Writing a review on a property where you once served as a General Manager can be daunting. Having a love and admiration for the owners and being their guest at dinner is not only a luxury, it's a bit daunting.
The Inn has gone through...a good bit of enhancement and updating since I was employed. The character is still warm, inviting and truly welcoming. I am a great critic and not given to hyperbole. So, this review is important to me.
We were seated at a lovely table (no surprise) and the service team were prompt, efficient and helpful. The new stemware and linens were lovely, polished, pressed and as they should have been.
The menu has changed and moved from the set menu to one with more options. This is a wonderful shift. The choices were thoughtful, seasonal and gave me a moment of pause as I tried to determine which ones to sample.
Our server was well educated in regard to wine...offered us several samples and made very informed suggestions to accompany our selections for dinner.
I quite like the little cast iron pans of cornbread. They were served hot and the taste was pleasing. I wish they were a bit deeper...still, a nice start to the experience.
The beet salad and carrot medley were artfully and tastefully prepared. I loved the contrast of textures and the simple, not overly dressed greens on both. Fresh, seasonal and a perfect start to the meal.
The highlight of the meal was the filet of black cod. Rarely do you get a piece of perfectly cooked fish...meaning perfect. This one...perfect. It literally melted in the mouth. The rich potato broth and tiny root vegetable pieces complemented it perfectly. I am not sure when I enjoyed a piece of fish so much. The portion sizes were great and we were all incredibly sated at the end.
Being a guest at a place where you worked to instill excellence...finding excellence and a sense of place...well...that's special.
Everyone should dine at Hillbrook. It's a treasure.More
