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2015-12-17
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I love the concept of Tartine – small dishes that are meant to be shared, with intense flavors and interesting ingredients. Even though the menu is just 2 pages, there are plenty of things to try. If I had one complaint, it’s that they try to cram too many things on to each tartine. With such excellent ingredients, it’s best to let them shine through individually. Instead they over-manufacture each toast and although it’s tasty, it’s all a bit confused.It’s a small, intimate space which is fine,
It’s a small, intimate space which is fine, but the outdoor table we sat at was unheated and really dark. Couldn’t really see what we were eating… Not sure what they will do in Winter.
They have a pretty good wine list and house cocktails (we just had wine) so that’s covered. Service was excellent and unobtrusive.
As for the food:
Bigeye Tuna Tartar
The combination of tuna tartar and avocado can never really go wrong, but felt the dish was missing something jazzy, maybe some spice? The crispy toast was a nice touch and went well with the dollop of crème they include on the side.
Prawns and Octopus
Served in a spicy broth as an appetizer. Solid and fresh.
Tartines:
Duck Confit
Probably the weakest of the things we tried. Duck was too sweet and overpowered everything else on the toast. Had to force myself to finish it.
Lobster
Love the presentation, with a small serving of lobster bisque, and a substantial amount of lobster. Was good, but for some reason extremely heavy… could barely finish it. Again because of the lighting, not exactly sure what was accompanying the lobster (cheese? Cream?), but less is more would have helped here.
Goat Cheese, Fig and Parma Ham
Goat cheese and figs and parma ham – might be the perfect combination of anything. The best of the night for me, but again, they added a bunch of unnecessary truffle oil. An unwanted flourish for something already perfectly constructed.
I’m being a bit harsh but overall I think it’s a great place for a date or a small party. Interesting food, a great setting and excellent service. Simplifying the dishes a bit, to highlight the great produce they are using would make a big difference however.
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