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| - One of my favorite restaurants in the valley.
5 star food, 3.5 star service. If it weren't for faltering service, I'd give the place 5+ stars.
Everything about this restaurant, from the menu, the printing of the menu, the furniture, decor, the generous spacing of the tables, and the demeanor of the servers is almost perfect.
Mix of music was a bit random and inconsistent with the atmosphere--Rick James "Give It To Me Baby" sandwiched between Coldplay's "Clocks" and some quiet jazz. It was easy for me to ignore, but I could see how others might be easily disappointed.
The service started out with 5 stars--well articulated recommendations and menu knowledge, great timing, didn't have to ask for anything, etc... Unfortunately, 1/3 of the way through our meal the attentiveness and timing (clearing plates, pouring wine, serving entrees in less than 1 hour!) started to severely falter. At least server took initiative to apologize and offer 4 free desserts for our party of 4. We'd still rather have great service and a dining experience that doesn't take 3 hours (due to slow service and slow kitchen), over free dessert.
However, a simple apology for poor service can go a long way. Especially when it's accompanied by the best rack of lamb in the valley. It's hard for me to articulate how well prepared and phenomenally delicious every single item was. Every cut of meat--the lamb, steak and fish was excellent. The chef's combinations of seasonings and herbs perfectly complemented the meats. Every side was also amazing--best onion rings anywhere, perfectly grilled asparagus (precisely the perfect amount of char to add excellent flavor without burning the them).
Be prepared to skip an appetizer and save room for dessert--it's by far the best I've had anywhere in PHX. Between the phenomenal complimentary popovers, entrees, sides, & wine I can't fathom anyone having enough room for both dessert & apps. So make it dessert. And strongly consider the peanut butter chocolate mousse w/ banana ice cream or the crepe souffle with passion fruit sauce. I'll be dreaming about those for the rest of my life.
Yes, it's expensive. But more than worth it.
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