My wife and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary last night at Corbett's and we were both simply astonished by our experience. Corbett's can best be described with one word: class. From the time I placed the reservation (a week in advance) to the last crumb of lemon pound cake, the Corbett's experience simply oozes class.
I placed my reservation a week in advance (I wanted to be sure) and literally was given my pick of any table in the house (I requested something cozy). I selected the banquet inside the front door and to the right (near the uber-cool TV room). I was called the day before the reservation for confirmation, and although the gentlemen who called me was not the one I placed my reservation with, he knew every single detail of the evening I was planning.
We arrived (timely, 10 mins. prior to the reservation) and our table was ready (even had our name on a very tasteful little holder on the table, a first for me!) and we were immediately seated. Our server Daisy was WONDERFUL. Very attentive, polite and charming. She also knew it was our anniversary without asking or having been prompted (again attention to detail that is a real first for me). Our service was always timely and never, ever rushed. We were made to feel like the only two people in the entire restaurant, despite a busy party in the TV room and tables scattered about the house and bar.
We were set on getting the 5 course, and were delighted to hear Daisy's exceptionally well-informed descriptions of the various courses. The amuse for the night was a poached halibut with a tangy red sauce. Just enough of a taste to whet our appetites! Our starter was a scallop, lamb sausage affair with pineapple and red pepper garnish. What a great compliment of flavors and the scallops were absolutely perfect! Our salad was a KY Bibb with brie and strawberries and light vinaigrette. Very crisp and fresh, lettuce should have it so good! Our first entree was a salmon dish, and while I am not a big salmon eater I found it to be very tasty. I may not order salmon elsewhere, but I know I can order it at Corbett's with confidence. Our second entree was a perfectly grilled filet on a bed of Parmesan grits and morel mushrooms. We, of course, ordered it medium rare, and I swear it literally melted in my mouth. We finished with a heavenly lemon pound cake topped with lemon sorbet. Dear lord, I could die and go to heaven and that sorbet would be what paves the very streets there. Finally, in honor of our anniversary we were treated to some complimentary amaretto and some very very exciting goodies (bourbon balls, truffles, etc.)
This was EXACTLY what a 5 course should be. Carefully metered portions with complimentary flavors and very close attention paid to every detail of the meal. Every course led naturally into the next and there was sufficient time to savory each course before moving on.
Everyone on the staff was extremely courteous and friendly and made us feel like the restaurant was open just for us. (Even to the point of asking if it would be ok to turn the bar television to the Reds/Cubs game, long after our meal was over and we were savoring the ambiance.)
Corbett's is the standard in this city for what finer dining should be. The experience coupled with the sheer value (Dean has dramatically under-priced his exceptional menu and woe be to those who fail to take advantage) make this one of the premier tables in the city. Corbett's house should be packed to the rafters every single night, based on our experience. We will be back, and we will bring friends. This is the kind of place you have in your city that you show off to people.
Thank you Dean Corbett and staff, you made our 6th Anniversary night we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Ronnie and Aimee