Crème Brasserie

By Annabelle Goodman –

What could be better than one Ricardo? The answer is two. Ricardo Roque is the master chef at this gourmet restaurant. Ricardo Sousa is the general manager. He charms the guests and makes sure that everything is done to perfection to make for a perfect dining experience. This is a first class restaurant in the heart of Yorkville. The address is Cumberland but the beauty is that it is nestled in a courtyard of the Renaissance Centre between Yorkville and Cumberland. I always have the feeling I am at a European brasserie. In the warmer months the outside patio is one of the best in town.

The bottom line is that one goes to a restaurant for food. Crème continues to charm, please and satisfy the guests. I was dining with a dear friend. We love to try new restaurants and delight in dining on gourmet food. I have raved about Crème and she was anxious to join me.

Sarah was our charming and most efficient server. She is a graduate of Hotel Management and hopes to open her own restaurant one day. She is certainly learning from the best at Crème. She recommended the Onion soup.($9.00) Also listed was the Yellow Gazpacho with basil croutons. All the dishes are prepared with love and great mastery of the culinary arts.

For a light lunch or an appetizer the Grilled Calamari is always a specialty of the house.

($14.00) Tomatoes, grilled veggies and black olives are topped with the finest extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction.

Rilettes of Salmon are prepared with salmon mousse, fish caviar and a honey mustard crust.($12.00)

My dining companion ordered the 10 oz. USDA Strip Loin Steak with Frites.($36.00)  She was prepared to have some left for a lunch the next day. The steak was   a most generous size and cooked to perfection. The fresh cut fries and shallot jus were tantalizing. I hope she doesn’t mind my commenting that it was so delicious she had nothing left for lunch the next day.

I was delighted with my Grilled Salmon.($26.00) The large piece of salmon was exceptionally moist and flavorful. It was nestled on a bed of delicious Israeli couscous with summer vegetables and an orange beurre sauce. Absolutely fantastic! I was full after finishing my dinner but declared that it was so delicious I could eat another complete portion.

Moroccan Spiced Crusted Sea Scallops are served with raisins, capers, curry sauce and lemon risotto.($36.00)

Seafood Capellini is infused with lobster and other seafood. It is served with arugula, garlic and shrimp broth.($28.00)

The Rack of Lamb is the’ piece de resistance’. Australian big eye lamb is prepared with a cranberry mustard crust, Savoyard potatoes and red current jus. This is definitely an occasion special.

We were satiated but managed a little Baileys and a few Biscotti. These are my favorite biscotti and are baked in the restaurant.

The service was outstanding.  Every bite was a gourmet delight. We walked home to work off some of the calories and declared the evening a perfect success.