|
Review content:
I took my older son here on a Wednesday night for dinner while his younger brother was on a school trip. It was my son's first time at Ray's, and he loved the atmosphere, comparing it to the ""clubhouse-y"" feel of Atlanta's little gem, Canoe. One thing that I find both restaurants have in common is lighting too dim for proper menu reading, and this is a nuisance. Our waiter, McCook, -- a Zambian with impeccable manners and a beautiful accent, ask for him when you go-- came over and attended to our every need, even helping my son decide on a main. We had the crispy calamari to start, and my son had the ribeye, medium rare; I had the salmon Oscar. His steak was delicious, but a little gristly 'round the edges, even for a ribeye. My dish was beautifully prepared and presented; the asparagus was perfect, the bernaise sauce was perfect, the mashed potatoes were nothing to write home about, but still good, but the salmon itself was scant. I expected a much nicer piece of fish for $30. That said, it was cooked with absolutely no error, and tasted delicious.
I was treating my son, who didn't get to take an exciting class trip, so we had dessert as well. My son wanted the chocolate cake --which was not on the regular menu, but the special prix-fixe menu-- and he hated it. He said it was dry and spongy...yuck. It was especially disappointing because our waiter had warned that it was ""really rich"" which was what my son was looking forward to. I had the creme brulee, a dessert I typically try wherever I can find it, and it is the very best I've ever had. It was partly the sugar crust (amazingly and delightfully crackly and thick) and partly the outstanding fruit garnish. The strawberries were a person's idea of the perfect strawberry: juicy, slightly firm, sweet, and fresh; and the blueberries, fruity and delicious. There could have been bricks under all that wonderful stuff and it would still have been good, but the custard was lovely and not at all jelly-like. It was smooth and you could smell the vanilla as you were eating it. Wonderful.
Our bill was a disappointment, because I feel that it was a little overpriced for the mains, especially, but overall the experience was great, and I'll be back; next time with my whole family.
Just as a side note, when I've had a particularly wonderful meal, something strange happens to me: I get dizzy; kind of like I've been on a roller coaster. I am happy to say that I left Ray's dizzy and delighted tonight. :)
Pros: Best creme brulee and best waiter
Cons: terrible chocolate cake, big bill
|