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| - Could Asbury be our new happy place? After a number of disappointing experiences at my former favorite farm to table restaurant uptown, Halcyon, we were seeking a new favorite. Hubby and I tried to go one night but they were booked on Open Table but last night we wandered in and luckily they were busy upstairs with a wine dinner but had left the main dining room unreserved. The seats were comfortable, which is important.
Our server, Donnie, was absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable and walked us through practically the whole menu and was candid about the menu and wine items. Their new menu bringing in summer items looked fantastic and there were several things I didn't get to try (BBQ Caramel popcorn, roasted beet salad that looked awesome, burrata cheese app, etc.). We did try the tableside ceviche which that night was grouper with lime/orange acidifying pourover. We were so hungry we didn't wait until it was cured, but it was delicious anyway and is similar to a hamachi & jalapeno app but really fresh and summery. The delicious bread from Local Loaf was warm and served with herb butter.
We ordered the risotto and crab and ribeye entrees. The flavor profile on both were delicious. I'm not sure if the chef adjusted the recipe after hearing reviews but there was a really nice smoked lemon zest throughout that really was bright and crisp; perfect for summer! The ribeye flavor and vegetables were great but not enough portion for a hungry man- next time we'll order the roasted cauliflower side too.
The dessert and wine menus looked great but didn't get to take full advantage of them. We took a peek at the brunch menu and since I'm not a pork eater, there aren't a ton of items I'll be eating but there was a cinnamon chip french toast that is on my list to try!
All in all, we really enjoyed our experience and look forward to going back and trying more things.
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