My boyfriend found The Carlton from searching online for restaurants to go to for an early Valentine's Day dinner on Friday night. I had no idea where we were going and was a little thrown off when we walked into the BNY Mellon Center. As soon as we walked into The Carlton I had a feeling I would like it due to the amount of wine they had lining the walls! The atmosphere was dark and cozy, and it was an older crowd inside. I think I might have been the youngest person in there! We had 7:30 reservations and it was busy until we left around 10.
To start, we ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir. They had just about any price range of wine from $16-$160. Chris and I aren't huge wine connoisseurs so we went with a mid price range bottle. We also got the shishito peppers for an appetizer. These were served with a corn and sausage dipping sauce. It was pretty good but I wish it was a little spicier. After chatting, eating, and finishing bottle of wine #1 we ordered a second bottle and our entrees. I was feeling adventurous and ordered the Barramundi entree. I've never even heard of this fish but she said it was a white fish similar to Sea bass. It was served with shrimp too! The side was a tomato and basil Risotto and some kind of leafy vegetable (can't remember). The fish was seasoned with Cajun flavors and was super flavorful, I also loved the risotto! Chris ordered the pork chop that was was served with a sausage hash and had a BBQ glaze on top. We both agreed it was kind of a random concoction but it worked.
Our waitress was also very nice and the perfect amount of attentive. She knew we were looking for a nice night out to enjoy each others company so she never tried to rush us which I am always appreciative of. The Carlton is a nice old school restaurant, as Chris said he wasn't in the mood for anything "hipster & trendy" so he hit the nail on the head with The Carlton!