As restaurants in Ashland go, this is one of the tops. (I can't speak to the hotel part of this business). I've lived here six years, and I don't know why it has taken me so long to get to this place to eat, but last night my lovely bride chose it for our dinner date. There is a quiet restrained ambiance upon entering, not quite formal, but pleasant to the senses. Our table looked over the outside gardens, in a pleasing bay in the main dining area.
As I looked ovet the menu, my head was nodding "yes" to everything. Simple descriptions of luscious food, nothing more. The waitstaff was eager to please, attentive, not overbearing.
And the food lived up to what I was seeing on the menu. We started with a shared appetizer of Panko Crusted Green Beans with three dipping sauces. Think Tempura meets french aioli sauces - one lemon garlic, one berry wasabi, and one I don't remember except that it disappeared first. Perfectly done beans, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. Yummmmmm.
The ten entree selections all caught my eye. I found myself leaning towards the smoked duck or lamb shank, and the waiter suggested that he favored the duck. Get this: Crispy Smoked Duck Breast with Vodka Tomato Sauce, Goat Cheese Pink Peppercorn Gnocchi, and Cauliflower Puree artistically angled on a square serving platter. The flavors - subtle luscious cauliflower puree, smoky duck and sauce, and the peppercorn gnocchi complemented each other accoumpanied by Eden Vale Tempranillo (I gotta go get a case of that). I think when I first read the menu, I blocked out the "cauliflower puree." I mean, it sounds.... Yuck. But no, it is a superb delicate balance against the acidity of the vodka tomato sauce and the peppercorn gnocchi.
My wife had the Catch of the Day: Macademia Crusted Red Snapper with Arugula Polenta and Lemon Grass Zabaglione accompanied with panko crusted asparagus. She raved about it - creamy polenta, perfect fish, rolling eyes of appreciation.
Alas, we had no desert, but I'll save room next time. Now that I know how good the food is, I'll be back, over and over till I've tried everything on the menu.
The bill including two cocktails, and three glasses of wine came to $98.
BTW, the wine list is extensive, and the restaurant has a Wine Spectator Award which they proudly display. The bar is cushy, subtle live jazzguitar on Friday and Saturday evenings
Note: The approach is not disabled friendly. I'm currently on crutches, second street is at its steepest here, and the walk way is tilting brick street side. I believe there is an elevator off the alley for those who are otherwise challenged. Call ahead. read more