I have been dining here for many, many years and it has always been a tried-and-true restaurant and hotel. Being sybaritic, this restaurant appeals to me on several levels. First of all, it is in a very old building with charming vintage décor, and what appeals to me is that, in one dining area, they have long, rectangular mirrors (or mirrored metal) in frames on the ceilings, which is a very nice touch. (I love mirrors and I always look up!) The staff is consistantly very pleasant.
The bar is complete and rather lively, including a biplane and other interesting artifacts hanging from the ceiling there as well. Any time, after dining, you can adjourn to the bar area, which has a large window overlooking the alfresco diners. The skilled bartenders can make any drink you desire, and they do!
Most recently, we went with a friend who had a Caesar Salad and Hanger Steak with Creamed Spinach, which he devoured. The menu there is ever changing, as the owner-chef chooses only the freshest ingredients. This time, I had Roasted Asparagus Risotto with Parmigiana to begin and then Pan Roasted Duck with orange spice sauce, which was delicious. In the past, Jon has enjoyed the Chicken Liver Pâté with accompaniments, which he always loves. This time he had Griggstown Chicken Breast, Porcini Mushroom Cream. I had a wonderful key-lime cheesecake for dessert. I had intended to bring the cheesecake home for breakfast, as I usually do, but nothing came home with us that night!
In all these years dining there, the food has never been less than very good. Jon hosted a birthday dinner there for me and we both attended a birthday celebration in the upstairs room. Moreover, for when the weather is nice, there is a cozy outdoor area into which the overall charm of the establishment overflows. You get the feeling that you are on holiday, maybe New Orleans.
It is a real treat!
Anton At The Swan
609.397.1960