(56-116zł)

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• R C - West Siiiiiide! 23 July 2009
  It's difficult to write a review without really knowing your audience and likewise it is difficult for a reader to trust a review without knowing about the writer. This space is too short for this but as an American who appreciates restaurants of all kinds (from shrimp shacks littering the rural highways in Louisiana to the 3 week wait for reservations in NYC), this place is my favorite and has yet to be dethroned. Tucked away in the old town square of the city, the joint is deceptively quiet in charm and appearance from the street. It's in a touristy area but don't let that grate on you from stepping in and scoping. Reservations are recommended as it does get quite full but going in the off hours allows you to chill and have some quiet. Upon entering, the decor and setting of the restaurant would remind the you of something that Louis the XIV might have had as his country cabin after he hired Martha Stewart. It's cozy, elegant and refined without being too formal in an old school Godfather gangsta kind of way. It's definitely not a place to kick it with your homeboys or even a business lunch. It can work, but it feel more like a place for a date, for family, and friends.The service, from the host to the servers, is tip top. Everything from their attire, their manners, and the efficient movements either uncorking a bottle or setting down plates to the tables speaks the a very high level of professionalism and courtesy with an abundance of charm. The keep it real up in this joint. Their wine list is extensive and although it was not very familiar for myself the first time, I had no trouble receiving suggestions from the server or simply trying my luck and getting my sip on. The wines are all well above expectations and nothing on the menu appeared ill suited. Dining in this place requires the patron to have an open schedule. Like most Americans, I'm prone to anticipate the amount of time I might engage in any activity, including getting my grub on (I blame the business culture and the fact that we're neurotic). You quickly realize that this was useless upon glancing at the extensive menu. Sorting through the menu for the first time, one must be cautious not to be overwhelmed by the range of choices. One is tempted to try everything at once (another bad American trait I call the poo-poo platter syndrome). Selecting the meal can be as easy and simply making a blind folded selection or carefully planning the courses like an architect. Everything from the pheasant to the wild boor to the roast duck salad are impeccable. The soups and salads are divine but I'd caution against ordering too much too often. The portions are not modest and the temptation to overeat is a real danger. The desserts are superb and there are multiple options for after meal beverages of choice, be it brandy, whiskey or wine. I've never had anything disappointing on the menu, however, each time I sit to eat here, I realize that my understanding of the menu and the cuisine become more refined and my selection more intentional. It's not the kind of place where one dines there once and can grasp the richness and depth the place holds. One become more and more comfortable with each visit and I've not had one disappointing meal there. The coziness and feel of the restaurant makes it difficult to leave. You'll always end up wishing you could stay longer. The cost of is not unreasonable, but it isn't conducive to dining on a daily basis. But you wouldn't want to get used to it anyways, the meals are a bit heavy and unless you plan on jogging around the square a few hundred times a week, I recommend reserving this place and returning it for those occasions that warrant rewarding relationships you have in your life.