Henry R.
Yelp
This LARGE thematic restaurant is what one would expect if an old southern beach town mansion hybridized with a Las Vegas casino restaurant. While this establishment is not part of a casino-hotel it is housed in an expansive space. The bar area is very dark, large , and "loungy". Dining is available in the bar area. The center dining area has an elegant ceiling height, and is strewn with light. A few covered tables occupy a space in front of picture windows that allow a peek into this James Beard Chef's kitchen. Tables and chairs are a dark mahogany, adequately spaced apart from one another, but the wooden tables seem weirdly "undressed" with their absence of finishing white linen table cloth.
Service is top shelf. The hostess was pleasant, their is a matre'd that floated about the room inspecting, and insuring the diner's experience. Our waiter was excellent! She had a deep knowledge of the menu, and equal knowledge of the origin of the items offered.
The crafted cocktails are numerous, my French 75 was a tasty interpretation of this classic cocktail. The wine list is extensive with a few bargains sprinkled among the varietals listed. House baked ciabatta was very good, served with a variety of lardos. These flavored lardos were excellent, but may not be to everyone's liking. I skipped a salad and ordered Tomato Pie served with a scoop of savory Creole Cream Cheese ice cream. This "pie" was reason enough to dine here!! The local tomatoes had been perfectly flavored with spices before baked into a light perfectly salted crust. The "ice cream" melts into the pies nooks and crannies creating a delicious savory, cheesy, tomato flavored amalgam. Local collard greens were perfectly cooked, NOT OVERCOOKED, and seasoned with pork. This chef's take on an upscale Patatas Bravas prepared from local fresh "dug" potatoes was equally well prepared and full of flavor. The prime Filet was as advertised. A delicious piece of prime filet, seared to perfection, and cooked to the exact temperature requested.
After all was eaten there was no room for dessert, but the house made list of offerings was tempting.
If your looking for an excellent meal and dining experience, skip the expensive dining offered at the casino-hotels, and come to this establishment. It is still expensive but worth every penny.