Tersiguel's French Country Restaurant — Restaurant in Ellicott City

Tersigiel's seems to be the peak of fine dining according to locals, but fell disappointingly short for us.

My husband and I partook in the 6-course prix fixe menu with no changes or substitutions. In terms of courses for the date we dined, there was no menu, so here are some notes...

1. A ratatouille-esque salsa with a yellow tomato gazpacho, cilantro couli, and garlic croutons.
2. Beet juice marinated house-smoked salmon with tahini-dressed green beans.
3. Skate and a turnip tournée with a scallop sauce.
4. Quail over some veg (I completely forget) surrounded by a tomato vinegar sauce.
5. Piedmont beef over gingery broccoli + green bell peppers surrounded by a (cold 😢) shiitake sauce.
6. Cold bing cherry soup in cinnamon cherry juice with soaked, crunchy walnuts. Extra) Bread slices were generously provided, but they were reminiscent of a grocery store baguette. Butter was unsalted without much flavour at all.

Having dined at old school French restaurants here and there, we were expecting richness galore + uncious sauces. However, dishes at Tersigiel's were extremely fresh - especially for the first two dishes. 👍 Our meal was pretty good from plates 1-3, albeit with the trend of needing to add salt to liven up the flavours already there. 🤷‍♀️

Plates 4-6 really badly missed the mark in so many ways. Tersigiel's kitchen does a solid job with building flavour in their sauces, but doesn't seem to season their protein much at all (this was true for the skate in plate 3, but the scallop sauce was good enough to make that plate a net positive). Plates 4 + 5 seemed like ideas that weren't developed enough before making it to the customer. The quail was extremely dry, steak was tough, and the flavours on each just didn't make sense on our tongues. Plate 6 was also a very opinionated choice that didn't really hit either of us in a satisfying way. Honestly, there were a ton of issues we ran into, but it will just be too much for me to get into on this review.

The persistent positives are that the ambiance of the space is extremely airy + refreshing and staff (esp Charlie) are attentive, engaging, and passionate. Tersigiel's isn't afraid to take risks, but I wish they provided at least a few safer options that people could opt into as needed. They seem to handle veg pretty respectably, but their proteins leave much to be desired. 😔 The temperature issues we noticed on a few components were likely due to the fact that they time all plates to come out at the same time for all tables. It makes things easier for wait staff, but I think some plates died in transit. And based on the bread and dessert, I can only assume Tersigiel's doesn't have a pastry chef + doesn't collaborate with any local bakeries. 😕

TL;DR: Some plates were interestingly good, some plates tested our will, and nothing was exceptional. If you live in the area, Tersigiel's might introduce you to some new flavours, but I can't say they are worth the cost compared to similarly priced places...

It is important to understand that this is a family owned reservation only limited seating establishment. The result is a very intimate and quality dining experience. The service is intimate but also professional. It is clear that there is a standard here from the dress code and manners of the staff. It is also casual a casual and friendly atmosphere at the same time. The staff and the owners work well together and all are front and center. They are very attentive. One of the staff overheard my wife and I trying to remember the name of a red berry that was served. Without even being asked, the staff member went and asked chef. She then approached and provided us with the name of said berry. The six course meal is well spaced between courses, and fresh silverware and plates are properly placed with each course. I decided to test our server by swapping placement of my fork and knife when she was not looking. Upon serving the next course she noticed that the knife and fork were not in the proper place and attempted to correct them stopping short to ask if I’d switched them to which I replied that indeed I did. This prompted a nice chuckle and sigh of relief as I think she thought she’d misplaced them initially. That is just one example of how they work to make sure everything is as nicely done as possible. As far as the food is concerned, do not expect tiny Michelin star sized portions here. Meals are very similar to what you would see in France. Not Paris touristy France, but rural France where they prepare real French cuisine. Chef prepares well spaced dishes on the smaller end of American sized portions. Come starving and you will still leave feeling satisfied and quality full. I emphasize quality, you will feel full but good full. Well worth the cost of the meal. Expect a light starter course followed by a seafood dish, beef dish, lamb dish, maybe chicken or pork as well as vegetables. All of our dishes were cooked perfectly. Nothing was under or over cooked. Veggies were crisp, meat was tender and juicy. All dishes were nicely garnished and full of flavor. Cocktails were also well prepared with mid to high end vodkas, rums, bourbons etc and properly mixed just right and were well sized. Expect a cozy intimate and somewhat quiet atmosphere. The building is old world cool. The place has character from the squeaky wooden floor boards to the high ceilings. Unfortunately there aren’t many places like this left these days due to the high costs faced paced world that we now live in. This is a very special place to come to, sit back, relax, unplug, and just take it in and appreciate what is there, the people, the food, and the experience is a welcome feel good treat especially during these intense times. Hats off to the family, Chef, and staff here for working hard to continue to deliver quality service, food, and atmosphere to the community at a time when we need it most. ...

We had eaten at this restaurant for an anniversary years ago and wanted to check it out. Still very charming interior; staff very pleasant. Read the reviews; enjoy French cuisine.

Our waiter doubled as bar tender. He and a woman worked together to serve customers in the dining room while there seemed to be a chef in the back preparing and plating. Drinks were very good and generous.

Food was ok. Very small portions but acceptable (initially) considering seven courses. We were offered bread before each course so we definately would not leave hungry. There was an explanation for each course, and we really applauded the menu featured fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden. Fish course. Outstanding, delicate salmon.

Duck: very brave to serve tiny slices considering how fussy duck can be. My portion was grisly and wrapped in a very chewy chunk of fat. Brought it to the waitdress's attention. She said, "oh that's fat!" laughed and walked away.

When I told the waiter I was unhappy he argued that it was supposed to be that way (tough and unaccepatable?) I asked him to please bring it to the chef's. Clearly the chef was pissed and didnt recognize two world travelers who often engaged inbfine dining.

Upon return the waiter was surly, nose in air and announced we could end the meal NOW and leave; we wouldn't be charged for the meal (several courses yet to be served). Basically, throwing us out for complaining. No offer to serve another portion. Commented on the behavior was unexceptable. Negotiated to finish the meal.

Not stellar. Too much spice on one course; Cold, tasteless, thin sauce on another. Dessert was delicious.

BTW. Waitress handled the rim of my husband's coffee cup when she mopped a spill on the saucer, and plucked a discarded lime slice off my bread plate with her fingers.

Our bank statement indicated we were double charged.

Looked at photos posted by recent customer. Sorry to say our servings were not close to that size. We were walk-ins yet welcomed with open arms, encouraged to dine with them. It would have been fine with us to have been turned-away if they could not...