Our February Dine About came up quickly (it was on Feb 1st), but left a lasting impression. Spruce - the encore of famed Village Pub founders, expectations were high. I don't know if it's because I've missed the last 4 Dine Abouts, or because it's the first adult dinner I've had in months, but Spruce made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening!
Diners included: our steady leaders Phu & Winnie, 2nd timers Ehren and Karen Kruger, Mollie and her possy (Jon and Ella stayed home, Mollie and Mom and Dad Brown hit the town), and pinch hitter Maureen filling in last minute for Jon. A fun loving crowd all around.
A short wait and we were led to a perfect round table to enjoy our dining experience.
Food: 92 Started nice and continued strong. My memory is a little fuzzy, so perhaps others can fill in the details. Starters: Nice salads, sweet bread that no one likes but Phu always orders, tasty duck pate and salty meat plates. Main course: wonderful, light sole, sea bass just ok, nice beef (w/duck fat potatoes), other dishes escape me! Desserts - hazelnut cake took the prize.
Phu: The duck pate and salty meat plate, aka their House–made charcuterie was one of the best I've had. The other entree was a delicious pan seared pork tenderloin served on top of some large white beans. It was perfectly seasoned. I also liked the Beignet dessert with two dipping sauce.
Service: 95 So smooth - some of the best we've seen! Plates and settings appeared and disappeared without notice, glasses always full, pacing perfect.
Phu: The Sommelier select two wines that everyone liked (a very fragrant Lynmar Chardonnay and a bold Trueblood Cabernet).
Atmosphere: 89 would have scored higher except for the athletic jersey framed like art and the terrifying white teeth staring from the wall during dinner.
Phu: Yeah, the artworks were a bit odd and out of place. The wine cellar is pretty impressive though.
Jon on the Jon. . .perhpas we'll have a guest columnist this month!
See you in March.
