shoutout to you Thomas, you were 50% of these 5 stars.
The food, man was that sht tasty! My date went with the Fig & Apple Panini. It had something called BACON JAM on it. Along with local brie cheese, it was a flavor bomb. I was however, a bit disappointed that the sent the fries with ketchup in lou of a nice aioli for them. I'm a firm believer that ketchup is a flavor thief, and that if you put it on your eggs, it's a sin. But the fries were incredible standing alone, not even needing a dipping sauce. I went with Thomas' recommendation of the Braised Shot Ribs. My God, what a solid choice. It came with sweet potato Gnocchi and a bourbon cream sauce. My dish was a pricey gamble, but it sure paid off. After our first bites we traded plates to taste everything. As we were switching back, Thomas came right over to make sure we were happy with our dishes. That kind of service is to far and too long gone these days.
The end: Her and I were deep in conversation long after we finished. It seemed that Thomas picked up on that, I'm also sure he didn't mind us renting out the table while he got caught up. When he was able, he offered dessert. We, of course, turned it down. He, however, brought the menu by any way, just so we could see what they offer. For an establishment to have a waiter who can upsell properly is a great asset to have. The All-in-All is that we had a fantastic and memorable time. If I had expectations, they were exceeded.
Thank you Thomas! You were the highlight of the night, followed shortly by the food. The Foundry is a "must have" experience. For the food and for that WELCOME feeling we all need when eating food. The prices, expensive to the baked eye. But when you realize you're eating all local stuff, and if it's not local, they make sure it's not full of the garbage that we hear all to often about. My advice is to call ahead and take the leap into a fantastic world of culinary craftsmanship that is side by side with the service.