For my recent birthday, my wife Nancy gave me a gift certificate to the Clifton Inn Restaurant. It was more like a “down payment” to what I now consider the finest restaurant in Charlottesville. Clifton is a little pricey, but you only turn 39 once, right?
Nancy had been there once before, but this was my first experience. We sat at the Chef’s Table, basically in the kitchen, observing every nuance of Chef Matthew Bousquet and his three Sous Chefs. It was like watching an opera unfold with food as the music and exquisite service the lyrics.
Scanning the menu and not knowing which amazing entrée to try, we decided to go whole hog and ordered the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which included 7 courses of foods and sauces, a luscious palette creating a masterpiece of fine dining.
We had Oysters with Pomegranate, Cauliflower, Lime, Serrano, Quince, Peach Pit and Lemon, an exquisite start to our menu. Next was a Pancake with Smoked Salmon, Salmon Roe, Sesame Seeds, Chili Oil, Lime Crème Fraiche, and Persimmon. Then we had Arctic Char with Manila Clam, Garden Turnip (from the Chef’s Garden), Horseradish and Bean Broth. Next up was the Free Union Chicken with Kabocha, Farro, Pine and Pearl Onions. The Filet of Beef was the main dish served with Sharondale Mushrooms, Celery Root, Shallot and Tarragon.
The Cheese Plate consisted of both Domestic and European Cheeses, Fruits and Nuts., We finished off this remarkable menu with Chocolate Terrine with Butterscotch, Macha, Pistachio, Cocoa, and Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
Wow!
Clifton has a storied past, a property built in 1799 for the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and her husband. It is both an inn and a restaurant and one of the area’s top wedding venues. But I can only speak for the restaurant. It’s as good as it gets.
Faithful readers of CvilleBuzz, if you really, really want to delight your significant other, surprise him or her with a reservation for two at Clifton Inn Restaurant. Whether by the cozy fireplace in the dining room, or from a bird’s eye seat at the Chef’s Table, you will be treated to one of the finest dining experiences ever.
Be sure to plan early for reservations as the Inn fills up quickly. Contact: The Clifton at 1296 Clifton Inn Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22911. Phone them at (434) 971-1800 or Email at reservations@clifton.com
