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| - I have to ask -- Why is this place empty? This was quite possibly one of the better tastings I have *ever* had in terms of flavor, and that's including the likes of French Laundry and Per Se.
It's in the bottom floor of a hotel, and we walked up the stairs which were flanked by a pair of Ferrari's and a Bently (somewhat intimidating) to the doorman who let us in. It's Interesting decor in the main area once you pass reception, kind of a mix between modern (with the huge XO sign) and classic with the enormous faux pillars 'holding up' the overlooking balconies.
We had the tasting around 8pm for two and we were 1 of 3 tables in the entire restaurant -- It was a Sunday, but 3 tables? Weird, but whatever. I took a quick look at the menu and noticed that the tasting was not on the menu, not sure if the waiter was going to advertise it as I inquired the moment he came up. It was surprising it wasn't on there -- but I guess I didn't give him a chance. Anyway, I immediately asked if I could substitute the fish/seafood dishes, and they were very accommodating and said it was no problem.
My first dish (a substitute) was some kind of cured beef (don't recall the name) that was lightly cooked and placed in a broth, awesome -- I have never actually experienced a beef flavor like that.
Next (a substitute) was veal cheek and some sort of savory onions. I have never had veal cheek before, and it was very tender and slightly fatty, but not chewy in the slightest. The onions were a perfect flavor to add to the beef.
My date had the first two seafood dishes, the first being a trio of different flavored oysters, and the second being escalops of some sort. She said they were both very delicious, but I cant really comment beyond that.
Third was a pork risotto with thin pieces of pork within the risotto made with pork stock -- absolutely delicious. Both of us were asking: "How is risotto really this good?"
Fourth was probably my favorite dish, thinly sliced (filet I think) beef over mashed potatoes and (vidalia I think) onions. Beef was cooked perfectly, and the mashed potatoes and onions were a perfect match with the beef.
For the fifth course we added a cheese plate and opted to go with all five cheeses. All were from Quebec, and all were....Amazing. The leftovers are in my hotel fridge as we speak, we did not want to waste any of it. Additionally they had these *very* thinly sliced pieces of toasted bread that came with it. I inquired, and apparently to get the slices that thin, the freeze the bread before slicing it -- pretty inventive.
The sixth course was desert, and it was a carrot cake with pineapple glaze and curry ice cream. I was skeptical of the ice cream, but it all went very well together.
They finish up with a chocolate dish with nuts of some sort, I only tired a piece, it was pretty good.
Additionally, it was our anniversary and they brought out a special flaming parfait type thing with candies at the end, pretty classy. I only mentioned it in passing when we first talked to the doorman when we got there -- pretty awesome attention to detail.
We also had the wine pairings for an additional 50$ or so, WELL worth it. Every pairing was spot on, and they also paired the cheese with a great port for me and an excellent red for my date. If you come here for the tasting you would have to be crazy not to get the pairing for just another 50$.
All in all, probably one of the best tastings I have had, especially for that much money. All in we were at like 350$ before tip, really not that bad for a 3 hour dinner for seven courses with wine pairings + cheese and 3 drinks. Again, I enjoyed this more than the likes of Per Se, French Laundry (why in the hell do neither of these have wine pairings?!) and others. It was a great experience and I would certainly go back. 5 Stars hands down.
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