Thanks, everyone! We had a lovely dinner Saturday evening at the Hartwell House in Lexington, MA. It looks like it's been there since the 1890s, but was actually established in 1985. Old colonial-style building, but inside it looks like something from the Caribbean - lots of peaches, misty blue greens, palm trees, flowers, and flamingoes in every corner. The dinner menu has been tweaked since new ownership and their consulting chef took over. I used to be able to get my beloved escargots, but no more. The bread basket was disappointing; just plain old rolls, so I decided not to waste carbs on them. The new appetizer list makes extensive use of shellfish, so I had to choose carefully. DH ordered Maine crab cakes - delicious - and a mixed green salad. I had grilled calamari salad with baby spinach and roasted red peppers with a light vinaigrette - also delicious. Entrees - DH loves steak, so he had a gorgeous cut-it-with-a-spoon porterhouse, with a side of garlic mashed (served in a crock - we both thought they had made a mistake and brought out French onion soup) and grilled asparagus with prosciutto wrap. I had three possible choices in mind, but when the server asked, I ordered coq au vin, also with the grilled asparagus and served with a side of garlic mashed (I brought home a large doggy bag, which included all the mashed potatoes, for DH to have during the week). Both entrees were rich and flavorful, and plentiful. The consulting chef has also tweaked the dessert menu - no more Indian pudding or chocolate bread pudding (although I can't see either one being off the menu much longer). DH and I split a rich and creamy pumpkin creme brulee - I stuck to the 3 tastes rule, except for the 4th taste - and we had the best decaf coffee I have ever had, anywhere.
Dinner was nicely paced; we were there for just over 2 hours, nice and leisurely. Then we drove home over all the backroads - more like a buggy ride than a blast down the highway.
Lori
Lori
Rhonda
~~Rhonda~~
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Susan
Miss P
Sharon
Dinner was nicely paced; we were there for just over 2 hours, nice and leisurely. Then we drove home over all the backroads - more like a buggy ride than a blast down the highway.
Think we'll do it again next year....
Donna
Live With Passion!
Phyllis
Live With Passion!
Phyllis