When on my way home to London Ontario, my father suggested that we go out instead of staying in to celebrate my birthday. I could not help but to be a bit hesitant. London Ontario has very little that one can call a truly enjoyable dining experience. For one who is more inclined towards the familiar meat and potato fare you can certainly get your way with such chains as The Keg never disappointing, but what of a fancier/chic affair? The answer to that has finally arrived. Yes, my dear readers, London Ontario finally has a restaurant worthy of pomp and circumstance.
"Braise" restaurant is the ultimate definition of fabulous. Between an amazing selection of wines (accompanied by a revolutionary oxidizing system keeping the wine always fresh), amazing servers who are extremely friendly and outgoing, and a menu that blows away any competition, it is by far worth the experience, and dare I say it - a heavy bill at the end of it.
Definitely not an everyday experience, but if you are looking to impress, there are several high points one may consider. Like I noted above - the wine selection is to die for. Napa Valley grape or Opus One anyone? Apart from the food and the service, the restaurant itself offers up an intimate, comfortable, yet bright and awakening experience. Mixing tones of dark maple wood and bright orange, along with fabulous chandeliers made out of glass spirals in a three tier shape, the atmosphere is to die for. One could easily assume that they are in Toronto, Montreal, or New York for that matter.
And now, due to a request from a friend, a comment on the menu (why didn't I think of it before?)
I have to say one thing first before we move on here - I was very well supplied by Napa Valley wine, and we ate a bit off the menu, so by the end of the night I was very happy and my mind was a bit blurred with all the fancy dishes we had, but here is what I remember:
Appetizer:
Oysters with an Apple and Onion dip on the side - not only could you taste the salty ocean water in the oysters but the apple and onion were a fantastic take on an old favourite
Salad:
Simple mixed greens with a sweet vinagrette dressing. Served beside sweet pickled walnuts - yum yum! The biggest surprise that night. Delicious.
Amuse Bouche:
Apple Horseradish Sorbet on top of a bed of shredded green apple - mmmm mmmm
Pre-dinner snack? (what's the fancy term?)
Pork Cheek with Wheatgrass in a gravy sauce - the meat was perfect, but I have to say, not being much of a beef fan, I think the gravy was beef based and it was a tad too heavy for me. If you are into heavy meals you would like it.
Dinner:
Soy Bean Curd with toasted quinoa, shaved crudite, carrots in a late harvest vinagrette and truffle oil. Very good, with the curd having the same consistency of Tofu - delicious!
And Now, Desert:
The BEST part! May I say, they knew it was my birthday - Rob is a friend - and we were presented with a trio of desserts ranging from their peanut butter bomb covered in dark chocolate with a peanut butter sorbet, beside three of their doughnuts made in house (never had better doughnuts), and french toast briol covered in caramel. AMAZING! And, to top it all off the plate had "Happy Birthday" written in Caramel on the side. Simply Beautiful.
You are VERY WELL treated at Braise, and I would highly recommend the experience.
Final word on "Braise" Restaurant? Looks like we're not in London Ontario any more Toto...
You can see the Restaurant's website along with their menu and location at: http://braise.ca/
For more information on the naissance of "Braise" please check out this review.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yyelsel_ann/
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