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| - You wouldn't know it by just the name, but this place is more than just a full service liquor bar. It's a gourmet dining experience with an abundance of decadent flavors. The ambiance is so unique, upscaled and refined, yet relaxed. I felt like I was in a scene from The Great Gatsby, shelves adorned with mini wooden barrels, alcohol regalia, comfortable seating, and a beautiful chandelier. It reminded me of a smaller version of Beauty and Essex in NYC. Even when I was in the bathroom, I was captivated by the stories of Paul Harvey.
Service was spot on thanks to Bethany. There were three of us and we each considered doing a tasting menu, but she suggested that we order more plates so that we could get more variety and save some money. Mind you, everything is fairly priced and worth every penny. What a great recommendation because there was not a dish that we did not love!
Now onto the food!
Social Plates:
1. Beer Bread: Our plate was presented to us with 6-8 pieces of delicious chunks of warm, savory bites and the house made churned butter was revealed with the lift of a small glass dish releasing a swirl of smoke.
Opening Fare:
2. Seasonal soup: Jalapeño soup: It was just the perfect amount of froth and such an original taste with a spicy kick. We have never had anything like it and wished we had some more beer bread to dip in it.
3. Roasted little gem salad: The texture was on point, beautifully plated, and refreshing.
4. Corned pork belly: I loved the pork belly spaeztle combination.
5. Foie gras: Last year, one of us had a bad experience when trying foie for the first time. However, this plate changed his experience and now he has a greater appreciation for properly prepared foie. All the components were perfectly selected for this dish. It is not easy to properly prepare foie and I applaud the chef for executing such a fantastic dish.
5. Ahi tuna (Hamachi crudo-unavailable): We did not mind the tuna substitution. The delicately sliced pieces of tuna were fresh and worked so well with the radish and sauce.
6. Whole grain gnocchi: The perfectly al dente gnocchi worked harmoniously with the pieces of tender brisket.
Dinner Fare:
7. Pan seared duck: The rich bold flavors of the duck blew us away.
8. Coffee charred venison: It's understandable to be intimidated by the name of this dish as venison is deer and can taste gamey if not properly prepared. However, we were all impressed by how it was exquisitely prepared. It tasted more like filet mignon rather than venison. And the wild boar bacon, wow!
9. Salmon (Wild striped bass-unavailable): Again, we did not mind the salmon substitution. The salmon was so delicious including the skin. Combined with the spaghetti squash and ponzu broth, the flavors and textures were just spectacular!
Sweet side:
10. Banana foster bread pudding: Scrumptious and paired with burnt popcorn ice cream. Yum!
11. Chocolate beignets: Definitely way better than Café Du Monde beignets! There are 5 pieces that come with the order along with a generous dollop of freshly made cream.
12. Cappuccino: A perfect cap to the end of dinner keeping you from falling into a sleep coma from all the astounding dishes!
Nick the chef is absolutely incredible and talented! Super down to earth and friendly, he came out to chat and to share some stories. He mentioned that the menu changes every ~4-6 weeks. Thank you again for such a special and unique experience! Our bellies are growling with anticipation for the next time!
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