We arrived just a few minutes early for our 7pm dinner reservation. We were told our table had already been prepared, but would we care for a pre-dinner cocktail at Zanzibar, their downstairs lounge? We are a family of five, two boys 22 & 18, and girl of 10. Even our ten year old was welcome in the lounge which had the feel of a classy speakeasy, with swing and jazz playing quietly in the background. After being escorted to the loung and ordering our beverages, we were treated to a tray of amuse bouche. Tempura eggplant, cheese puffs, and candied wasabi cherry tomatoes - the tomatoes were my favorite! During this time, we were presented with the dinner menus to peruse and choose our meal and dessert. In a charming display of customs from a time gone by, my husband was given the menu with prices, while mine had only the meal choices. We loved that touch.
After we had finished our treats, a maitre'd came back to see if we would like to be shown to our table.
After choosing a bottle from their extensive wine list, more amuse bouche began to arrive - two more artistic, delicious creations.
we didn't order appetizers, so our meals arrived in due time. The pace was perfect, we never felt rushed, but didn't feel as if we ever waited either. The dining room staff worked like a well oiled machine.
For our main meal, we had a variety. Veal, squab, filet - all perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. There wasn't a children's menu, per se, but when my daughter wasn't sure she liked anything on the adult menu, she was offered chicken, beef, or fish, with rice, or potatoes, or fries. Everyone was very kind to her.
Of course, before dessert there was another amuse bouche! Apple tartlet, this time. Each dessert was presented so beautifully, they were almost to lovely to eat...but of course we did!
We expected to wrap up our meal with coffee at the table, but the attentive treatment of the wonderful staff thought otherwise! We must take our coffee and tea by the fireplace in the lounge!
In short, we felt pampered, our every wish anticipated. It is an experience none of us will soon forget, and the highlight of our trip.