L'Espalier

[shaebones]

Going tomorrow night for first time. Wanted to go at least once in my life BEFORE the big move.Yes, its a big birthday and I hope L'Espalier can take the sting away a bit? Anyone been recently? What's not to be missed on the menu. Tend to favor seafood but will eat anything if its great!

[shaebones]

We had a fabulous time ..an amazing meal. Though formal it was not pretentious. Waitstaff was proffessional yet down to earth and helped guide our selections. We are not big eaters , in fact my hubs gets miserable if he overeats, So we chose the 3 course pre fix and there was plenty of food. No miniscule portions . In addition, the chef was sending out other little trinkets to try not on the menu. That was fun. I had the bibb frezee salad w carmelized onions, cherries and marcona almonds to start, OMG. sooooooooo good. Hubs had the duck ap and I heard him hum after every bite, I went off the grid and ordered beef tenderloin w a horseradish sauce. (I ALWAYS order fish when I dine out) It melted in my mouth, Served w a scalopped type potato and mushtoom Hubs had the sturgeoun served w coconut rice, red curry and bok choy. Equally enjoyed. Creme Brulee w candied nuts serverd w fruit sorbet was amazing. Hubs had a ricotta dessert of some kind. Coffee was delicious. A smooth bordou w dinner. We agreed it was the best dining experience we've ever had. So glad it lived beyond my expectations. Made my birthday a memorable one indeed,

[cambridgeMike]

Great review. Thanks so much. I'm really hoping to go in a few months to celebrate getting my PhD. We'll see if I can save enough nickles and dimes by then.

[C. Hamster]

Get there before they move to the hotel!

[galleygirl]

When DO they move? I want to make sure to get there again...

[heathermb]

Late summer is the last I heard...but no specific date.

[joebelt]

Why did I get deleted?

I'll again recommend that you consider lunch at l'Espalier for $30 if it happens that you can not save enough money to afford dinner when it comes time to celebrate your PhD.

[C. Hamster]

I saw your post here before!!

I agree that lunch is a good deal there.

[cambridgeMike]

yeah, that's definitely what i'm planning on doing. unless i win the lottery.

[Chris VR]

Oh congrats! That was one of our best memories at L'Eapalier- when hubby got his PhD. It sure did stretch our budget- I wish they'd had the lunch menu (which is HALF the price of the dinner menu!) back then.

[joth68]

I would do the degustation or chef's tasting journey if you can afford it. I haven't had a bad dish there but the foie gras and cheese tray are not to be missed.

[C. Hamster]

Please DO report, as I am having a big birthday there very soon, too with a pretty big gift certificate!

I looked at their current menu online and want everything.

[teezeetoo]

and a plug for their prix fixe lunch menu which is generous, innovative, and worth the 30.00 dollars.

[galleygirl]

That's true, but lunch is actually reasonable enough that it's affordable even without the prix fixe, esp. if you're not a dessert eater, like I'm not...

[betsy1970]

Went my first time last year - just go for it and do the tasting menu. And order all those things that's you've read about but never eaten. You'll have fun - its not as intimidating a place as I thought it will be. And while for months you'll think back and say to yourself "did I really spend that much money on one meal" you'll also remember it was worth it. No place else like it!

[joebelt]

Be adventurous. Try types of foods you wouldn't try somewhere else. Let your preconceptions about ingredients at the door. Trust the chef, he will reward you for it.