The Cellar's Restaurant

Where should I start this review? There is so much to say,so I will start with its location. Tucked ever so discreetly in an upscale neighborhood is a bread and breakfast of an old farm mansion with converted carriage house converted into the B&B's cottage apartments. But back to the main house, there are steps and a wheel chair access to the restaurant. This could have been a root cellar, or once the original kitchen to the house turned restaurant. Hence, the name, The Cellar.

We were running a little late, so unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to check out this place, where the bar area, lounging area or anything was. We were immediately seated to our tables. If your looking for the next trendy hot spot to see or be seen, this place isn't for you. This place is about the food, and the food alone. Yes it is pleasingly aesthetic to the eye but it mostly about the food. The restaurant had a good age mixture, starting in their 20's on up to their 60's, and this place isn't kid friendly, so I didn't see kids in there.

We started our meal by sharing a tuna tartare, very nice. They served it with what I assumed was lightly fried wanton wraps. And a creamy type of sauce. Not being a fan of tuna, I really did enjoy this very much. I'm the type of person who will try most anything once, but if I don't care for it, I won't eat it again. My husband ordered the Ahi Tuna and asked the chef to threaten it with heat, they nailed it! Usually restaurants over cook it for his taste, he never says anything but once we leave, he says that he will not be ordering that there again. This time he stated they did it well. I ordered the sea scallops with pork belly. Bacon and sea scallops, yum! They knocked to out of the park. This is a great place, one that my husband and I will be back to.

Excellence. Food is tasty, ambiance is tasty, take yourself on a date here.

This is an absolutely amazing, unique, first class, but warm and friendly restaurant! The ambiance is cozy, warm and inviting and immediately reminded me of an intimate European restaurant. If you are looking for a place to have a large family get-together/dinner, or an ultra-romantic night out with your love, look no further, you've found that place!

OK, on to the food. One word - incredible!  We were a large party of six which grew to eight before we were finished. Fortunately everyone in our party enjoyed sharing and tasting, so we were able to sample some of the very best dishes, and appetizers I've ever eaten. For starters we had the ban ban shrimp, the fondue which was made with stout beer, the clams, leeks, and wine. All of the above were delicious, and I could have made an extremely enjoyable meal out of any of these appetizers. The shrimp were plump and sweet, perfectly seasoned, very lightly breaded and perfectly cooked. The fondue was delicious creamy and had that distinct stout flavor that I love. The bread it was served with was fresh and crusty, and while this dish needs no improvement, perhaps an alternative bread option could be fresh warm soft baked pretzel chunks. The clams were sweet and juicy and perfectly cooked, but what made this dish special was the broth. Buttery, winey, leaky, clamy goodness! They could have set a loaf of crusty bread in front of me and I would have soaked up every drop of this broth!

The main courses I was able to sample were the filet, the salmon, the scallops. I've never eaten a better filet, better salmon or better scallops at any restaurant. The cut of filet was perfect. Thick, and juicy and so very tender and delicious. We are from Texas, and we thought we knew what a good steak was, but this filet puts every other steak I've bought to shame. The filet was served with a delicious pasta with cheese, and asparagus cooked to that perfect slight crunch. The salmon, WOW!  I'm using the word PERFECT a lot in this review, but I can't think of another word that applies. This salmon was incredible (I've used that word a lot too). It literally melts in your mouth! The seasoning and cooking method allows the natural salmon taste to remain the star of this dish, and the lentils and especially the incredibly unique and delicious celery root puree were perfect companions. The scallops were huge, and were seasoned and seared perfectly. They were so very sweet and plump and flavorful served with delicious mushrooms and creamed leeks.   One of the many things that stood out about these main dishes was that as much care, and thought and effort is put in to every delicious side dish  as is put into the main courses.  

For dessert I only sampled, no devoured, the warm chocolate cake served with a chocolate mousse and cream. Warm satisfying chocolately goodness and the perfect (there's that word again!)  end to a perfect meal!  

I must mention the staff at the Cellars were all first-class, well-trained, knowledgeable in food and drink. What you expect at a fine restaurant. But what sets them apart is that they are all warm, and friendly, outgoing and personable and all add to a superior dining experience. Since we were a larger party, the general manager, Harry jumped in and helped with our table. He was top notch, without a hint of snootiness, funny and engaging without being intrusive into our night out. It's easy to figure out why his wait staff is so good and well-trained.

Ok yes,  that was much more than one word, but everything about The Cellars is exceptional, and I cannot recommend this place enough!