We celebrated my husband's 50th birthday with his parents and three other couples this past Saturday 8/24/13. The Inn itself is absolutely gorgeous and the views are breath taking & we were greeted warmly as we arrived. If you appreciate architecture, history, beautiful landscaping as well as impressive water views, you are in for a treat!!! One of the staff graciously took a group photo for us. Inside the Inn is old fashioned, charming and welcoming. Monte our waiter was extremely charming and personable. He had a wonderful command of the menu and was very patient in answering all of our questions and making suggestions. Some of us have extensive food knowledge, others did not, but Monte made sure everyone was comfortable and welcomed.
When each course arrived, Monte took the time to explain each course again. Each course was perfect in temperature and beautifully plated. The pace of each course was perfect and all of the dishes arrived at the same time and were presented before us together and with a sense of fanfare. Attention to visual detail was incredible! Grace also was very attentive to us explaining the flavors of the squash soup sampling and taking good care of all of us.
Anthony, the dining room manager over saw all of the details and was extremely gracious to each and every one of us. The unique and complex flavors of each dish was amazing. We also appreciated the use of many local products in their most freshest of forms. One of our guests had a lamb sausage dish and the other the rack of lamb. Apparently this lamb was only available to them for a few days. It is well regarded as to how it is produced--from farm to table, under the most exacting of conditions and process. Apparently, this vendor seeks fine restaurants to feature their lamb. Thomas Keller, well known chef and owner of The French Laundry as well as other restaurants is major player in the company. Both people commented on its flavor, quality and succulence.
My husband and another enjoyed the foie gras appetizer, prepared three ways along with a salt cured strawberry preparation. They were in foie gras heaven!! I enjoyed the agnolotti prepared without the lobster and my friend enjoyed done with the lobster. Note that they offered to prepare it for me without the lobster, since I don't like lobster. We both found the pasta pillows to be soft and the cheese filling especially tasty, smooth and creamy. Others in our group said that their scallops were the "sweetest" that they had ever had.
The pork and baked clam entree was also a hit in our group and my husband loved his duck entree. My Hereford Filet of Beef was delicious. It was accompanied by corn pudding, polenta, tomato jam and collard greens.
The desserts were also unique in their plating, flavor combinations and taste. I tasted my husband's blue cheese cheesecake. It was out of this world.! My olive oil cake with blackberry yogurt, was spectacular! My friend loved the strawberry rhubarb gateau. And my mother in law was delighted with her cheese and cranberry bread selections. All of the others at our table found the desserts to be a wonderful ending to a truly spectacular meal.
It was a wonderful evening all around. Our dear friends remarked as to how much they enjoyed their meals and the entire experience. I could continue to go on and on about this historic, finest of Newport's best restaurants, but I will end by saying that the staff at Castle Hill Inn made our evening most memorable. We will not hesitate to recommend this amazing restaurant. We plan on visiting the Inn again time and time again as it will be on our "favorites" list. The Castle Hill Inn is in a class by itself and we are fortunate to have such a gem in Rhode Island.
For a sumptuous evening--views, atmosphere, history, architecture and culinary excellence, visit the Inn at Castle Hill. You won't be disappointed. read more