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Not as impressed with this place as other reviewers seem to be, and not the experience I was hoping for on a trip out of town/dinner for my birthday. As a single diner, I was miffed by my experience with the server who handled the hostess duty to seat me. When I arrived for my reservation (5 min late by the way), I was told that my table wasn’t ready, because the previous guests were finishing their desserts; however, as I was speaking to the hostess/server, a fresh cocktail was being taken to that same table - I asked about an empty table in the corner and was told that it had been reserved for a larger party (even though it had only been set for two guests), which turned out to be untrue. I really didn’t wish to wait 20 to 30 minutes for the table that had been designated for me, so I suggested that perhaps we just cancel my reservation. The hostess/server then sat me at the table that was allegedly for this larger party, who happened to never arrive. I watched and waited, and no larger party ever came in. So I’m not sure why I was lied to - it was an offensive and insulting way to treat a guest.
The mussels appetizer was good, but they had the same red pepper flavor that the duck had. Plus, the duck was cold even though the lentils and corn underneath were hot, and the skin was not crispy at all. It was tender, but it had the same red pepper flavor that the mussels had. I asked the server if the mussels were from Maine, and he didn’t know. Also, a couple of the mussels were not edible, because the shells had not opened. In a fine dining restaurant, this would not be served to a guest. I just didn’t see this as the “fine dining“ claimed by some reviewers in comparison to what I’ve experienced in other locales throughout the US and the Caribbean.
Plus, I don’t understand why they don’t put some type of lights in the parking lot. It’s an old house and there’s a gravel parking lot off to the side and absolutely NO lights and no signs pointing the way. You are walking in complete darkness wondering if you’re in the right place and not even knowing where the entrance is. I don’t understand that at all. Being from a large city myself, I think it’s also a...
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Wow! What a fantastic dinner we had at Aster & Rose. Wonderful setting and service above and beyond. Mary met us at the door and immediately made us feel like family. Warm and inviting. Our server Liz, described dishes and answered all of our questions. She was attentive without being smothering. She was friendly and kind. We started with the chicken liver pate with blueberries and pistachios. While it may not sound like your cup of tea I suggest giving it a try. Amazing flavors and complexity in texture and taste. I went with the halibut which was the best fish dish I have had in my life. Had it been cooked 30 seconds more or less it wouldn’t have been the same. Sheer perfection on the cook. Buttery and tender with just the right amount of seasoning. Served on polenta and kale in a lemon butter sauce with capers. My wife chose the stuffed shrimp and crab in a pasta ravioli that was sweet and tender. Exceptional flavors and presentation. Served with an excellent Chardonnay and sparkling water. Then we finished it all off with the olive oil cake served with fresh pineapple and coconut ice cream. I can’t say enough positive about this place. If I lived in the area I would be here weekly! Give this place a try. You won’t be...
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Oh my gosh, what a lovely way to spend my 60th birthday. My husband read the description and selected the restaurant.
We made a reservation, which I highly recommend as they were very busy. Kate was our server, but all service staff ensured that we enjoyed our experience.
We started with appetizers: 1. Local Mushroom Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette and a Poached Egg Chicken Liver on Toast with Pickled Shallot & Strawberry, Spicy Honey & Pistachio
Entrees: Maine Halibut with Potato Salad, Tonnato Aiolli & Radish Duck Breast with Gai Lan, Carrot, Beluga Lentil, Citrus Demi Glaze
Nicely balanced flavors throughout.
We asked for a special dessert option, with no notice (shame on us), but they happily obliged!
The atmosphere was comfortable yet elegant.
We definitely recommend and will dine again when we...
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