Perfection.
The first thing you should do is to make a reservation now before everyone finds out about this phenomenal Green Mountain jewel. It is an intimate dining experience with Michelin star quality food. The preparation and presentation by Chef Brett is unmatched in a 150 mile radius. Of the 4 entree's, appetizers and cocktails everything was perfection and paired beautifully. The menu is thorough but not overwhelmingly so. While the food is as fine as any of the countless Michelin starred restaurants (some 3 stars) I have enjoyed around the world and in nearly every highly rated Zagat NYC restaurant over the last 30 years, you do not leave hungry. The proportions were unexpected and so welcomed. They were not overwhelmingly large but just spot on. Too many times I've left a Michelin 2 or 3 star restaurant where I've spent 2 or 3 times the price and wondered if I can find something to eat on the way home. I'm not a big person but a few dots of this or that on a plate that I'm sure took hours to create isn't always meal. You will not experience this at The Left Bank. Thank you Chef Brett for your work.
The ambiance is beyond anything I've experienced in VT. It evokes a feeling of a bygone era in Paris, London or old New York. All this and so much more enjoyable due to appropriate sound management. For those distracted by loud music, people and the clatter of staff attending to the tables, then this is your haven because none of that is present here.
As for the surroundings, this stunningly re-envisioned and remodeled historic property is truly something to see and experience. The private dining room/wine room is the work of a master craftsman in woodwork. The wine racks and shelving are mahogany, seriously. The wine list is extensive and I have no doubt with advanced notice, they would provide almost anything you might request.
On to the service, The Left Bank is thankfully and mercifully as unpretentious as it is spectacular. Our professional server, a Vermonter who lives in Weston, was equal parts charming, attentive but neither overly familiar. It was a fun experience and she added to the overall feeling of warmth and that everyone there really wants the patrons to feel welcomed.
The restaurant and resort management were friendly, engaged and greeted our party by name as we left. We were thanked for our visit and they genuinely cared about our guest experience. And, yes there is a luxurious spa and resort with an exclusive number of guest rooms that I believe opens in September. Though we live less than 20 min away, this might just be a staycation spot for a special occasion.
I hesitated to write such a gushing review. I rarely take the time to write them at all. However, The Left Bank deserved the time I took in creating this review. We look forward to many more fabulous evenings with friends and family here. I just hope we will still be able to get a table once the word is out ... read more