This small French restaurant in Ashland, evocative of the best of neighborhood places in Paris or New York, always pleases. I have been eating here for almost 30 years and it is one of the most consistent and lovely places to dine on the west coast; small, elegant and charming without pretense. The limited menu is classic French with some Northwest touches, fresh and well prepared. Over the years the menu has evolved, but not left behind its classical core and technique, which is why this place has been a winner for all of these years.
There was a change of ownership several years ago with the front of house partner, Michael Donovan, leaving. Since then the level of service has declined somewhat and the dining room has never recovered its graceful and efficient hum. That's a shame, because everything else has remained consistently good and this is still a wonderful place to spend an evening.
If you are visiting during the theater season reservations are a must. If you're not attending a play, try to arrive just after the theater crowd leaves, when the restaurant sighs and assumes a more relaxed pace for dining. The after theater crowd can be lively with those just having seen one of the productions mingling with actors and others from the company. The bar is fully stocked, appetizers ready and a nice selection of desserts. Try the giant "Ho Ho" chocolate roll for a hit of chocolate with some champagne.
This is one of my favorites, enjoy!
EatHereOrNot? EAT HERE
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1 comment:
Oh how I wish I was enjoying caviar and champagne nesteld in the corner window seat! Truly captured the essence of the quaint lovliness that is Chateaulin. Miss you!
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