Can't believe I've never heard about Lacroix. This is definitely an experience in and of itself. Its not an everyday kind of place but is absolutely worth trying if you're into gastronomy and finer dining. They blended these two very well.
My up front warning is that it can be very pricey and has a relatively fixed menu (prix fixe). The menu does rotate but offers little in the way of flexibility. Personally, I really liked this because they were able to get into the details of the food much more than a broader menu would. (I also expected this going into it).
High end Caviar menu for those who partake. They also had some a la carte small bites featuring domestic caviar and oysters. The prix fixe had two places to choose between two options but I suspect this changes with the menu. The wine menu was extensive and the sommelier was excellent. (Down side is if getting a bottle it may not pair well with entire menu experience - adding the wine pairing may be a better option given the fixed menu. Will be doing this next time).
For a menu of entirely small plates you leave overly filled. The experience leaves you dizzy and slightly euphoric. They really put energy into the details. Even the service was just right - not too present but never lagging. They were all very well trained and in tune with each other.
I'll be honest that I absolutely hated one of the menu items. Yet, I still have Lacroix a 5/5 because the dish was done so well in every other way. Some would argue that's a flaw but I believe that without that sense of freedom and adventure experiences like this can't exist. (And the other ten dishes ranged from "very good" to "spectacular")
Misc: coat room, valet parking, and crayons for children (? Who would ever bring a child that age to a place like this).
Update: just reopened in April after 2 year hiatus. Still so good. Easily Michelin star quality. Sommelier was awesome - again! Has a la cart menu in addition to chef prefix with wine pairing options. Very worth it. You can go for a nicer meal on the pricier side or take a journey with them on the prefix menu. We did the full experience and we’re not disappointed at all. Eager to go back for their...
Read moreThis brunch is amazing. As tourists from DC the closest we have to this brunch is the Four Season and Ritz Carlton brunches.
For two people and a Bloody Mary it was about $210.00
Pull into the Rittenhouse hotel for valet, it is $20.00 with validation. Take the elevators to the 2nd floor and make a left to see a sign "Lacroix 210".
My jacket was taken and we were seated promptly for our 11 AM reservation.
Our waiter was a bit shaky, he was a younger guy, but he took so long to get the iced, bottled, and sparkling water going, let alone my vodka, that we got up without his guidance and headed to the buffet. Fortunately the capable host saw our overwhelmed faces and took us on the tour. I HIGHLY recommend you allow someone to show you around for the tour if it is your first time here!
First they walk you back into the working kitchen! The menu is EXTENSIVE and the heartiest food is back here. Chefs will carve and serve a majority of the food to you. The best desserts (hello liquid nitrogen apple cider and chocolate fountain!!) are in the kitchen as well.
Exiting the kitchen you'll find desserts, healthy desserts, and Vietnamese styles desserts sitting next to a mini Buddha.
The main hall contains smaller, appetizer portion plates. This food here was a little too much for my palette. I like my brunches to be simple, smoked salmon, omelettes, champagne or vodka, and bacon. lol
Speaking of omelettes there is not a traditional omelette station. Request your omelette through your waiter and he will bring it directly to your table. The bloody mary bar is next to the host stand. They were only missing bacon as far as I could tell. (they have bacon they just don't have it at the Bloody mary bar).
We were in a rush to get to the football game but we could have easily stayed here for hours enjoying the range of foods.
I was in black leggings and a long sweater. My boyfriend was a in dark pants, a football jersey, and a Northface coat. We did not feel out of place at all. There were people in collared shirts and dresses but there was also a couple next to us in a t-shirt and sweatpants.
The ambiance here is much more relaxed than a Ritz Carlton brunch and...
Read moreBy far the very B E S T. My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Lacroix for brunch today, we had been hearing so much about it we just had to try it for ourselves. Well for starters when you arrive at the Rittenhouse Hotel we were greeted by the most pleasant valet attendants and doormen. Once we exited elevator on the second floor we were warmly greeted by the most pleasant host staff and at that point we checked our coats.
We were lead by our hostess to a stunning window seat that overlooked Rittenhouse Square Park. From there our waiter introduced himself, and then the wonderment begins. We were then taken on a tour, yes a tour of the restaurant, totally unexpected. We were escorted around to the various food stations, from fresh sushi and caviar to fresh greens an traditional breakfast items such as potatoes, eggs, bacon and sausage. The tour went on to the back end of the house where you get to see where the magic happens. The various food stations and chefs preparing what you are about to indulge in.
I am a visual person, and being invited to take a tour of the back end of the restaurant for me was such a big plus, to simply be able to see where and how our food was prepared was such a treat.
Now on to the eats...lol ! let me tell you if you simply want eggs and potatoes, great Lacroix has got you covered but you would be doing your taste buds, food palette and imagination and injustice. Dining at Lacroix is a culinary adventure that everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime. The flavors, options, ideas and flawless executions of all of the dishes, no masterpieces that Lacroix offers are out of this world. Annnnnnnnd you better check out that dessert room......... A M A Z I N G. Something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
The wait staff is so pleasant and attentive to say the least, you guys R O C K ! When you get up to indulge in the splendor you return to your napkin folded and your glasses topped off, every time.
I am a person who values good service and this was not it, this was G R E A T service. I you are in the Philadelphia area , treat yourself, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you Lacroix,...
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