Had a wonderful meal here in the Bronx with my fiancee. Everything was top notch. There was soft jazz playing. Service was great, we were not rushed at all. The portions were French style (smaller) which was fine with me as we were able to enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert and left feeling pleasantly full, not overstuffed.

I had the grilled oysters appetizer with the porterhouse lamb steak entree. Meat was cooked exactly to order (medium rare). Finacee had the cranberry bean soup and roast chicken. All of which were excelent.

The best part though was dessert. She had the flourless chocolate torte which she said was to die for. I had the beerscream. Beesrcream is 5 little dips of various types of ice cream made with beer. That alone is worth a trip in itself.

They do have seating in an outdoor flower garden. Unfortuately we sat inside as it was raining.

Although it is a bit out of the way. it is only 3 blocks from the 242nd st. subway stop

I would higly reccomend this restaurant. Everything was wonderful, ambiance, food, music, service. Dinner for 2 with 2 drinks each and tip was $160. Not inexpensive but worth every penny for that special occaison. It would have been an easy +$200 meal in Manhattan.

Had dinner here and was pleasantly surprised.
Restaurant is hidden, halfway up a hill near the rustic and ivy--covered
manhattan College campus in Riverdale, near the last stop on the # 1 subway line (242nd street) just above the subway car yards.

Valet parking here, reservations recommended.
There is also a small, very fine paintings and antique shop next to the restaurant for the curious, open till 7 P.M.

Evaluation

Restaurant seats 100 inside in the bar and dining room area,
with room for another 50 in the outdoor patio, garden, and cocktail dining areas during summer and warm weather times. Quite charming!

Service, decor, atmosphere and background music, and a slow-paced
relaxed atmosphere add to the experience here. Chef and restaurant owner Michael Sherman cooks the food, and his wife Lisa makes the desserts. Food is homemade, well-prepared and original, with a varied menu changing daily. Waiters change the water and bread constantly.

I had a corn soup, which tasted very fine, with (apparently) a slight fermentation. For appetizer I had yellow and red beets with a sheep'smilk cheese covered with almonds. Very original! For my maindish I had a medium rare Wolffish, which tasted similar to salmon (but no bones).
The food was not salty or too heavy. I did not try the dessert, so I cannot comment on that. Prices are moderately expensive, but worth the trip.

Ratings

Quality of Food 97 of 100
Service 100 of 100
Decor/Music 97 of 100 (Nat Cole/Frank Sinatra Background Music)
Atmosphere 100 of 100


Prices

Appetizer $10 to $12
Soup $7
Main Course $17 to $25 ($38 for a dish for two persons)
Dessert $7

I would recommend this restaurant highly.

Robert Brizel

August 11, 2005