Someone famous says "Love is in the details". Well, Quirk Hotel definitely loves their guests. I am a Richmond native however moved away but returned to check out the hotel and a few new foodie restaurants in town. The Lobby is light and airy, crisp and clean with beautiful pinks and greys on mostly a white or light washed wood floor. Very large windows wrapped the entire area; it is beautiful and very chic.
My guest and I were in love with the open feel of the restaurant/lobby area and decided to ask about dinner reservations. They were highly recommended. We received a table for two at Maple and Pine at the earliest 9 p.m.
We made our way up to the room where our bags were waiting for us after a coffee and stroll in the shop and art gallery.
The doors to the hotel are glossy black; very cool, down the white hall with continued grey and pink accents.
Our room, modern, clean, comfortable, gorgeous large windows with black sheer and despite the fact that we were on top of the very busy Broad street just one floor up; quite quiet. We had all the amenities one might expect.
At 9 we went to dine; our reservation unfortunately was not noted, I said who I spoke with and the Host immediately apologized and asked that we have a drink at the bar while he made arrangements. He expected to have a table for us in less than ten minutes, despite the crowd.
We decided to order a bottle of red from a vineyard I knew of from Walla Walla, Washington; it was superb and they had a great selection of wines not extensively intimidating, just enough for variety. The cocktail menu appeared trendy and fun as well as the bar fare. Our bartender Kim asked if we would be dining; we said yes, she replied "You are in for a treat; I've worked in a few high end restaurants but never for a Chef as talented as ours." Very impressive compliment for sure which led to higher expectations. I inquired about the cheddar cheese ice cream on the apple crisp, more curious than anything; well Kim offered a Meg Ryan/"When Harry Met Sally" type response . . . . The cheddar cheese ice cream had us at hello.
Just as the Host promised, we were seated after only two sips. We sat on this winding grey with white trim banquette; so comfy and elegant. We were promptly greeted by our server and asked her favorites. Not to anyone's surprise they mirrored bartender Kim's favorites. The Pekin Paradise Duck Breast, Grilled Plums, Quinoa, Ginger Dressing and Beef Hanger Steak, Variations of Broccoli, Bay Leaf Crumble. We ordered roasted Sunchokes for appetizer, the Hanger Steak and the Duck. The Sunchokes were incredible in a puree that I am embarrassed to say, I cannot recall. The Hanger Steak, cut like three filets and cooked perfectly medium rare with broccoli variations was to die for; the broccoli fried, steamed and pureed, YUM, the Hanger Steak had us wondering why the protein gets such a bad rap! The Duck was exceptional however the grilled plums with quinoa and a ginger dressing made me want to lick the plate.
We went to order the cheddar cheese ice cream with apple crisp and much to our disappointment, the were SOLD OUT for the evening since they are made fresh daily. I may have expressed my disappointment especially given Kim's hard sell. Our server, whose name escapes me, knew that we were staying, found out when the ice cream would be ready in the morning and promised an 11 a.m. delivery. She also offered the chocolate hazelnut mousse as a peace offering. It was delightful, so much so, I wasn't even aware of the hazelnut skin on my top front tooth; embarrassing when you compliment and shake the Executive Chef's hand, but hey - he knows we enjoyed it and ate every last drop! What more of a compliment could a Chef want!?!
The next morning, I had an errand and returned to the room at 11:30, "is our ice cream here!?!?" I inquired. "Better, look" Sitting on the desk, a beautiful little basket with fresh local fruits, chocolates and a lovely note from Emma, the F&B Manager. "Emma stated that the delivery of the ice cream would not do it justice so we were invited back for the entire dessert on the house."
My friend and I planned to eat our next meal elsewhere but we were SO IMPRESSED with Maple and Pine we thought, why leave?!?!
For lunch we enjoyed a Virginia Ham and Appalachian Cheese Sandwich, House BBQ Potato Chips; their version of a croque monsieur. Decadent and delicious as well as the Chicken Panini, Pepperoncini Marmalade, Asiago Cheese, Celery Root Slaw. It had a bit of a kick complimented nicely with the calm, cool Celery Root Slaw. Fantastic.
And now for the Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream with Apple Crisp; let's just say it was a shame our bags were packed and the road was calling.
Well done Chef Dunlap, well done!
Applause to the entire talented team of Quirk!
It may have been our first visit however I dare say it will not be our last!
Thank you again! read more