I'd confirmed with Chef Gerhardt ahead ( via this site- Thanks, Robin!) that he would be on-site that evening. ( Based on our conversation, he's still at Limestone 3-4 days a week). We arrived to find a perfectly located table in a private corner waiting for us- with rose petals on the table top.
We were assigned both a server ( Kelly) and an assistant server. Talk about excellent service; throughout our dinner the service was perfect: right on top of everything, but not intrusive and very welcoming of our leisurely- paced dining for our celebration ( even when we were the last guests left in the restaurant.)We were expecting 5 courses, but we were extremely pleased to find out that the courses would be different for each of us! A Foodies Dream- 10 different courses paired with 10 different wines for us to share.
Here's my memory of the courses- I will admit that I was a little in a haze of sensory overload from the great food and wine with the later courses
:Apps: Miniature Steak & Eggs with Red Wine Reduction
Tuna Tartare with Remoulade, and Bean Puree with Chive oil
Soups: Lobster & Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon Creme Fraiche
Beef Tenderloin & Shitake mushroom in Veal Consommé - Brian's comment on this soup was that I needed to "Pour it over his grave" it was that good!
Salads: (I remember them both being very good, and very well paired but neglected to write them down- I think the wine was kicking in…)
Mains: Seared Maple-Leaf Duck Breast with Herbed Risotto in a Burnt Orange demi-glace
Halibut with Crab Quinoa
Dessert: Housemade icecream and lace cookie with a truly scrumptious Almond Cake paired with an excellent Sauternes
Chocolate Ganache cake with berries and lace cookie paired with a lovely Port
To top off our already over-loaded palates, ( and bellies) they surprised us with a final extra “course” – Housemade bourbon truffles and a bottle of Boomgard “Peche” Belgium beer. This peach beer was different from anything I’ve tasted before- a great final note.
Al I can say is WOW- everything was wonderful- and the wines were extremely well paired by Monty, the Sommelier. (We also had what I’m sure were some pricey wines, and all included in our dinner price). I thought ths was a phenomenal deal ($120 for dinner 5 courses including wines); I understand they also offer a smaller "Feed Me" option for early birds, with 3 courses for I believe $30, and wine pairings for each course for another $15).
Our thanks to Kelly, Monty, Brandy and Chef Gerhardt for making it a truly memorable evening!
Deb