Tabard Inn

[Elyssa]

I decided to treat myself to a nice outdoor dinner last night to relax a little after a long week. For some reason I decided to go to the Tabard Inn. I had only been for brunch before and had heard mixed reviews from som friends about their dinner menu but I wanted a setting where I could relax in a beautiful setting, eat some good food, and read my book.

I was pleasantly surprised. First off I got there at the perfect time--right at 6pm--so I was able to get my own seat outside. It is truly beautiful out there. If you haven't been I highly encourage you to go---especially on a date. So romantic. They have flowers all over and a cool sculpture and little water fountain. But most of all there is a huge pastel colored parachute drapped over the top of the outside courtyard so you don't have the sun beating down on you. It creates an enchanting and romantic setting.

I started with the ceasar salad which was good--especially the big fresh white anchovies. Then I had a wonderful Asian inspired salmon fillet with bok choy, shitake mushrooms, baby carrots, and a wonderful jasmine rice. The fish and veggies has some sort of sweet sake-soy-ginger sauce over them...really delicious.

The meal was very good--better then expected considering I always thought their brunch was just ok and I had heard slightly negative things about the food. What I think most of my friends were saying is that the price doesn't really match the food.And that I agree with. While the salad was good I don't think it warrants an $8.50 price tag. For that price I kind of wish I had chosen something a little more adventourous.

I also had a delicious white wine who's name I forgot. The whole meal wine + salad + salmon= around $45 before tip...More then I was expecting or really wanted to pay but I figured I was treating myself so why not.

Still the relaxing setting alone was worth it. If you haven't been in awhile I highly suggest it.

Oh I forgot the mention that the staff couldn't have been nicer!!!

[food dude]

I've been eating at the Tabard for about 20 years now. I've never had a bad meal there. It's been one of the consistently best restaurants in the City. It's not incredible, but always good. I don't understand the occasional bad reviews and/or seldom praise for this restaurant which features fine food and a fantastic setting.