| rev:text
| - Unfortunately, we did not have a meal this evening at the Whitfield that we felt represented the money we spent. We decided to go here for our 20th wedding anniversary. I started with the Fourth River Mule, which was refreshing and quite good. My husband really enjoyed his pear flavored cider. For appetizers, I had the shrimp cocktail and my husband had the French onion soup. My shrimp was fresh and had a nice size and good flavor. My husband said his soup was okay, but unremarkable. For entrees, we ordered the 38 oz Porterhouse for two, but we found it both fatty and, more unfortunately, gristly. I wish it had been more successfully butchered. We ordered it medium rare, and they did a very good job in that respect. The flavor was good, but I came specifically to this restaurant because they make a point of the fact they use grass fed and "grass finished" beef. The flavor did not shine through in this area. I have tasted grass-fed beef that was wonderful and some which was not particularly remarkable. This beef was of the latter distinction. The tallow poached fingerlings were just that, poached, and not soft or fluffy on the inside. When I asked if they could be cooked more, I received them back after a dip in the deep fryer, which did not improve the situation. The mac and cheese with bacon bread crumbles was not particularly flavorful. I find Dive Bar's mac and cheese much more flavorful. The desserts were where I believe the Whitfield excelled. I ordered an affogato, which is Vanilla ice cream with Stumptown Espresso and the lemon mousse with shortbread and toasted meringue. We ordered pumpkin truffles for home and my husband ordered the olive oil mint chocolate cake with cashew butter, beer caramel and buttermilk cream. The chocolate cake was delightfully light and not heavy. We enjoyed the desserts, but felt the steak wasn't worth $80. For my tastes, Wagyu Flat Iron at Meat and Potatoes is much more worth the money. The Whitfield did have a hip vibe, good mixed drinks and friendly staff. It does have a few steps to get inside, for those who have difficulty walking, as I do. It seems like a great place to go for a drink, have dessert or to meet friends. Unfortunately, the food was a letdown. It was worth a try, but probably won't be on our list for another visit.
|