4.5 stars. We went for the October 2014 tasting menu upstairs. One word: amazing. Two words: perfect pairings. The dishes were a festive mingling of flavours across the spectrum of taste that flowed together naturally. Wait staff were friendly and very knowledgable. I've been raving about the meal and recommending it to friends ever since.
First course was a Sicilian salad paired with vermut negro - lovely pairing. I've been getting into bitters lately so this was a nice new taste for me. The salad was a beautiful balance of salty and sweet flavours, soft and crunchy textures. Vermut bitter was a real extension of the dish.
Second was miso scallop and Chardonnay. Presentation was fun - over a single serving hibachi (I'm sure there is another name for this but I don't know what it is). Scallop, radish, eggplant. One piece of each. All very complimentary along with the dry sweetness if the Chardonnay.
Third course was corn bibimbap. Pairing was a wheat beer. Another fun dish! My first time trying this traditional Korean dish. The bowl exploded with flavour and was velvety soft and warm. Comfort food for a cold day.
Fourth was veal brisket and a gigondas. This dish was so rich and hearty. The brisket fell apart easily with the touch of my fork and melted slowly in my mouth. A light sauce accompanies the dish as well as a rich and creamy pave potato. And I've never met a gigondas I didn't like and especially one paired with slow cooked meat.
Dessert was a sweet meillefeille coupled with a mixed cider and gingerbeer. A crisp finish to a decadent meal.
My favourite meals stick in my head forever and this meal is one more do those; very memorable. We'll be back monthly to try everything this team of people puts together. Bravo!