First the food & wine: went with the 4-course chefs tasting menu with the wine pairing because it felt like the right thing to do (it was). Very exciting flavors with some risks taken here and there, both with the ingredients and the wine. Portions were good and nobody left hungry. Two of the three other people I was with went with the lobster tasting menu and they had nothing but good things to say. I’ve had a lot of tasting menus and this one felt cohesive without being predictable.
Bluefin tuna sashimi was off the charts, especially because I love radish.
Bread and butter was really good. Could’ve been warmed up and been stellar. The butter served on the stone was an interesting choice and would’ve been a slam dunk if it was a warm stone that caused the butter to melt. Maybe that was the intended purpose of the stone? Not sure.
The agnolotti was incredible. So yummy. Little crunchy corn bits that I couldn’t get enough of. Pasta texture was everything you’d want. Filling, but the wine pairing played well here.
The mains were spectacular and everyone seemed pleased. Steak was cooked perfect and the sauce work was nice. The potato croquetas could’ve been warmer.
Dessert was very tasty. A little heavy to finish but still kept me engaged. Really need to give kudos for not having something overly sweet to end the night.
Wine pairing overall was interesting. I often gravitate towards high acid wines and this delivered some great offerings. Loved the choice of producers and the varietals. One of the best petit verdots I’ve had, and I would’ve never chosen it for myself. To me, that makes a wine pairing worth it. Others on the BTG looked good, so I don’t think you can go wrong here.
Service: Conor, our waiter, really knocked it out of the park. I was in a party of four at a busy time (Labor Day weekend) and everything was spot on. I was even with someone who has a few difficult allergies and overall does not enjoy “fine dining experiences”, but she left happy! That’s an accomplishment in its own right. Dishes/wines were well explained and all of our questions were answered.
Also of note, it’s not often you can get a tasting menu without everyone at the table being required to get the same thing. It makes things easier for the guests but also harder for the staff. That does not go unnoticed!!
Atmosphere: when we checked in for our reservation, there wasn’t a whole lot of welcome. It was a little off putting how nonchalant they were about the whole thing. “Here’s your table” and nothing else. Almost like they weren’t expecting us and just threw something together? Looking back on this, it was definitely not the same vibe we got from the rest of the experience. After we settled, we found the music choices (all instrumental, but varied from lofi jazz to high bpm club jams) a little strange. But we had a good laugh about it. Once the food started to come out, I don’t think we noticed much anymore.
Overall: there’s something special going on with the food and wine programs here. The chef and sommelier are making some awesome choices here. The kind that makes you want to travel out of your way to try it out. Might be hard to convince my family to try this out again as a group because of the price, but I might find a way to sneak a visit as a solo diner sometime. This was just right...
Read moreWe were looking forward to meeting friends for dinner at Natalie's having had a wonderful experience there in 2016. My husband made the reservation having noted "vegan options" listed on OpenTable and at that time and during the reminder call, specified that one in the party follows a plant-based diet (vegan). When asked about dietary restrictions at the restaurant I mentioned it again and all seemed well. Three of the four of us had a drink/glass of wine and they were good and the staff were all very friendly. Upon review of the menu I noticed there were no vegan appetizers and was told that the egg could be removed from the spring veggies. This was not delivered convincingly so I opted to wait for the eggplant entree which I was told was "THE vegan option". My anticipation grew while the rest of our party had oysters and other appetizers. I was a bit reassured when the tuna intermezzo came and mine had shaved radish in its place over cucumber. While certainly not filling, at least I was not excluded and had something to nibble. Finally the entrees arrrived and to my extreme disappointment, the tiny eggplant halve with a few chickpeas and a thin smear of hummus was only moderately flavorful. This and a slice of bread comprised my meal. I should have said something to the manager right then and there though it was too late to salvage the meal as we had been there over two hours at that point. The dessert intermezzo came to all of us with dairy so I was not able to enjoy that either. I left feeling ignored, hungry and angry. I do not expect all restaurants to accomodate plant-based diets though DO expect to be told if that is the case and certainly not to advertize that there are options available. This has been my experience at many other fine restaurants. (In 2016 I enjoyed a vegan tasting menu at Natalie's that...
Read moreAs a self-proclaimed wine queen and passionate foodie, my recent experience at Natalie’s left me completely enchanted. Dining here isn’t just about eating; it’s an immersive journey that awakens the senses and leaves a lasting impression long after you’ve left the table. The moment you walk through the doors, you're embraced by an atmosphere that strikes the perfect chord between sophistication and warmth. The soft glow of the lighting, the elegant décor, and the gentle soundtrack set the stage for an evening brimming with indulgence and discovery.
The menu at Natalie’s is a true masterpiece. Each dish reflects the chef’s creativity and skill, showcasing visually stunning presentations crafted with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Every bite reveals a delightful narrative, transforming the most straightforward flavor into a memorable experience. The meticulously curated wine list perfectly complements each dish, elevating the flavors and forging a harmonious dining experience that you won’t soon forget.
But what truly distinguishes Natalie’s is the outstanding service. The staff exudes a genuine passion for food and wine, effortlessly guiding you with expert pairings and thoughtful recommendations. Their attention to detail and warm hospitality make you feel like a cherished guest, ensuring that every aspect of your evening is perfectly tailored.
Looking back on my time at Natalie’s, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for such an extraordinary experience. With exquisite cuisine, impeccable wine pairings, and attentive service, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a collection of unforgettable moments. I eagerly anticipate my next visit, knowing I’ll be swept off my feet again by all that Natalie has to...
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