Stages at One Washington — Restaurant in Dover

This place is something special. My wife and I found stages 3 years ago, and went as a celebration for a few lifetime milestones. We were a little nervous knowing we were going to a chef's tasting for the first time, but were over the moon with the experience.

First off, let me explain what you're getting into as this type of meal is more an event or experience then a simple dinner. Stage's has changed a bit over the years but as currently constituted, it is a chef's tasting menu only. Yes, that means you have little control over your meal (they are more than happy to work around allergies, and maybe change it up if you really don't want to try what they have listed). Also, yes it is expensive, this is not likely going to be a monthly thing. But if you're the type of person who wants dinner to BE the show, this could be up your alley.

Evan is amazing and will happily field any questions as you watch him work. Yes he's the guy that won Food Network Chopped multiple times, but more importantly he's the man who was a James Beard semi-finalist for best chef in America in 2014. That level of expertise is really what you're paying for. The techniques he uses to create his dishes, along with the combination of ingredients he uses is an amazing thing to watch and maybe try to maybe pick up some talent through osmosis 😁. He always sources local ingredients and I always have something I've never had before when we go.

I also always talk with Shara for wine recommendations. She always finds something that goes with the meal that I like. I will note that I'm not a wine connoisseur, but I feel like she does an excellent job. She's also the host and her attitude will certainly shake off any trepidations you might have going in (at least for me it did).

So all in all, if you're looking for entertainment, are a foodie, or just looking for a great meal and don't mind splurging, I could not recommend this place...

Had a great dining experience here at the 6 person chefs table. With about 9 courses in total each course tasted delicious and unique in their own way. In particular the butter poached scallops and the hen of the woods mushrooms we loved. The latter you could smell and taste to coal it was cooked on. Can’t forget the dessert which was oyster ice cream with caviar (among other flavors) So different but so delicious. It was a cool fall day in New Hampshire the night we went, and the food really complimented that feeling.

Drink wise we went the a la carte method, with a mix of wine and cocktails. The sommelier was very knowledgeable and she helped us pair our meals. The group next to us got the wine pairing which also seemed like a nice experience. They also have a cocktail pairing which we might try next time.

Overall the chefs table experience is a fun one because we love to see how our food is prepared and crafted. The chefs worked so well together, and carefully explained each course to us. They were happy to answer questions if we had them.

This is a fine dining experience, but also casual at the same time. You never feel awkward or like you’ll get yelled at if you use the wrong fork. The staff is easy going, and meanwhile you are tasting some of the best food available in New England. Sometimes the portions might look small, but they add up. We left very full, but wanting more!

Note: we missed a few of the courses pictured, we were too excited...

From the moment we walked in, I knew this was going to be a special experience-but nothing prepared me for just how extraordinary it was. When you walk in, you are welcomed like a friend. The atmosphere of the cozy living room was warm and intimate with the kind of energy that makes you feel that you are in for something special , and you are. The cool music and vibe sets the tone for the evening.

Shortly you are invited into the open kitchen where Chef Hennessey and Chef Li create their dishes right in front of you. Watching them work with such skill and attention to detail is watching art unfold.

The food is beyond exceptional. Each dish was a masterpiece-beautifully plated, with layers of flavors that were thoughtful, surprising, and perfectly balanced. Every bite made me pause, smile, and admire the genius. Each course was presented by Chef Hennessy or Chef Yi explaining the ingredients used in the preparation. It is story telling through food shared in an intimate setting where you are part of the journey.

The wine pairings elevated the night even further. Bernadette James, the Sommelier was perfect-warm and immensely knowledgeable, and the pairings were spot on .

Stages isn't just exceptionally fine dining. It's the kind of experience that stays with you long after...