We were there for my birthday - and the service was exceptional. After a proper welcome, we were greeted by the owner of the restaurant at our table side so that he could tell us personally about the sparkling chenin blanc that my fiance pre-ordered. Certainly better than finding it already plunked in an ice bucket. He was warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable - a trait that you could tell inspired the rest of the staff to work accordingly.
We opted for the horse feast after opining that we had missed the aged duck breast by a couple days. Then we sat back and allowed the magicians in the kitchen curate a meal that contained elements from the menu but also included things from off the menu. The one warning I will give is that you need to come with an open mind for the horse feast. Elements of Japanese, Mediterranean, and american cuisine are blended in incredible ways but will include ingredients, elements, and preparations you may have never encountered. On the flip side, if you are looking for adventure, you found your soulmate. Also know that the wait staff listens to you, so if you want to guide their selections, just let them know.
I wish I had more room to talk about each course but it was so much food and my 2,000 characters are almost spent. The important part is that our entree was pressed duck (Canard à la presse) - and it was amazing. Completely off menu and completely based on my lamentations regarding the duck breast. And it was immaculate. Paired with an apple dashe, a turnip cake, and precisely executed Brussels sprouts. Being able to produce menu items perfectly showed the excellence of their staff but the final dish showed them to be artists rather than chefs. Creative thinkers able to hear wants and desires then bend ingredients to their wills. An experience like no other.
Stop reading here and go now. Go before everyone else knows. Go while you can still get a seat. And for God's sake if you have someone special in your life, take them here.
