My first 3-star and it did not disappoint, from start to finish.
Upon entering, I was encouraged to watch the kitchen through a small window in the lobby as they prepped my table. I was immediately handed a cup of warm cider while I watch the chefs prep what ended up being my favorite dish of the night.
After only a couple minutes of waiting, I was escorted into the restaurant and to my table, seated facing the kitchen. A stunning cornucopia of bites awaited me at the table which was such a bright and inviting way to start the meal.
I won't go majorly in depth of each dish, but a photo of the menu is included at the end. Standout appetizer bites included the oyster (3rd from left in first photo), egg souffle (bottom right by the water glass in first photo), and the waygu with potato foam (second photo).
The squash soup course (photo 4) was particularly tasty, with layers of tofu and mushroom underneath, and the squash tempura bite on the side was outstanding.
The highlight of the night by far was the chestnut salad (photo 5). It was fantastically balanced both in flavor and texture between the chestnut (served as a mousse and as a crumble), duck liver, huckleberry, and greens.
The duck (photo 8) was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious, my one note was that the sesame sauce came off a bit strong.
The sunchoke dessert (photo 10) was also sensational. It looks like a mousse, but was actually a thin chocolate shell over a light cream with a chewy cookie-like base, topped with a caramel and served alongside a delicate pastry that got dipped in a foamy hot chocolate.
I also got the standard wine pairing, which was very nicely done and well paired, though I had in my head that more of the wines would be local given the restaurant's location (only 2 of them were), but not necessarily a detraction of the overall experience.
Overall, I would say taste wise everything was excellent, while perhaps only the chestnut dish elevating onto the "best bites I've ever had" list. But that was made up for in spades by the exemplary service, stunning presentation, and the way they explained where each dish came from and the sustainability associated with it. I ate everything I was given and felt very sated but not uncomfortably full.
TL:DR: Taste – 8.5/10. Presentation 10/10. Service – 10/10. Overall 9.5/10.
I'd go back in a heartbeat, perhaps in the summer to try a completely different menu!
by workingonmyroar15
8 Comments
One other silly anecdote: While my server who seated me began explaining each of the appetizer dishes, she asked if I wanted still or sparkling water, and I chose sparkling. She continued to explain the dishes without making any noticeable communication to anyone else. About a minute later another server appeared and filled my glass with what initially appeared to be still water, and I thought they had just jumped the gun. Nope! Once both servers left I realized I’d been poured sparkling – I presume some sort of hand signal had transpired but it was still smooth as hell.
I imagine this kinda thing is fairly common with 3 stars but I was still very impressed.
The duck liver parfait salad is so good!
NGL, its going to be pretty tought to go uphill from here. These guys are so fucking awesome.
Wonderful! Very dreamy looking food.
SingleThread was also my first 3* for their mid-Autumn menu. I thought the same as you as far taste goes, everything was good but not the best for me. I went again for their mid-Summer menu, and then it was 10/10 across the board.
loved this place, was here on halloween. the town was so fun too.
We sat at the same table when we were there in April. My wife and I loved watching the kitchen. It was kind of mesmerizing.
I was there on Friday and had the same menu. Agree on the highlights. The sunchoke dessert and the soup were spectacular!
They gave us wagyu instead of duck. I thought the sauce wasn’t overpowering for the beef. It almost would have been bland without. I remembered the vegetables were a standout for many of the dishes. (Makes sense- from the farm)