Wow. I guess I'll start with the bad: I wish that the view outside the windows was better…read more
There. All done with the bad. Onward!
This...this, my friends, is like finding gold. Yes, it's part of the culinary program at OCC, so it's student-driven, but oh, my word, is it glorious. For $16 plus tax and tip (and you had *better* be tipping these students, for as great as they're doing their jobs...and yes: tips need to be left in cash, but cards are usable for the food, drink, and tax), it's nothing shy of the best way to spend your money on dining out.
Are there tradeoffs? Yes, but *nothing* that can't be overlooked with a bit of planning on your part. They're only open on Thursdays, and they only seat parties for lunch between 11:15AM and 12:00PM, and you *must* have a reservation. So yes: there are limitations, but if you can plan correctly, you will be rewarded with absolutely second-to-none food, service, and value for your money.
Once you're there, though, the magic begins. You'll have a full four-course prix fixe meal of exceptionally prepared, lovely food for $16 plus tax and tip. And believe you me: you will be as impressed as all-get-out by what your paltry sum will buy you.
I started out with the Deviled Crayfish Cake with choron sauce and fresh corn salad. I apologize for not taking pictures, because it was certainly gorgeous to gaze upon. Really beautiful presentation. The taste is where it counts, though, and this was right up there in A- territory. Complex flavors matched well, with warm and cool notes both happening. Wonderful.
On came the salad, which was also pretty, but I had them forego the Pesto Ricotta tart, which I wouldn't have enjoyed. Another win here, though nothing life-changing: just a very well presented and delicious salad of lightly dressed mixed greens, a lovely baby artichoke, and the brunoise tomato and cucumber, in a light red wine vinaigrette. The tomato portion was absolutely *terrific*, and I wish more of it had been on the plate. Nonetheless, a very nice salad, of which none went to waste.
Onto the entree, something I don't get to have very often: duck. I am really a stickler when I order duck, as I grew up eating my grandmother's duck, and it was heavenly, so it's a high bar I set for this poultry. "Braised Duck en Bouchee, Sweet Potato puree, Jardiniére Vegetables". Every bit a winner...every single bit. Presented beautifully, so I could see the color of the duck breast itself, I was very happy with this choice. Again: they're in A- territory, and that's ridiculously high praise from me. Nice portion, wonderful sauce, every single bit eaten.
I nearly forgot to mention the bread! The bread! Oh, that's important! They had a few different types of bread to bring to the table, including a very nice holiday-inspired cranberry/nut bread that was as tasty as it was plain-to-look-at. Honest: while it didn't look like much (kind of like a fruity/nut bread often looks...it really can't be helped), it paid *great* dividends in flavor. I ended up getting the very last piece they had, and I think it was my third piece. As well, they had a nice sesame seed-topped white bread, which I also liked. I passed on the whole wheat they offered me...the cranberry/nut was just too good not to have more of!
For dessert? They transcended. They hit the Grand Slam with their Sticky Toffee Pudding with Cataja, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Absolutely an A here. This is a dessert I'll be thinking about with love and reverence for quite some time. Not at all cloying, but *extremely* well-balanced sweetness, slightly warmed, and served with some vanilla bean ice cream that could have been a bit less icy, all things considered. NOT A PROBLEM: I could have had that dessert with no ice cream at all and it would have been heaven on earth. An absolutely stunning finish to a terrific four courses of food.
Food wasn't the only great thing, though: service was terrific. Every person I interacted with, *every single one*, was courteous, gracious, and willing to serve in whatever (reasonable) way you might ask. More bread? You bet. Can we leave out the tart? Yes, sir. Are you enjoying that, sir? Unquestionably. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir? It's service that lets you know that they want you to be happy. Smiles all around. Again: $16.
There's nothing to complain about. Nothing at all. It's a complete, total success with me. For a paltry sum, I can eat and be treated like a king. These students can use me as their guinea pig any time. ANY TIME AT ALL.
I honestly cannot say enough good things. Stem-to-stern, a top-notch affair. I'm only too happy to give them my money and encourage them in their endeavors. I will be back, soon and often.
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