Sunday evening we were treated by a dear friend to a belated birthday dinner for Samuel and we chose BRASSERIE BECK (www.beckdc.com) having always enjoyed the food, but having been wary of the noise level. We got a super quiet table in the back, and had a dream dinner. Even Samuel had a great time enjoying Grilled Salmon Fillet and Frites!
Our first wine request was not available, so we made a second choice with FERRATON "La Matiniere" 2006 Crozes Hermitages RHONE Blend which we know well as we had visited the wine cellar of Samuel Ferraton years ago when in the region. It is a wonderful blend, and he is a great winemaker, so you really can't go wrong with a Ferraton.
The soups created by Chef/Owner Robert Wiedmaier are always superb and Sunday was no exception with the LEEK & POTATO and the alway superb PEA SOUP with VEAL CHEEK MEATBALLS.
My STEAK TARTARE was sublime with a long narrow cheese-topped crisp (a small just passed poached quail(?) egg on top) and a wonderfully tasty slightly tangy lemony dressing around the plate (so you could use or not use it).
The simple leaf salad with fresh tomatoes was huge and tasty. Entrees included a magnificently cooked CRISPY SKATE WING a la Jacqueline (a regular diner at Marcel's) with Garlic & Spinach that would satisfy any fish lover, a rich BEEF "Carbonnade" STEW with Kasteel Beer sitting on a bed of polenta and my MUSSELS in the most traditional WHITE WINE & GARLIC Sauce. The mussels were juicy, plump specimens and the FRITES were perfect as always coming with a platter of three condiments: Mustard, Garlic Aioli and Rose Aioli (mayo with tomato). Samuel did not even use his ketchup on the fries; a true compliment to the chef! He finished dinner off with some tangy LEMON-LIME SORBET and we all headed home oh so happy!
