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Going with a few friends to Second Empire for dinner in January. Any recommendations on what to order, when to go, where to sit, how to get the most out of experience, etc?
Right now it maybe 8-10 adults in the party and none of us have ever been before.
I don't know of any "tips" that wouldn't be true for any other very nice restaurant. You might just call them and say it's everyone's first time, and if they have suggestions for the better times/seating areas, you'd be grateful if they could accomodate you? They would know their own business patterns better than anyone.
Make sure to go a bit early to spend some time in the wild turkey bar. Be sure to resist the temptation to fill up on the cheese and crackers before the meal
Make sure to go a bit early to spend some time in the wild turkey bar. Be sure to resist the temptation to fill up on the cheese and crackers before the meal
2 different venues - Upstairs, more formal. Downstairs is "The Tavern" - more casual. I believe they change the menu per season upstairs. I've eaten there only once, upstairs and it was lovely.
Is it a special event? If so, you might want to mention it when making the reservation.
When my DH took me, he had told them that it was our anniversary. When we arrived, they fussed over us, had an anniversary message on the menu, and put us in a cozy romantic nook. Granted, it was a weekday celebration so they might have been a bit bored at the other business dinners (at least they looked like business dinners...) so took special care of us -- or they might just do that! not sure, but it would definitely be worth mentioning if this was a special event...
I don't know of any "tips" that wouldn't be true for any other very nice restaurant. You might just call them and say it's everyone's first time, and if they have suggestions for the better times/seating areas, you'd be grateful if they could accomodate you? They would know their own business patterns better than anyone.
this.
ANy customer-centric high-end business like that should be happy to accomodate you. And almost every fine dining establishment around varies their menu, so "must eat" is changing all of the time.
Personally, if you must go to Second Empire, unless you're into the haute cuisine scene I'd go to the tavern downstairs. Much less formal, and solid menu including items from the main dining room.
Personally, if you must go to Second Empire, unless you're into the haute cuisine scene I'd go to the tavern downstairs. Much less formal, and solid menu including items from the main dining room.
Totally agree with eating downstairs. It's more intimate, a cooler vibe, and you can order off the Tavern menu or upstairs (more formal - and expensive) menu.
We went there a couple of years ago for our anniversary and ate upstairs. We loved it, but when first looking at the menu, I was a bit nervous because the descriptions on the menu listed almost every ingredient on the plate. There were things I had never heard of and I was afraid there wasn't going to be anything I liked. I went with the protein I liked the best and everything on the plate was delicious.
I enjoy the tavern because you can order off the tavern menu and the formal "upstairs" menu... something those of us with food allergies appreciate (options). Also, like OPs said, it's more intimate. The bar area always seems busy and staff is always attentive. Fun place to go for a romantic dinner and with a group. Have fun!
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