A Feast
I think I’m slightly Epicurean. /Or/ The French do at least one thing well.
You see, Saturday was one of the best evenings I’ve had in some time. Britt and I went to one of my favorite restaurants in the world, La Chatelaine, in Worthington. My mouth watered the entire drive there; I was quite thankful that I didn’t have a small damp spot on my jacket from any stray drips of drool. Britt and I arrived rather early for dinner; we hadn’t eaten lunch so we were hungry. In addition to the demands of our stomachs we were also taking into account that it was Saturday evening. I prefer quiet empty atmospheres to loud bustling ones, and on the weekend you have to go out quite early or rather late if you want to get that sort of feel. La Chatelaine, yes. I try not to go too often, because something so good should not be abused. There is something vulgar about demanding too many repeats, something psychologically gluttonous about the word encore.
We sat down at 5:01pm, one minute after the restaurant opened for dinner. I scanned the wine list with eager eyes, trying to imagine the delectable bitterness of each vintage as I read its name. Five minutes later our bottle arrived, along with a cold marble wine bucket. It was time to order our entrees. Chicken Provençal, reading the words again makes my mouth tingle with desire. This dish is substantial without encouraging gluttony, and is accompanied by refined sides that perfectly accentuate each tasteful nuance. The chicken tastes like it was born and raised in the perfect blend of spices. Thyme, paprika, and other spices combine to infuse every fiber of the grilled chicken with a juicy richness than expands in one’s mouth like an elegant supernova. Our wine was an Australian Chardonnay, and it did its job well. Refreshing the palate for another bite, teaming with the flavorful spices to produce an exquisite synergy.
And for dessert? A blueberry tart. Piles of gently frozen blueberries covering a subtle custard. Not too sweet, and perfect with the wine.
Delectability in its highest form. Bon Appetit!
Nov 16th 2005
i’ve been there only for breakfast, and they do that one incredibly well, and much like what i experienced in Paris this summer in terms of selection. i have heard their dinners are excellent as well. Need to make it there sometime soon. Breakfast isn’t too pricey, how’s dinner?
Nov 16th 2005
I am glad to hear about the breakfast. I plan on making a Saturday morning outing there soon to experience the breakfast for myself.
Dinner is not expensive at all, considering what you get. The entree I had was $12, and the bottle of wine was priced at cost: $11! Dessert was about $4, and our full-service dinner for two, with an 18% tip weighed in at under $50.