This review is for the Gourmet Room.
My husband and I took my parents here for their 40th wedding anniversary on Saturday evening. We had a shaky start at reception, but the rest of the night was utterly fantastic.
I had called a week in advance to make a reservation, and was promptly told that they do not take reservations for the Gourmet Room on Saturday. Yet when we arrived, the hostess asked if we had reservations. Slightly taken aback, I said we were told we couldn't make one. Come to find, you can make reservations for the Cafe Room, and then state you prefer to sit in the Gourmet Room (weird underground practice, but ok, good to know?). And the hostess on the phone did not tell me that, so that was kind of lame. I also want to note that the people in front of us and the three groups that came in after us all went through the exact same conversation with the hostess, and seemed equally bemused.
Fortunately, we were seated about 20 minutes later, and everything was perfect after that. Every single thing we had was delicious! We started off with two hot appetizers: Oysters Rockefeller and Escargot Bourguignonne. It was my first time trying Oysters Rockefeller - really liked them a lot. The escargot was fresh and tender, and I was eagerly dipping my garlic bread in the delicious burgundy wine sauce. Next, my husband and my mom shared the Caesar Salad for Two, prepared table-side (of course, my dad and I each got a taste). Everyone commented that it was the best Caesar Salad they had ever had.
For the entrees, we all ordered the Chateaubriand because, why not? It's the house special! Plated table-side, this was truly the star of the evening. We specified medium-rare on both orders, though one order came out more on the rare side. I didn't mind that - as far as I'm concerned, redder is better. The beef sang of tenderness, practically melting like butter in your mouth. The variety of vegetables - potato, green beans, carrots, mushroom, artichoke, tomato and squash, and cauliflower - along with the thick and creamy Béarnaise sauce, was the perfect compliment to the meat. We were sufficiently wowed.
To top of the evening, we ordered a Baked Alaska for the table along with some coffees and cappuccinos. Our waiter, Andy, kindly informed us that even though the menu states "Baked Alaska for Two", there is enough for four or even six people. He was absolutely right - after the big meal we had just consumed, one order was enough. This was another item prepared table-side (we really went all out with the table-side dishes!) and, while fun to watch the flaming dessert, was a fairly straight-forward neapolitan ice cream and meringue.
Andy and the supporting waitstaff were fantastic - the service was impeccable, attentive, table cleaned and reset between courses, and drinks were kept filled. There was no rush to the evening; in fact, we were there for nearly three hours! But that was exactly what we were looking for, and it was a wonderful evening because of it.
Obviously, I can't sing my praises enough for the Gourmet Room. They really made the occasion a special one, and I would not hesitate to go back in the future. read more