from Juniors to per se report

[erly]

I want to thank you for recommending Marseilles for after Theater.
We had an excellent meal, at a moderate price.
The food was more complex than we anticipated.
The best example was the Octopus Grilled Salad.
It was delish, with much layering that "worked".
Finely shaved Fennel as a base, with black olive and Jalapeno slices.
The Octopus was sitting on a bed of Avocado, and seasoned to perfection.
It was nice to try new restaurant for a change.
The next day we decided to go to one of our favorites for Late Lunch
West Bank.
Their risotto balls with wild mushrooms, and truffle oil (lots of it) are absolutely addictive.
Because of our huge and very satisfying Lunch, we were not terribly hungry after the show, and spotted Juniors across the Alley.
We hadn't eaten there for at least 25 years, so some nostalgia was involved, as I remembered loving their Cheesecake.
We each had an Onion Soup, which was quite decent, but alas, the Cheesecake, which we shared but didn't finish was not very good.
Possibly they changed their recipe, or we had not yet discovered Lindy's...big disappointment.
Wed. Matinee, we had planned to eat at the best restaurant where we could get a cancellation.
Asked the Concierge to call per se.
There was a cancellation, and off we went.
I have seen criticism of per se on this board, and can't believe it.
The meal was perfection from beginning to end.
We have eaten at dozens of 3* restaurants in Europe (over a 30 year period).
per se is equal to many and better than some.
The Oysters and Pearls is perfection.
One of the amuse was a perfectly formed mini sugar cone .
Creamy filling, and topped with finely ground sushi quality salmon.
It even had the typical mini paper wrapper emulating those used by Ice Cream Parlors.
per se is a feast for the eyes with the artistry displayed in their presentation.
We enjoyed every course.
We are not the biggest dessert eaters, and I chose the peach dessert, and DH chose the Chocolate.
He was as enthusiastic over his dessert, as I was with mine.
The Marscarpone Mouse combined with the Peach Ice Cream sugar wafers, spun sugar and diced peaches, etc etc was perfection.
We were too stuffed to taste the myriad of temptations set before us, but the boxes of truffles they sent home with us were divine.
The service could not have been improved, attentive without being intrusive.
Very well trained staff.
Yes it is expensive, but if you can afford it, or want to splurge go for it!!!

[erly]

There was a question on the Ontario Board that got me thinking.
I have tried several Truffle Oils, with terrible results.
Does anyone know which Truffle oil West Bank uses, as it was excellent?
Never thought to ask.

[a_and_w]

Yeah, that oysters with pearls was a total revelation for me. As I've mentioned elsewhere, it overcame a childhood trauma with caviar LOL! Truth be told, I don't love oysters either, but that dish remains one of the best of any kind I've ever eaten anywhere. The salmon cone with creme fraiche is also mind blowing.

[buttertart]

Agree 100% on Per Se, my birthday dinner there was one of the top 10 meals of my life so far.