10-7-26 We had reservations for an early (5:45) dinner, so it was not busy when we arrived,…read morealthough it definitely filled (and got fairly loud) during the night. Patrons were a variety of clientele, defintely no children. We had indicated on the open table reservation that we were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. I had done some research for local fine dining and was excited to try Freeland's. (Coincidentally, we went to Tinker Street - a sister company -- for our anniversary last year, and had an absolutely wonderful experience!)
We were seated right away. I will admit that I was a little disappointed there was nothing on the table that looked celebratory, and that seemed like a miss, as we have experienced this from other restaurants.
Freeland's just opened in Feb 2025, and is in a renovated old (1840s) house, with a lovely bar area set against William Morris wallpaper, table seating for about 50 total, and a view of the kitchen. Although it's neat to see the counter part of the kitchen, my seat was situated where I could see the side shelves of supplies and one work table, and honestly that did take away from the ambiance of everything else. I really think some sort of partition there would be better.
The sommelier came quickly and offered us each a small amuse-bouche of champagne and explained that all quests are welcomed this way; it was a nice touch. Our server also came quickly, asked us if we were celebrating anything especial (yes, our 20th), and reviewed some of the evening specials.
Hubs had an Old Fashioned ($19) and I had a glass of chardonnay ($12 - that was actually still on a happy hour special). I completely forgot about the sommelier in that moment, because normally I would just have them pair me a glass for the meal, but this was good, too.
We got the scallops appetizer ($36) and the beets salad ($17). The three scallops, served in shells, were delicious, as was the beets salad - red and golden beets served over a rainbow of naturally (food) colored sauces. I was also envious watching oysters to other tables - hubs is not a fan and I figured we were getting plenty of food, I'll get some next time.
Entrees were the NY strip loin for him ($50) with carrots and fingerling potatoes, and the butternut risotto ($32) for me. Both were beautiful and delicious.
For dessert, we each ordered a coffee. Chocolate ice cream was on the house for our anniversary. We also ordered a peanut butter chocolate parfait ($17). Coffee came out first and we were almost done by the time the ice cream came out. It was nothing special compared to the rest of the food - plain store bought chocolate. A little while after, our server informed us the parfait didn't set up, and they were remaking it if we wanted to wait (yes, please). About 15 minutes later, he came out and apologized that the chef said it just wasn't setting up. The packed us up a complimentary piece of their honey cake to go instead. This was a nice little about 7 (more?) layer dessert with honey, lavender, nice fresh flavors.
Overall, our dinner for two came to $210 before gratuity. Overall, I know this "should" be a 5-star rating - which I think for a "regular dinner" it certainly would be. Again, everything was beautiful and delicious. But for a celebratory milestone, the work kitchen shelf view, noise level, and the dessert snafu, today was still a solid 4.
One thing that is also fun - and you will see in my pics - is that everything is served on a different piece of China. Multiple florals and patterns, it makes for a cute table.
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