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| - Dinner before Jazz set at The Stage Door.
Parking is plentiful as the restaurant is part of a small shopping center. It was a chilly night and there were heaters in the front outdoor area. We were dining early to make the show, so fortunately did not have to wait inside or outside!
I had a drink at the bar while waiting for my friend. The bartender was personable and made a very good martini. This also gave me a chance to ask him about some items on the menu. By the time we sat down, I knew what I wanted.
The small plate Bouillabaisse was arguably the best I have ever had. Not tomatoey -the base was light in feel, but so rich in flavor, fragrant, with distinct flavors. I like that all the vegetable solids had not been strained out, as I savored every tiny bit. The seafood was tender, the shellfish was not overcooked, rather still tender and amazing. Unfortunately, I was so excited about it I used an expletive when our server asked if I liked it. Yikes, sorry...please chalk it up to enthusiasm.
I only wish I could have gotten a BIG BIG dish.
My friend had the mussels and frites. Again, the mussels were tender and delicious and the portion very generous.
Our server was attentive and was the perfect combination of there when we needed her without being intrusive. She did her best to keep our little candle burning, but it was not to be had. My only quasi-negative comment is that without light in our little corner, it was difficult to read the menu and the check, and to see the food as well as I would have liked. It did not ruin our evening or our meal.
I had been here for brunch before and considered it (expletive) amazing - now dinner. And still so many things to come back and try.
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