Grisette — Restaurant in Richmond

To set the stage, my partner and I went out for our anniversary after they mentioned how interesting the restaurant seemed to be. We dined at a 7pm reservation time, just the two of us. Fortunately, we were given seating inside a chair and a long "pew" bench. We were quickly given our table (even though we were early) and given menus to peruse. My partner decided againist an adult bevvie, while I opted for the "Second Date." So... I like how a drink can look with that large "sink a small Titanic" ice cube. However, this "iceberg" made it honestly hard to drink it, and it forced my lips and nose to "drink" in 1000% of the orange peel. Thereby missing the other flavors of the drink (coconut, epresso, and date syrup). Moving on to appetizers, I had the fries and garlic aioli, while they had a charcuterie consisting of rabbit rillette and some other smalls (pickles, onions, etc) with some very well-made bread. The aioli was the star, though my partner crushed the rabbit. Our mains were a mushroom type risotto and steak frites (5 oz sirloin). Here is where the under whelming started. My risotto, though perfectly cooked, had what I assume to be toasted whole pink peppercorns on top, which, if added to give texture, were more of an eyebrow raising confusion and distractor from visiting flavortown. My partner's sirloin was perfectly cooked but was simply the flavor of the meat. Also, they stated that the bearnaise was absent of enough tarragon. Fortunately, the meal ended amazingly with porfiterols that were sandwhiched with amazing malted Madagascar vanilla ice cream from Spotty Dog in Richmond (visit them, trust me worth it). Then, to top it off, a wonderful gentleman poured chocolate tableside on it. Honestly, to have appetizers and dessert out performed, our mains was a little sad. Having to watch servers seemingly unaware of removing empty plates was a little hiccup in what could have been a much improved experience. Unfortunately we were placed between larger parties so it also made the experience about speaking liudly just so my partner could hear me. All this to say, I think I will try it again during lunch service because I have heard their charcuterie is where they shine. Still give them a try and tell me...

We went to Grisette based on the reviews here and as hard it is to believe, Grisette lived up to the billing. Service was excellent, knowledgable, personable, and well timed. We had a dealer's choice prepared for us and it was excellent, we continued to drink rounds of them throughout our meal, a precise balance of fruity, tart, and gently bitter through the finale. The smorgasbord was delicious, we chose our own assortment, but it was totally enlivened by the accompanying pickles and fruit, and the bread, which was spectacular. I could have made a meal out of the bread and butter alone. We wwent steak heavy for dinner, though my wife had a duck breast, which she loved. We ordered both the steak upgrade, which was a dry aged strip steak when we were there, as well as the denver steak which is the standard steak frittes here. The strip was definitely worth the upgrade, a very nice piece of meat, properly cooked and accompanied by deliciously crisp and potatoey fries. The denver steak was fine, a smaller portion which would be better suited for a midweek meal for me, but not as succulent as the strip. Desserts are few, well executed profiteroles as well as a chocolate flan on ths night which more closely resembled a chocolate mousse cake, so rich, silken, and accompanied by scotch poached pears which would have made for a might fine dessert on there own if accompanied by some gently spiced vanilla alced ice cream. With all the drinks and upgrade steaks it was not an inexpensive evening, though one can certainly eat here on a budget. Even though it turned out to be pricier than expected the value proposition here is terrific, you get great food for your money. I hate to join the chorus and heap glowing praise on here, but if you can try it you should. Grisette should have. michelin star, it does what it does exceptionally well and with a sense of pride and passion. We ate on the patio, which we loved, but that's the only reason for the 4 star review for atmosphere which will bring down the score a hair perhaps, not going to keep us from...

The short story: Outstanding. Do yourself a favor and go eat here.

The long story: My wife and I visited for the first time last night after a recommendation from her mother. After being seated, the owner walked up and greeted us on a first name basis. This really set the tone for the entire evening.

We tried several cocktails, after discussing with our host...Honestly I don't think you will go wrong trying any of them, but my favorite was the Fields and Fences.

Then comes the onslaught of cheeses, and wow did they not disappoint. It was an impressive cheese board filled with interesting items both local and not. Here’s a tip, let them pick it for you. Don't stress over the chalkboard inundated with charcuterie.

All of this has been great, but the main course is why I will be coming back to Grisette. Most restaurants in Richmond I feel wage a perpetual battle of “improving” or “gentrifying” old dishes in an effort to remain relevant. This was not my experience here. The menu is small, and done the right way. When my host recommended the beef bourguignon I trusted them to present a tasty dish, but I was not prepared to be hit by nostalgia as hard as I was. This was a classic, old world bourguignon, exactly the way my grandmother used to make when I was growing up. Unbelievably tender beef that you only get by cooking all day, mirepoix and some pasta, in a no frills wine sauce. It’s been over ten years since I have had her cooking and to come across a restaurant that lives up to my memories is a very special treat for me.

The blood orange mousse was for dessert and wound up being very light and refreshing. The perfect end to one of the best dinners I have had in months.

The atmosphere is great, and the people are friendly. Expect a small menu, good drinks, and if you are lucky, to be hit with some serious food nostalgia.

Bravo Grisette, We...