Imagine this: a vibrant space alive with aromatic pairings tailored to each dish, moments of humor before every course, and food crafted to spark curiosity. Eclectic music sets the mood, stirring your soul as your taste buds delight in every bite. This is the magic Chef Eric Smith is weaving at "The Crown". Chef Smith, a protégé of Chef Kurt Fleischfresser's renowned apprenticeship program at "The Coach House"--which boasts direct ties to the legendary Paul Bocuse--brings a multi-sensory experience to life through "The Crown Room."
Atmosphere
The Crown's atmosphere is a vibrant mix of Japanese, 1930's, and pop art infused with Gen X influences. The centerpiece is "The Crown Room," an intimate space featuring a striking wood and steel table that accommodates up to ten guests.
Service
The Crown's main bartender, Beau, is one of its true gems. Having enjoyed drinks there prior to this dining experience. His craft and charm elevate the bar to another level. Chef Smith has assembled a team he affectionately refers to as "Misfits." These individuals bring a unique beauty and authenticity to the service.
Dining
The Patrick Bateman with fried rice noodles, veal stock, wagyu tallow, diver scallops, beef tenderloin, and Togarashi. This surf and turf may not win beauty contests, but it's undeniably delicious--a dish that would make David Chen proud. The scallop and tenderloin are cooked to perfection, with the rich, beefy notes of the tenderloin harmonizing beautifully with the scallop's delicate sweetness, all rounded out by the nutty, buttery finish of brown butter.
Caviar Pie (Amuse Bouche) toasted brioche, fried caper, shaved egg salad, nutmeg creme fraiche.
The slightly tangy creamy egg salad compliments the decadent caviar, which bursts on the tongue as its briny, salty essence is released with each bite.
Pottage with duck confit and phyllo-parsley "shingle"
The velvety duck and vegetable soup offers subtle complexity, infused with the slightly sweet essence of root vegetables. The duck confit leg, accompanied by crispy duck skin, delivers both a satisfying crunch and indulgent rich flavor of duck. A phyllo square adds texture. However, the duck confit leans salty, occasionally overpowering the palate.
Smoked Mussels & Fries with red butter lettuce, basil, vinaigrette, and quick pickled Korean Pears
Another "ugly delicious" course boldly showcases smoked mussels--a daring and highly scrutinized choice. The dish opens with bright, tangy notes of vinaigrette that transition into the smoky depth of mussels, finishing with the comforting flavors of potato and the crisp freshness of flash-fried basil. Smoked mussels redefine the flavor profile.
Fauxsso Buco with polenta cake, compressed garlic aromatic, vegetable demi, charred white asparagus.
As you delve into the "marrow" or center of the seabass, a seafood mousse introduces a new layer of complexity, adding depth and dimension. The polenta cake, paired with tangy crème fraîche, provides a contrasting texture and flavor, while the asparagus is firm and decadently prepared.
Croissant French Toast with sweet mascarpone, blackberry-vanilla puree, salty maple shake.
The dish shines when the cold milkshake is poured over the warm toast, creating a nostalgic blend of peanut butter, raspberry, and blackberry with a delightful temperature contrast. However, some bites felt oily, and the milkshake alone was cloyingly sweet.
Summary
Innovation in the culinary arts often translates to high risk, high reward. Sometimes, we aim for the stars and hope to hit the moon. There's no denying Chef Smith's mad genius and brilliance--not just in crafting The Crown Room dining experience but in his overall approach to food.
What truly sets Chef Smith apart is his ability to take these influences and shape them into something uniquely his own--a dining experience that engages all five senses and creates lasting memories. The Crown Room delivers on its promise: a daring culinary journey that pushes boundaries and reshapes expectations of what fine dining can be. Until next time--let's eat. read more