Babette's Cafe

09/15/09

Amazing Culinary Experience

by Stephanie MQ at Citysearch

My husband and I both highly recommend Babette's Cafe for your next special dining experience. We went there for our anniversary and it was a night to remember.

We decided to have the special prix fixed menu for $18.00 each. It gave a choice of three appetizers and three entrees. I chose the little fingers of fried halibut with caper mayonnaise and petit filet mignon (5oz.) with spicy onion rings and gorgonzola sauce. Sketch also chose the fried halibut and then roast chicken with artichokes, dauphine potatoes and creme fraiche. I tried and succeeded to not fill up on bread and butter, but knowing these would be smaller plates I knew I would have room. I'm a meat and potatoes girl, but I don't eat a lot of red meat, although I do crave a lot of red meat. Red meat is reserved for restaurants or when my family grills it in the summertime.

Saints be praised, I was not even remotely disappointed with my meal. We had enough time to eat more baguette and butter, but didn't have to wait too long. Our halibut fingers came out piping hot and with a smile. We immediately dug in and almost burned ourselves, so we slowed down and ate them with forks. I'm not sure how in what they were fried, but the breading was light like panko breadcrumbs instead of a cornmeal or flour breading. Sketch and I carefully devoured our appetizers with capers which I would guess were pan fried, as were the lemon rings. Having finished everything on my plate, I tried the lemon, but it was a little too tough to chew, but a nice palet cleanser.

More bread, butter and water ( although Babette's does have a lovely apertif, cocktail and wine list) and then the main event. We both cut into our meats which were tender and buttery. I was given a steak knife but believe I could have cut mine with a fork it was so tender. I had ordered mine medium rare, and Marla understood medium rare still has a pink center and would not be mistaken at any time for a shoe. My first bite without any sauce made my tastebuds cry out for more. Really. I could hear them.

I laughed and started to quietly moan. I told Sketch this is what I had been waiting for in steak. He laughed and I noticed that he was eating as slow as I was, would take a bite with his eyes closed and smile. This was no ordinary meal. We shared small bites of each others food and agreed we had both won the food lottery. For every bite we savored every morsel, not rushing anything. Neither of us had eaten potatoes dauphine before, but would be happy to again and again. I would guess they were fingerling potatoes which seemed to be parboiled and them somehow baked into a custard like dumpling.

I suggested he sop up the sauce with bread, which he did and enjoyed, but he wanted to save some of his meal for the next day. As much as I was enjoying my meal, I wanted to do the same, just so I could prolong the experience. I have never had gorgonzola that tasted so fresh and tangy with just enough salt (I am not a fan of saltiness and don't add it to my food or when I cook).

I would have sopped up my sauce, but there was only a dollop so it didn't overpower the filet. The spicy onion rings were not spicy to me, but surprisingly sweet. I would guess they were vidalia onions, but am not sure. My meal also had green beans and carrots in a shallot herb butter. They were firm, chewy and nicely seasoned.

We expressed our regret that we had no room for dessert, but honestly I didn't want anything else to remove those tastes and sensations from my mouth and soul. The atmosphere added to the meal as well, low lighting, warm tones and wonderful service. We left with more anniversary wishes as we praised our meal to the heavens.

• Pros: Not one complaint
• Cons: Not a con for me, but not vegan or vegetarian

08/14/09

A Great Slice of Paris

by barryescott at Citysearch

The setting is Paris bistro with lace curtains, white tablecloths, and muted tones I found comfortable and relaxing. The only thing missing is a view of a narrow street and whizzing scooters. Order a glass of wine and use your imagination.

I am a foodie and was delighted with the variety and complexity of the offerings. The menu is medium-sized but should provide something for everyone. I would characterize the food as rustic French – bold flavors, quality ingredients, and perfect cooking technique. There is nothing fussy, pretentious, or new-wave here – just excellent quality French/European food in a classic styles.

Suggestions: steamed mussels with strawberries and Serrano peppers, grilled Dorade (fish) with fennel and tomato, and shrimp with potato gnocchi. We were too full for dessert.

Tip: the wine list offers a wine suggestion (pairing) for every menu item. It was perfect.

Tip: they offer a fixed price menu for $18 -- an incredible value which we did not try this time. The ala carte menu is a very good value.

Service was perfect. Ask for Robin.

This is an excellent restaurant which we will return to soon.

• Pros: Food and Service
• Cons: None

07/07/09

Excellent Food & GREAT Service

by jccampbell04 at Citysearch

Great Location, Great Food, Good Selection - EXCELLENT Brunch.

• Pros: Quaint