First, let me say that the service is still excellent. The same servers have been there for years and that must say something about the restaurant.
We had reservations early in the evening and for a long time we were the only ones in the restaurant. I was worried that maybe they were not doing well during this economy, but by 7:00 the place was full.
Last time we dined here there were two degustations to choose from: meat and seafood. This time there were two to choose from - the regular degustation and a mini-degustation. The regular one is one more course than the mini. I chose the mini-degustation only because I thought the choices were much better . The price of the mini was $75, $115 with wine. The regular degustation was $100, $155 with wine.
I still miss the fact that you cannot substitute items from the other side of the menu, but everything was still very good. I do think, though, that when you used to be able to pick from the regular side of the menu, you had one entree that was really the size of an entree. This time I noticed that all the courses were small and nothing stood out as an entree.
I started with the Pan-Seared "Mano de Leon" Scallop served with Caramelized Carrot Puree (wow!) and a Coffee-Red Wine Reduction.
My next course was a Maine Lobster Saffron Tortellii with a Leek Gratin and Lobster Saffron Sauce. This sounds heavy, but it was not. I'm not big into saffron, but the flavors were great.
After the sorbet my next course was Sliced Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Fingerling Potatoes and a Rosemary Emulsion. Since I don't like cauliflower or brussel sprouts, not matter how hard I try, I gave them away leaving me with not much on my plate. Regardless, the beef was cooked perfectly and the sauce very good.
The dessert course was very good. There was something chocolate (don't remember what) and something made from figs, which was out of this world. I didn't know I could like figs so much.
I did get the wine pairing with each course and the servers were on their toes. We never had to wait for the wine.
My husband and his mother both got the regular degustation.
They started with a Smoked Trout with Goat Cheese Gnocchi, Parmesan Cream and a Basil Pesto. I didn't try it, but they both raved about it.
They had three choices for their next course, but they both chose the Pan-Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Roasted Baby Red Beets, Beet Espuma (foam) and a Balsamic Raspberry Glaze.
Next they had the same lobster dish that I had and for their final course they had the Miso Marinated Halibut with Wild mushrooms, Artichoke hearts, Caramelized Pearl Onions and a Lemon Grass Emulsion. This I tasted and it was excellent.
This is still one of our favorites, not just for the food, but for their well-trained staff.
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