Saul G.
Yelp
From the moment we entered the valet lot, we were treated like valuable customers. Made the Friday Resy late, so could only get 7. The place fills up at 8. Service was impeccable, the room elegant, if a little bright.
Ordered glasses of white wine, there's an extensive list. For a starter had the duck pate. Good flavor, good conserves, but one piece of fruited bread was insufficient. A circulating maitre d noticed and brought three more slices without our asking. Nice touch.
For mains, La Portena had the halibut, perfectly cooked, good sized piece, attractively plated on turnip. I had the Beef Wellington, the old school classic well executed, pastry, duxelles, tender beef, demi-glace sauce. Pretty much the only way I will bother with filet. Would have liked it a little rarer but that's hard to pull off. It came with a tiny scoop of mouselline (potatoes?). Would have liked more. Ordered a side of spinach, well done there. Great glass of Pinot Noir with the beef.
For dessert we shared an elevated crispy tarte tatin. Recommend that one. skip the double espresso needs work. About $280 for two, you'll break $300 with a cocktail. A cut above all of the places on the Avenue. Food, service, ambience (except the music, too much bass). Would return.
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