Location: The restaurant is located in the downtown historic district of St. Augustine, a short walk away from most major hotels, attractions, and parking locations. From the outside it is not very noticeable with only 1 small hanging sign with the logo, and a box displaying a sample menu by the front door. The limited views through the front entrance way (a sort of veranda/patio area) and front windows do offer a glimpse of the interior.
Meal Type: Dinner
Dishes Ordered: We started with the Tenderloin Bruschetta, for the main dish I had the New Zealand Lamb Duo, I ordered a bottle of Chateu St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon (I don't remember the vintage), for desert I ordered the Bougainvillea, a dish with icecream, strawberries, and pastry.
Ratings: 1-10
Food & Beverage Quality: 9. The food was absolutely fantastic. The table bread was warm and perfectly baked. The appetizer was perfectly portioned for two and had a good ratio of meat to bruschetta. The entre was definitely the best part of the meal. The lamb "lollipops" were so tender and excellently seasoned with simple, carefully chosen herbs and spices. The pasta with mushrooms and lamb sausage complemented the lamb itself, and the cheese/wine reduction sauce really tied the entire dish together. I never noticed there was no salt or pepper on the table until all the dishes were cleared. The desert was phenomenal as well, warm strawberries in a sort of glaze, paired with a delicate pastry and rich vanilla bourbon ice-cream. The wine was on the lower of the price list and wasn't the best cab. sav. I've had for that price, but went with the dish very well (as recommended by the waitress), and stood up strong on its own after the meal was over. The sparkling water I requested was Pelegrino brand, so hard to go wrong there. I also requested lemon to go with the water and was brought a dish with both a lemon and lime wedge wish I appreciated because I found I prefer a lime wedge.
Food & Beverage Quantity: 10. I would have wanted no more or less of everything brought to me. From the table bread to the desert, we ate every bite, but were totally satiated. My water was refilled as often as I would have like. Of course, I could always use more wine, but a bottle is a bottle.
Value For the Dollar: 7.5. This may be skewed by my lack of experience with finer dining, but I felt that is was just slightly over priced. I had never paid this much for a meal or a bottle of wine and was therefore expecting a bit more out of the entire experience. It is not so expensive as to prohibit me from returning however, and I do understand the unique situation that is St. Augustine.
Service: 8.5. Arrival and seating went smoothly. The hostess quickly found our reservation and escorted us to our table in the back corner. The table service was excellent, though as a person who prefers wait staff to be "seen and not heard" I though the staff could be a little chatty (though I was in the unique position of dining with a friend of our waitress). Other than that, I had no complaints. The service itself was done professionally and elegantly. I greatly enjoyed the wine presentation experience as that is something I had never had before. Overall the service is what I had expected from a "fine dining" restaurant, though I always find myself looking for just a little more professionalism or polish.
Décor: 7. This is strictly personal taste, but I just wasn't a huge fan of the general décor. It is very quaint and romantic, mostly reds and browns, contrasted with white table linens, and does look very nice. I just prefer a more sleek, modern style. The lighting is soft, great for romantic evenings or an anniversary celebration, and the tables and chairs are elegant and comfortable. Most would probably rate the décor a few points higher than me.
Overall: This was arguably the best dining experience I have ever had. From first impressions, to walking out of the door, everything was nearly perfect. The food is top notch in terms of both freshness and taste. The service and ambiance are expertly executed. The only things I would change are (and this restaurant does so well for itself that these are obviously unnecessary) the logo and outdoor signage, the wall color, and the lighting (again, all personal preference). As far as complaints or dislikes they are minimal to nonexistent. read more