We joined the CITY CLUB a couple of months ago, but have not had the chance to dine in their elegant dining room. Last night we took advantage of the location (next to the Warner Theater and around the corner from the National Theater) to enjoy the preparations of Chef Vincent Horville for a pre-theater supper. I am truly impressed by the top level of service that all the staff has with added grace and elegance that makes this not only a classy spot (even without a jacket and tie), but also a friendly place.
Will started with a good sized Margarita and I enjoyed a refreshing glass of STERLING VINTNERs COLLECTION CHARDONNAY from Napa. We perused the menu and were not surprised to see many standards, but also a strong Asian influence such as in the CRISP ORIENTAL CRAB ROLLS with thin flaky rolls stuffed with crabs and veggies in a sweet and sour sauce that was superb. Similarly Asian was my STIR-FRY TENDER CUTTLE FISH with Kafir Leaf, Chili-Garlic and Sweet Ponsu Sesame Sauce. The squid was very tendy and tasty (save for one slice) and the sauce again superb.
I did forget to mention the tasty warm rolls and the amuse of BLACK PEPPER CRUSTED TURKEY on Cucumber with a Ginger Slice and Asian Sauce that was yummy as well.
We enjoyed an bottle of ARGYLE NUT HOUSE PINOT NOIR 2002 from Oregon that had a huge nose, but seemed to be lacking in thos yummy Pinot fruits so often found in Oregon. Indeed, the 15% alcohol content may have caused this and moved the fruit forwardness of the wine way back behind the alcohol. It actually was perfect with both our entrees: My PAN ROASTED SESAME QUAIL with Napa Cabbage & Bok Choy also had that Asian feel to it and feature two plumb birds completely filling me up, not to mention the plate of tasty cabbages and extra vegetables. Will went more American with a huge DOUBLE CUT ROASTED VEAL CHOP with
melted SWISS CHEESE, Oven Roasted Tomato, Peppercorn Demiglace. If the meat were not huge enough, the melted cheese made it even richer and huger, but a totally satisfying and enjoyable treat.
While we were full, we had to at least try the desserts and discovered this is not the forte of the City Club. The traditional CREME BRULEE has a crust that is a bit too gooey, but the SWEET POTATO CAKE (their signature dessert) is a tasty cross between carrot and spice cake (made with sweet potato) and a not too invasive cream cheese frosting. The best part are the WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES that come afterwards and are always placed throughout the club daily making it a nice treat with a cup of coffee at anytime!
I'm truly glad we became members of this wonderful hideaway!
