Cozy and delightful!
From the small sign next to the front door, to the pleasant greeting we received, we felt that we were being entertained at someone’s home. The atmosphere was rustic and cozy; many other diners were celebrating birthdays or other special events, making it a joyful place. We were celebrating the fact that the staff and kitchen all seemed to be working together to maximize our dining experience. Everything seemed to be perfectly choreographed, from the set-up of the silverware to the delivery and retrieval of the plates; it was all in symphony.
The wine list was very large and extensive with an emphasis, obviously, on France. There were good choices for every budget. We decided on a luscious 2005 Montrachet from Burgundy.
There were three different ways to enjoy their menu: a la carte style, a three course tasting menu for $68, and a 6 course chef’s tasting menu for $95 per person. We chose the latter as we were excited to see what surprises came out of the kitchen. We opted for a seafood tasting menu, and we had a great experience.
The amuse bouche was a smoked trout with a fresh cucumber salad. Our taste buds were excited and eager for more. This was followed by the first course, a scrumptious shrimp soufflé. The second course was an enjoyable roasted sea scallop over a pasta sheet with warm crab salad in a clam and parsley broth. Next up was a real treat; lobster with hen of the woods and chanterelle mushrooms in a carrot foam that truly melted in your mouth. Following that was fresh Chilean sea bass that had been roasted to perfection. It was served in a leak fondue, celery root puree with a baby carrot, and turnip soup. Then, we indulged in monkfish soaked in a mushroom stew served over a carrot puree, roasted pearl onions, and cauliflower. It was delicious.
Continuing our decadent evening, we split their cheese course. The cheeses were well picked and some melted delicately in our mouths. We weren’t through, though! We finally ended the evening off by splitting a delightful dessert with bittersweet chocolate ganache over pomegranate tapioca sauce and chai spiced ice cream with a chocolate tuile stick. It was a great way to closeout a fantastic dining experience.
The entire meal was perfect. Mas’ style is to use seasonal organic ingredients provided by local farmers that you would find on a country estate. This rang true for all the dishes we tasted. The portion sizes were ideal and the meal was timed very well. The courses were not right on top of each other, giving you a chance to savor and discuss the wonderful foods your were enjoying. Overall, Mas is pricey, but the experience was well worth the cost. It is a treasure and should be visited for your next celebration.
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