Last night we celebrated a dear friend's belated birthday and decided to try Michele's where we have not been for over 2 years and is helmed by Chef Matt Baker who we adore.
We sat at a table next to the huge windows which can be raised up to open the entire place but were closed in the intense summer heat. We literally fell into the seats as the very cushy seats are quite low slung and you do feel as if you are sunken below the table. They are comfortable but need a rethink! Our server Mauricio was a gem and superbly attentive and helpful. We ordered a bottle of Etna Bianca (Carricante) 2022 from Tornatore and I have to say that while there are only 5 whites and 6 reds all by the glass and bottle, the selection is decent, and the costs are pretty low. Sparkling water is available, but only in small bottles, making it a tad costly if everyone wants it and you use up a dozen or more bottles rather than 3 or 4 liter bottles.
Starters arrived in the form of superb plump Rappahannock Oysters with a pickled watermelon rind mignonette and horseradish cream. There was just a tad of the cream for a nice tang and the relish had a super crunch that we loved. The Beef Tartare was tasty with a creme fraiche, cornichons a small herb salad and crostini while the French Onion Soup was a big hit. We also all loved the Potato & Black Truffle Tart Flambee with caramelized onion, creme fraiche, gruyere and chives that would only have been a tad better if it got a tad mor flambee! I would avoid the Breads and Spread as it is several slices of sourdough with some pickled veggies, tzatziki and caponata and while tasty, any of the other starters are a better deal.
Our second white was a 2019 Albert Bichot Saint Veran which we loved especially with the crab dishes, and we also loved a 2022 Allegrini Valpolicella red.
Main courses were all huge hits from the superb Pan Seared Crab Cakes with pickled red onion, arugula, frisee and Old Bay Remoulade, but if you take statin medicine beware the grapefruit that is not mentioned on the menu! Steak Frites is a grilled bavette with Maitre d' butter and Bordelaise which was cooked a tad past medium rare(not as requested), as was the 15-hour Lamb Shoulder with Far-Zucchini-Spinach Pilaf and Roasted Garlic Jus. Will loved his Crawfish Linguine (homemade) with Crab Nage, Lobster Butter and Brandy Tarragon.
We all were in the mood for dessert, and they are quite delish from the sorbets and ice creams to the Peaches & Cream Tarte that I had with poached peaches, Creme Diplomate and Lemon Verbena Ice Cream to the Rocky Road Dark Chocolate Mousse with Toasted Marshmallow, Candied Cherries, Caramel Popcorn, Mint & toasted Walnuts that was lacking nothing! The Seasonal Ice Cream Sundae comes with crumbled raspberry bar ice cream, and more but needed a longer spoon to reach the bottom of the tall parfait glass.
Overall, we had a great time and are looking forward to Michele's bigger menu that is due soon! One note is to always check your bill as a 22% gratuity was added and had I not looked closely, I might had added one myself!
