We ate here on a Saturday night, on a weekend when Valentines day fell midweek. In town for a tattoo convention, I choose the BE based on a review listed here. We had know problem obtaining reservations, and were seated promptly apon arrival (note, no one mentioned a dress code, and it is against their policy to seat anyone in jeans. They were VERY cordial, and simply reminded us of the policy for future reference). The decor is impeccable, classic and reserved without being stuffy or pretentious. Service was top notch, and timed perfectly (our server was from Lithuania, and even brought us a book to browse on her homeland). The food was wonderful, from 1st course (salmon ""dome"" over potato salad for me, proscuto and figs for him) through the 2nd, which was a perfect Ceasar salad with white anchovies, and roasted butternut squash with a jicima and apple salad. Our 3rd course included roast duck over mushroom risotto and pan juice, and a duet of lamb (lamb croquet, which was the only unremarkable dish, and braised lamb chop served over white beans). Everything was beautifully presented, with portions that were neither minute or overwhelming. We finished our evening with drinks from the bar (top shelf of course) and a newly invented dessert of rissoto cooked in dark chocolate and sereved with raspberries and a chocolate ""ciggarette"" filled with strawberry paste.
Pros: Ambience, Service, Food
Cons: Valet parking only, dress code is more dressy than casual
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