Cypress Tavern

My, my, my Cypress Tavern, I’m so happy you’re within walking distance from my apartment! I came here for brunch after playing 2 hours of soccer (don’t worry, I showered before I came) and it was exactly what I needed to get my Saturday off to a great start. I sat at the bar with my boyfriend and naturally ordered the bottomless bloody mary option. SO DELICIOUS! At $ 20 you truly can’t beat that price.
With the appetite I came in with there was no way I was going to order anything but the burger. I confirmed with our server that the burger was the option to go with, which put my mind and stomach at ease. My boyfriend ordered the croque madame (my second choice) and a juice that he thoroughly enjoyed.
Oh my snoopy, was this burger one of the most delicious burgers I’ve ever had in my life. I ordered it medium rare and it was cooked to perfection. I swear my mouth is salivating as I type this review! If I could guarantee I wouldn’t gain any weight, I would eat this burger at least 3 times a week.
As for my boyfriend’s meal, there was a hiccup with the dish which we pointed out to the server. They were very apologetic for the issue and offered to serve him another dish but he was full by the that time so he declined. Instead, he ordered a dessert to end the meal on a good note. Once we asked for the bill, we noticed that not only did they not charge us for his croque madame, but they also comped the dessert. Now that’s solid customer service! It wasn’t expected nor did they even mention it to us; they just did it. Bravo to Cypress Tavern for going above and beyond by turning a not so stellar experience for my boyfriend (I, on the other hand, could not have been happier with my dish) to a positive experience that will have both of us returning.
By the way, I love the décor and the feel of the place and there’s plenty of metered parking in a lot next to it.

Absolutely terrible brunch! The only reason for one star was the service was accommodating and the hostess was lovely. Otherwise, everything was awful. We walked into the restaurant and there was a large table of about 20 women, in the center of the restaurant, all taking at once at a very high volume. Things went downhill from there. We were served iced tea that inexplicably tasted like garlic, we sent it back, but still appeared on the bill. My daughter ordered fruit the was sprinkled with salt. The salmon was served with bagels so hard, they must have been day old and inedible. One person had asked for bread and potatoes with the entrée and those were randomly delivered to the table after everyone was finished and the table was cleared .
As the large table of women drank, the noise level was unbearable. The stunned faces of all of the other patrons clearly showed no one was having fun. Restaurant management should be cognizant of its patrons, especially in a small space, should not allow such large parties that obviously require a private room. However, the screaming women were not responsible for the horrible food. Maybe the kitchen was overwhelmed by the large party but, that wouldn’t explain the stale bagels. Hmmmmm

I went here when it was the Cypress Room and I really loved it. I wanted to give Cypress Tavern a try to! It certainly did not disappoint. It was just as good as its previous name/​menu. Definitely try this out if you’re looking for a more intimate setting and really delicious food. I will be back for sure!

Truly loved our dinner experience.
We ordered a wood roasteded lamb for 2 which was plentiful and delicious. Great peach salad to start. Cocktails expertly made! We will return!

This place is tucked in a bit of a weird spot, so it may take some work finding it, but it’s definitely worth it!
I had heard about this place from several foodie friends and was always told to try the french onion soup and the burger (the burger?! I know, wait for it). So, after a few times of hearing the same thing, we went.
The valet is reasonable first off, $ 5 on a Friday night. Do you need to valet? Nah, there’s parking around, but at $ 5 why not.
First impressions was that this place was small, but quaint and obviously decorated so you felt ilke you were at someone’s local tavern. Maybe 12 – 15 tables total in the whole place, with picture frames everywhere, chandeliers and exposed wooden beams. The bar is cozy, mirrored back and the bartender was so into his job, I loved it. He shook those cocktails like he was getting paid a million bucks to do it, plus he was wearing a cute little hat that just went with the vibe of the place. Whether it was a uniform or not it worked.
We tried the On Your Feet cocktail, and it was delicious. Perfectly shaken with the right amount of sweet and bitter.
We, of course, tried the french onion soup. And it was worth the hype! No watered down broth here, the brother was rich and silky, with a nice chunk of sourdough and plenty of onions. The cheese was nicely toasted as well.
The bread service was interesting, as the butter had smoked salt sprinkled on it. I like salty food, so I had no issues, but my boyfriend thought it was a bit much. To each their own I guess.
Then, the burgers came. They are beautiful. Served on a wooden board, with the lettuce and tomato on the side and a small container of fries. I knew it was going to be good. One bite in, and it’s like the french onion soup was solidified and bursting in my mouth! The carmelized onions on top had the perfect amount of vinegar to balance the cheese and the seasonings of the meat. Delicious! We didn’t talk for about 15 minutes, it was that good (and if you know me, it’s hard to get me to shut up!) It was a bit messy though, but what good burger isn’t?
For dessert we sampled some of the ice creams, one of which was a Panther coffee espresso (fantastic) and the other a vanilla caramel something or other, also good.
As for service, they were fantastic. The hostess is super nice, answered all our questions, and our main server was very helpful and allowed us our space to enjoy the meal (read: no hovering or rushing).
We will definitely go back as there were some great things on the menu, and looking around I saw some other dishes I want to try (like lamb chops, and grouper). Make reservations, and try it!

Very good food, very good service
Let’s just say we had so much fun we overstayed our welcome. The boys and I had great cocktails and a few bottles of wine.
It is a super small space but it was packed
The black grouper was tasty and perfectly cooked. The arancini was yummy, the pork schnitzel was delicious .
There’s valet parking next to the restaurant for $ 5, if you’re driving.
The location is a little weird under the bridge but the place makes up for it.
There is a tiny bar and only a few tables but definitely a solid choice. Will be back at some point.

This place has its negatives but the positives outweigh those for sure. First I will start with the negatives.
Location. This place is kind of in a random spot. There really isn’t parking nearby, you have to walk about a block and a half under i95 and it is very scary at night. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant but I wasn’t really sure how to find the entrance.
Now the positives…
Drinks. Nice and strong. Had a whiskey signature cocktail of theirs. It did the trick. My friends tell me the other cocktails were also very good!
Food. This is the winner here. Had the pork chops. WOW. Did not disappoint. Excited to go back and try all the rest of the menu items.
Service. This is also spectacular. They were all very attentive and fast. Had great suggestions and answered all questions the group had. We came here on a Wednesday night and it was surprisingly dead BUT again, looking forward to going back. See you soon :)

Smaller place than I expected. We came for dinner. The service was amazing as expected. Drinks were a solid 5 stars, I was very impressed with the creativity in the bar department. The food was very good as well. Starting off with some Zacks bread and homemade butter was nice. I had the burger since I’ve been meaning to try it. The burger itself was awesome, the server pumped up the fries, but I didn’t find them to be particularly good. The citrus cured salmon was decent. Mixed bag, but overall a good establishment, and reasonable prices for the quality.

This place is good, but I didn’t think the food was anything special.
I really liked the atmosphere and the service was quite good too, but again it all comes down to the food.
I had the branzino with asparagus. Again, good but nothing very memorable.

We love this place so much. I am from NY and this reminds me of the eccletic, delicious food and ambiance. Here it is 5 stars from the service to the food. You must come ad try this hidden gem. By the way we have Michael Schwartz here tooo. How grear is that!

OMG — what a fantastic evening we spent here! Try the bone marrow — it hold a special place well in the marrow of MY bones! The Martini well that holds a special place in my veins! And the group of friends we shared dinner with well that holds a very special place in my heart!

My husband and I dined at this restaurant for his birthday and it was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a restaurant in a very long time. From the moment we entered the door, the attention to detail and service was flawless. Our waitress Yoanna was amazing, and it didn’t stop with just her. Every employee at the restaurant tended to us and it never once felt intrusive. The best way to describe the ambience would be relaxing, romantic, and elegantly rustic.
The restaurant starts you off with a loaf of freshly baked bread from Zak the Baker and they pair itwith their own homemade whipped butter seasoned with a touch of salt. For the appetizers we ordered the bone marrow. It was deliciously rich and fatty. We also ordered the giant prawn– clean and fresh. We shared the 32oz porterhouse… wow, is all I can say about that. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection and pre-​sliced for us to share. Our side dish was the thrice cooked fries which were everything fries should be – crispy on the outside with a soft potato texture on the inside. For dessert we had the lemon curd. It was just the right balance between sweet and tart and a great finish to such a decadent meal.
We will definitely be returning.

Chef Michael is definitely slipping. This is nowhere near the quality of his «Michael’s Genuine» restaurant where he made his name. The food was so lackluster it’s not even worth mentioning, The were out of several apps at 7:30 PM? Same with the wine I ordered. This is just a normal middle of the fare bistro it should not occupy the upper shelf with these other fine restaurants.

It was a five star joint as Cypress Room, and I am happy to report… it’s still 5 stars in my book. They’ve changed the concept to bring a more relaxed atmosphere. Check! They listened to the many and took down the «girls». Check! The menu is more accessible price-​wise. Check! Service was spot on as usual. Check! As for the food — I do wish there was another star to give to those outstanding establishments who deliver what they promise. I do miss the filet mignon, but was completely satisfied with the T-​bone. The aps were delicious too. Dessert was soooooo good. It’s a small venue and that is part of the charm. I will probably support any concept Schwartz comes up with, and hope I’ll be calling out for the check many more times to come.

Absolutely loved my experience here. High class establishment nestled into a cozy experience. Waitress was knowledgeable, patient, and very attentive. The food was incredible, I had the steamed mussels and steak frite, and my girlfriend has the carbonara. All dishes were cooked well and very delicious.
The ambiance is quite pleasant, feeling like a snug cabin with dimmer lighting, and the kitchen is open to the restaurant which allows the smells of delicious food to flow through the establishment. I highly recommend for an intimate evening or a high class dining experience.

So I was very excited to finally try Cypress Tavern this past weekend. We’re already big fans of Michael’s Genuine and the menu here looked equally inviting. The dining room is very intimate and comfortable… service was spot on… all of the food was excellent… the wine and cocktails also very good. Why only 4 stars instead of 5? It’s just too expensive for what it is.
When the Cypress Room was retooled as Cypress Tavern, they may have made the menu more accessible, but the prices stayed the same. Bibb lettuce and grilled romaine salads for $ 16 each? Steak frites for $ 44? The snapper meuniere was delicious, but not particularly filling at $ 34. Be prepared for the wine list as well… there isn’t even a rose for under $ 55! Not exactly «tavern» prices…
Miami has a very competitive food scene and it was easy to immediately make comparisons with restaurants such as Corsair, Mignonette, or Cena… all restaurants that I wouldn’t consider cheap by any means, but still a better value with equal quality. Still, with more reasonable pricing I believe Cypress Tavern would have long-​term appeal.

This place changed the name, but is still AMAZING. I would recommend this place as the food is extremely delicious and the staff is amazing.

Great food and cool décor! Highlights for me were the Swordfish with an Indian chicpea and tomato sauce. It was the best Swordfish I have ever had. I also loved the bread and salted butter and the oysters and jumbo prawns. My wife had the vegetarian plate of locally grown vegetables which was devine. Get to Cyrpress asap.

Yaaaasss. How is this place not on all the best of miami lists??? I had the best french toast of life here. Hands down. The croque madame is yummy w a little truffle flavor. The carbonara is delish. The lobster ommie and the avocado toast also got raves from our table. Reasonably priced. Great atmosphere. Tasty drinks. Wow.

Cypress Tavern deserves a 5++ star rating!!!
My girlfriends and I went for brunch this past Sunday to celebrate our friend Ansley’s birthday. We were in a celebratory mood to begin with, but the service and food at Cypress Tavern gave us additional reasons to celebrate. :)
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a very kind, helpful and friendly hostess.
Our waitress had a genuine smile on her face and provided impeccable service. We heart her.
We started with the Bakers Board. This is a platter of the most delectable sweet treats I’ve enjoyed in a long time. It consisted of fresh croissants, a chocolate covered bread and other assorted breads. The «icing» on this already incredible platter was the lemon curd side and the homemade preserves. It enhanced the taste of all the bread even further. This is a must-​try if you are coming to Cypress Tavern for brunch.
I had the Breakfast Sandwich which was served on an English muffin and had homemade chorizo and melted cheese. If you are a chorizo lover, you will enjoy this as much as I did. It had a bit of a kick for those who enjoy a little heat.
I shared the Wood Roasted Short Rib with one of my friends and we both enjoyed it as well. It was served with a fried egg and creamy farro. It was rich and savory.
For dessert we indulged in the exquisite, mouthwatering Meyer Lemon Curd Tart
and Chocolate Pot de Crème. Our entire table was silent except for the «mmmmmmms» as we devoured these pieces of heaven. :)
The staff went above and beyond and it was very much appreciated by all of us.
Everything we ate was absolutely delicious. We raved about how good everything was throughout the brunch and now a few days later, I was raving about it to other friends who couldn’t join us on Sunday. (They missed out!)
In summary, we ALL loved it and had a truly memorable experience and I will definitely be returning and recommending Cypress Tavern to everyone I know.

The décor and cocktails are five star: old world and well-​balanced.
The stone crab appetizer was pricey for the quantity served.
For the price, the whole grilled fish for two was a steal and includes a side.

Great menu, expanded selections, loved the leeks vinaigrette and truffles polenta with poached egg. Omg, you had me at «brunch»!

I had the great pleasure of being a guest at The Cypress Room. The ambience was inviting along with the staff. Everyone was welcoming and the atmosphere was intimate and sweet. The mounted deer heads on the wall were quite different lending itself to a tiny hunting lodge.
There was a beautiful French flair down to the little flowered butter dishes. Our server Zucil was very accommodating and professional, just great.
We had crispy baguettes with yummy butter as we ordered our tastings. I had a lemony drink, that was sweet and refreshing. I’m not really a drinker so the name of it evades me.
I had the French onion soup which was quite different for me as it was served with an egg. Having the cheese baked on top would have made it perfect. There was none of that, however the bread was a bit cheesy tasting and helped.
I had the lamb and it was served perfectly with beautiful little greens and olives I believe and bits of fruit. Just wonderful, complex and clean.
My friend had the filet mignon which was fabulous. I will have that next time.
We also had the amuse-​bouche to cleanse our palate, a slice of cucumber and I believe bits of beet and a tiny green.
The plating is gorgeous and real eye candy.
We had the chocolate torte for dessert and to me it seemed de-​constructed, meaning it was a moist little piece of chocolate cake in a delicious anglaise sauce with bits of fruit on the side. Quite lovely.
Everyone was wonderful. Our manager was very engaging and offered me a pashmina if I felt cold. I really liked the whole experience and will tell friends about it.

Where is the 6^th star? Deserving of a 6^th star.
This was sophisticated dining at its best. The service was text book, A+ service. Our server, Steven, obviously takes great pride in his profession. His disposition was professional and refined. His knowledge of the menu and the wines was well above average. He conversed about the various dish flavors, wines and craft cocktails with a background knowledge, detailed explanation and thoughtful opinion not seen in Miami — well beyond the usual regurgitation of what’s already printed on a menu or the often heard «It’s nice. I like it.» The host and busser were also attentive. I happened to use the wrong knife to butter my bread (yes, I apparently lack manners) and placed it to the side when I realized my faux pas. Our busser, within a minute, quickly replaced my knife without asking me, or me asking him to do so — attentive and detailed. This is just one example. The staff here are the 6^th star of my experience.
I came here with a friend during Miami Spice, otherwise the budget wouldn’t currently allow for these menu prices. During Miami Spice, the chef changes the menu on a weekly basis, so there is always something interesting and savory to experience. The dishes themselves were delicious. The Miami Spice menu the week we visited consisted of three courses with optional sides large enough to share with someone else. The portions were regular menu portions — the restaurant did not skimp or short us in any way. The courses were brought out perfectly timed, not interrupting conversation but rather complementing it. I ordered the risotto cooked with butter lettuce, prosciutto and parmesan as my appetizer (A+), the pork chop for my main course (A+) and the semifreddo for dessert (A+). My friend and I shared marrow bones with preserved lemon, celery and garlic toast (A+). The pork chop, about the size of one extra large fist, was served with lentils and spinach. Quite frankly, it was so perfectly seasoned that it could have been served without the lentils and spinach and it still would have been an A+ entrée. The semifreddo, described as a plum consommé with summer fruit, is deceiving in that it sounds simple and plain. But, a taste of the consommé had us dancing in our seats with joy much like a toddler does after eating something sinfully good.
In the end, I felt like every single penny was well-​spent. It was a fantastic. Well-​deserved, 6-​star experience.
Some technical notes: The restaurant offers wine pairings with every course for an additional amount. i didn’t take advantage of this, but it seems worth it to enhance an already stellar experience and dishes. There is valet parking for $ 5 and metered parking on the surface parking lot area directly adjacent to the north of the building.

Meal for two last Labor Day Monday night… parking was easy until I was held hostage by the parking meter (yes I should pay by phone) and called the hostess who said we’ll hold your reservations no worries, and we have valet for $ 5.00-which is a steal! Save yourself the trouble and valet!
The décor… it was like hunting lodge chic with a sweet little bar tuck a little further back… hidden from the peering eyes.
Service. EXCELLENCE! We received both the Miami Spice and regular menu. Steven our server succinctly and clearly explaining aperitifs, other cocktails, wine pairings with Miami Spice. When I say succinctly still he did it with care and polish, it was obvious that he took pleasure in his job. Steven was the right man for the job… I hate to say it I may have but his name may have been Steve, by any other name was awesome and so was the food.
So my gal-​pal started off with a cocktail. I think it was the Before and After. It was beautifully made and well balanced. Then a new happy face dropped by our table and presented us with an amuse-​bouche, swordfish, pickled fennel and avocado mousse. delicious!
Another new face brought us warm bread and delicious golden butter with little pearls of sea salt on top. In the background our waters were kept to a righteous fill point.
Starters: Risotto with Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and butter lettuce… knocked my socks off. tender with a bite and a little saucy like someone flirting with you during church service. Second starter solid salmon n (ot yellow fin as shown on teh menu-​but I was told prior to ordering so I was good), with avocado and watercress. Alas is needed salt-​I stared jealously at the salt on the butter until I was rescued with my salt crystals by the watchful eye of another server.
Intermezzo (i am making up terms as I go) Roast Beef Bone marrow… delicious. They were kind enough to split it as we were sharing. Extra points! it was so tasty that I wish I could have picked it up and gnawed on on it. however is was a fine dining establishment. The marrow is gently seasoned with fresh herbs like tarragon-​do not discard, eat them! However ask for a side of warm bread as the garlic toast it is served with can overpower the flavor.
Mains: The Berkshire pork chop was fantastic and slightly beat out swordfish but not by much. My companion did not care for the curried side dish that came with the chop, I tasted it and it was delicious but clashed with the pork.
The swordfish lacked the fatty succulence of the pork (of course it did it’s fish). Otherwise the best cooked swordfish. Perfectly grilled, meaty yet still MOIST. I wish it had a little more velvety fattiness to it. The swordfish was served over beans in a mussel broth it was mouthwatering.
Two desserts rounded out our meal, a chocolate caramel tart and a semifreddo, red fruit coulis with sliced stone fruits. The winner was the semifreddo because it was creamy, refreshing and unexpected. Honestly we could not stop eating it!
errrrk (that is the sound of screeching breaks) there was one strange oddity. The hostess ironed a table cloth while we were dining. First time and hopefully the last I have experienced that in a fine dining establishment. It still makes me chuckle and scratch my head. Luckily everything else was so fantastic
oh I did the Miami Spice wine tasting worth it! they really are paired well to enhance each course. It a especially nice to hear Steven give the wines a story about the region and or maker. Dining here was an amazing dining experience.

Food is out of this world. Love the feel of a underground speakeasy. Ate both in the dining room and at the bar, both times the service was great.
If you haven’t been here, you must go.

Honestly probably one of the best spots in Miami! This place transported me to my days in Manhattan with nothing but the finest. Miami has a long way to go as a city but this place not only hits all of the right notes, it’s a must for anyone who is seeking an experience of what TRUE dinning should be.
My husband and I came after I booked a reservation during Miami spice although we opted not to go with the spice menu (seriously, you will be missing out if you do) it was all definitely worth it!!!
My husband had the rabbit which was to die for and I had the duck which was equally to die for. As a starter, we ordered two; marrow bones and the red shrimp… Both delicious. If you are leaning more towards the savory go with the marrow; the lighter go with the shrimp.
We went through a good portion of the cocktail list and my favorite would be the summer soda, it goes with everything. Not too light, not too heavy it’s literally just right especially when you are still deciding what to order.
The ambiance of the place is a bit interesting. You do not feel like you’re in Miami at all, but that’s a good thing. There’s a decent amount of taxidermy on the walls, some old fashioned wallpaper and a bar that will make you feel as if you’re in a good episode of The Knick.
Needless to say, I want more and don’t believe that I can ever get enough of this hidden gem.

After we walk out from The Grill, Bal Harbor, were their chef refused to make any adjustments to our meals; after we drove off from valet of Bagatelle where they insulted us with an attempt to charge $ 50 for a regular parking, and another failed attempt at newly opened Tantalize where they could not serve us decent champagne by the glass, we finally arrived to what seem to be the «paradise of dining experience», the «land of YES» called «Cypress Room» in Design District.
let me count the ways of everything that define proper dinning experience and everything that Cypress Room got right:
— Reasonable valet $ 5 or free parking: Right along side of the restaurant there is a lot big enough to fit every guest car. Check!
— Friendly, accommodating reception with a smile: Although it was only two of us — we got a larger table I had my eye on. Check
— Decent champagne by the glass to entertain you while you wait for your appetizer. And that is not much to ask! (take note Tantalize restaurant) — Check
— Ambience and service: clean and proper: white tablecloth is ironed before each table is set, napkins folded and placed back on the table when you take a bathroom break; breadcrumbs cleaned with proper tool, not swiped off with a hand or wet rug. Staff is properly and elegantly dressed — Check
Now lets talk about food: wow, FINALLY we have a quality dining experience to match NYC! Everything was delishious, farm quality and fresh.
This is a third restaurant-​child of more known Michaels Genuine, and Cypress Room is a perfect «Show Piece» of now growing clan. Bravo, bravo, bravo! Don’t leave without trying their cheese platter — it is to die for.
We surely will be back for more!

Bravo to Michale Schwartz and his team of culinary geniuses!
The Cypress Room is everything a restaurant should be. You can taste the love in everything from the food to the butter. The service is always impeccable and they go out their way to make sure you’re happy.
My absolute favorite thing to eat here is the burger. It’s not just your ordinary burger, though. It’s so thick and juicy you have to eat with a fork and knife. The fries are the most perfectly crisp I’ve ever had. If you dine here, ending a meal with one of Hedi Goldsmith’s magical confections is obligatory.
You can come for a special occasion, but if you come to the Cypress Room it’s a special occasion in and of itself.

Everything… the service. the décor… the food.
pork chops delish!!! Need to go back and try the lamb tartar everyone raves about. Perfect place for a date! Pricey but well worth it!

I need to start by saying that the food was fabulous! It was a pleasure to eat there.
Ok now to some more things: Great service. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our waiter was quick to help with options and to give us some ideas. We wanted to share dishes in order for all to try things.
We had awesome drinks from the bar. Tasty and beautiful. I had to add the beautiful part because I am so visual and I was impressed with the artistic side of the drinks.
We had a delicious whole fish that was shared and then we had some sider orders that were a knock out. I had a rhubarb sorbet that was just sweat enough and tart enough.
The presentation was gorgeous. This is a very Michael designed food. Everything was so good and so stunning. Hard to put that fork in and destroy the art work but that is what good food is all about, right?
We loved not being rushed at the end!
I highly recommend it.
Yes, it’s more formal.
Very cool place.

One of the best meals I have had in a long time.
Such beautiful inventive, fresh food in a gorgeous setting with a nice cocktail and wine list.
Professional service to match.
We had the smoked beets and robiola cheese; the frogs legs; red shrimp and coconut; short ribs and steelhead trout in tomato water.
All dishes were fantastic, except for the pheasant, which was very dry, but we did not complain, everything else was so good.
The cake was wonderful, but we were 3 people, and it was the smallest sliver you can imagine for $ 14. Decorated with «pomegranate jewels», which I found to be funny (they are just pomegranate seeds!).
My only complaint (and since I gave it 5 stars, you probably won’t get this far in the review)
The price tag.
$ 80 for chicken (for 2) is too rich for my blood (and takes an hour to come out). The Nomad’s famous chicken in NYC w/​truffles and foie gras under the skin is only $ 72 for two people (and worth every penny, btw).
I wish we could dine here weekly, but the price tag was just too expensive for a Wednesday night out.
Definitely a great date night place.

Ever wondered what it would have been like to eat in Casablanca in the 60s? Something about the The Cypress Room takes you bake in time to a bygone era of class, cocktails, and black and white photographs.
It was love at first sight for me, and I settled comfortably into the banquet as I nibbled on the roll with soft butter, with sea salt the size of snow flakes. The soft lighting, and beautiful bar had me tempted for a cocktail, but I was dining with my pregnant best friend, and am not one to go for a cocktail solo so instead investigated their wine list. It was a unique list, with premier crus at $ 34 a glass, mostly French, and nothing was tickling my fancy but the GM helped me find something I liked.
We shared the smoked beets to start as well as the royal red shrimp. Their platting was beautiful and playful. The beets were smoked, shaved and roasted with pistachio. I have never had a smoked beet and it gave it a strong flavor that was pleasant. The shrimp was almost raw, with coconut, lime and puffed rice, it was refreshing and light.
For our mains we shared the agnolotti with butternut squash and the duck. The agnolotti came with walnuts, butternut squash and brown butter, although the butter wasn’t really browned. It was more just melted. They were very rich and a nice fall dish. The duck was quite impressive with turnips and pear, but unfortunately the skin was overly salted. We let them know and they made us a new one but it took about 20 minutes and by the time it arrived we were full. They still put it on the bill, and it was $ 43, not an inexpensive entrée by any means. I wouldn’t have minded, had I been able to enjoy it, but it seemed a bit bizarre considering how long we had to wait for the replacement.
I loved the atmosphere more than the food overall. And while service was friendly, it was off putting that we paid for a duck that we had a few bites of.