Crème Brasserie

By Annabelle Goodman –

 Several times a friend suggested this fantastic place. I should have listened sooner. Crème is the ‘cream of the crop’ in fine dining. The location is charming as it is tucked away in a courtyard running between Cumberland and Yorkville. The outdoor patio is great in the summer. The décor inside is elegant and in exquisite taste. When my dining partner and I entered we were fascinated by the large group of people having a fun time. It was bizarre because the ladies were dressed as if they were going to the prom. The men looked as if they were going to a baseball game. One thing is for sure. They were having fun. We inquired of our server who told us they were a music group that had just finished taping. They had been in the restaurant since lunch and it was now well into the dinner hour. We enjoyed their spirit but also were pleased with the  quiet and peaceful atmosphere once they left.

Serge was our server for the evening. He is a gallant Parisian who knows the fine art of pleasing patrons. He enhanced our dining experience.

Ricardo Sousa opened this place last summer and brings years of experience to the restaurant business. Ricardo Roque is the masterful chef that produces the exquisite food.

We shared the Beetroot and Arugula Salad. ($14.00) Serge was kind enough to have the salad divided in the kitchen. The presentation was artful. The taste was so wonderful. The goat’s cheese and pine nuts added so much to the full flavor of the beets and peppery arugula. The salad was sprinkled with a fine pink grapefruit vinaigrette.

A Jumbo Lump Crab Cake is served with sweet chili sauce and micro greens.($15.00) Mussels Marinara offers a plate of steamed mussels, white wine, garlic, tomato and chilies.($14.00)

My friend was so pleased with her Grilled Fillet of Salmon. ($24.00) It was served with creamed spinach, roasted celery root, golden beets and green pea veloute.

The Rack of Lamb is crusted with cranberry and mustard. Savoyard potatoes and red current jus compliment the plate.($39.00)

I was thrilled with my Linguine With Shrimp.($17.00) The shrimp were flavorful. The pasta was al dente. Wiled spinach was infused in the portion served in a garlic white wine sauce. I licked my lips after every bite.

We were so tempted by the Three Course Dinner offered at $39.00. There were so many delicious sounding choices. We just couldn’t manage all that food on this evening but enjoyed reading the listed selections. I would have trouble choosing. I know for certain that the Sticky Toffee Pudding would have been my dessert selection. We were both so impressed with every aspect of this restaurant. The location is central but quiet. The service was impeccable. The food was exquisite and we were royally treated. Will I return to Crème. The answer is as soon as possible.