Fine dining is fun. You get pampered. You get food that looks and tastes beautiful. If you do it right, you leave feeling warmed, both body and soul. The question is always whether or not it's worth the price. Is it really twice or even three times as good as a perfectly acceptable meal somewhere else.
We each got the 3-course prix fixe. I got the Terrine de Foie Gras & Homard (foie gras and lobster terrine) to start, Steak Frite for my main and Tart Tatin aux Coings & Raisin Secs (quince and golden raisins tart Tatin) for dessert. In my opinion, appetizers and especially dessert are where fine dining shines brightest. Anyone can produce a strong entrée. A strong opener and a dazzling finish are what truly make the show. I was not disappointed. I'll eat just about anything with lobster in it and the foie gras complimented it nicely. My steak was lovely, though the fries were a bit too salty. You don't see quince on a menu very often so I was intrigued. The dish was sweet and warm with a gentle tang. Very nice.
We were definitely pampered. Our waitress was bubbly and charming and the chef stopped by to be sure we were enjoying our meal.
Worth the price? For the food alone, no, but for food+service+atmosphere, it's getting closer. My wife said I wasn't so impressed the first time but I enjoyed my meal on this second visit. It wasn't our best meal of the weekend. I may get to that next week.
My wife felt a little annoyed by the other customers - the Stowe upper class, she guessed. She was facing the middle of the room whereas I faced the wall. They didn't bother me so much.
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