It truly doesn't get any better than this. Having traveled the world for many years as something of a foodie I've rarely encountered a restaurant this close to perfect. Adjacent to its previous space the new location is a re-purposed professional building that has been beautifully appointed with all of the ambient touches you would expect in the finest of French restaurants. Upon entering we were treated like royalty by a staff that has been well schooled in the importance of the impressions they make. While we sere seated in luxurious comfort our waiter carefully explained the Monarch system which is a four course fixed price dinner priced according to the selected entree. Wine and dessert are extra, of course, as well as a few carefully selected and mouthwatering sides. Each diner in our party of four pretty much stayed with the same choices with a few exceptions.
For openers we all tried the squash blossom relleno, unusual, delicious and not to be missed.
For the second course there is a choice of a spring salad, which I'm told was excellent, and a yellow fin tuna crudo which I had and was nothing short of terrific.
The third course was a choice between Heirloom Carrot Gnocchi and a pork roulade. I had the latter and it was a delicious warm-up for the main event.
Three of us ordered the citrus crusted Chilean Sea bass and the other the crispy skin ora tuna. The tuna was reportedly outstanding. As for the sea bass, I can say that I have never been served a more flavorful, just right sized and perfectly prepared piece of fish anywhere. The citrus crust was deliciously flavored and pleasantly crisp. The fish was soft and flaky, and I was sorry to see the last bit disappear off my plate.
Dessert? Of course. There was a list of possibilities and being already stuffed we ordered one for each couple - a rum cake made in such a way that it is wonderful cake flavored with rum rather than the other way around. With a cup of delicious coffee it topped off the meal.
The wine list is extensive. The connoisseur will not be disappointed. There are, however, many wines on this well-thought-out list that diners will find impressive and affordable.
Honestly, this is the most complimentary restaurant review I've ever written so you would not be faulted for asking "was there anything negative?" Well, yes just one picky little thing. When our waiter served my second glass of wine from the carafe he had a plate in his right hand to deliver across the table. Instead of doing that first and coming around to face me as he should have done, he backhanded the carafe over my glass with his left hand and nevertheless made a perfect pour. In sommelier-land that maneuver is a no-no but I had to admire him for making it work.
My conclusion is that if you have a special celebration or you are entertaining a very important guest or client Cafe Monarch is the place. In this town I don't believe you can do better.