4/5 Mike R. 1 year ago on Google • 159 reviews
So
this
was
our
2nd
visit
to
ESS
but
our
1st
actual
meal.
The
atmosphere
is
fantastic,
upscale
and
classy
yet
casual
and
approachable.
Not
stuffy
at
all
but
not
a
flip
flop
and
shorts
atmosphere
either.
The
1st
time
we
came
there
was
a
mishap
in
the
kitchen
and
our
order
got
lost
in
the
shuffle.
We
were
running
late
for
a
show
so
we
had
to
get
up
and
leave
after
only
having
drinks
and
our
1st
course
.
Tonight
we
decided
to
give
ESS
a
2nd
shot.
We
didnt
want
to
rule
it
out
over
the
1st
experience
because
it
seemed
so
promising
Our
server,
Pasquale,
was
fantastic.
Polite
and
attentive
but
not
hovering
or
intrusive.
The
cocktails
we
ordered
(both
times)
were
fantastic.
Unique
flavor
profiles
but
familiar
enough
to
hit
all
the
notes
you
want
.
The
amuse
the
1st
time
was
rillete
on
a
cracker
with
everything
bagel
seasoning.
A
tasty
Bite.
This
time
it
was
a
red
pepper
couli
arrancini
that
hit
all
of
the
comfort-feels.
The
foie
is
always
a
pleaser.
The
1st
time
with
a
dual
apple
puree
(1
red
wine
and
1
white
wine)
the
depth
of
flavors
in
the
purees
was
phenomenal
and
sang
with
the
foie.
This
time
the
strawberry
compote
was
delightful,
the
balsamic
gelle/reduction
could've
been
a
tad
sweeter
for
my
taste,
and
I
wouldve
prefered
it
if
the
foie
was
slightly
tempered
and
easier
to
spread
on
the
toast
points.
But
all
in
all
it
was
absolutely
delicious.
My
partner
had
the
beet
&
goat
cheese
salad
and
enjoyed
it
thoroughly.
The
pork
belly
with
the
grits
and
pickled
onions
was
cooked
perfectly.
Nice
textures.
But
the
coca
cola
BBQ
sauce
on
it
was
way
too
sweet
and
took
away
from
the
dish.
The
pickled
red
onions
helped
a
bit
but
wasn't
enough
....
The
farm
egg
over
the
crispy
rice
was
BOMB
awesome
flavors
and
textures.
A
little
heavy
of
a
portion
for
a
mid-course
tasting
menu
it
was
difficult
to
finish
because
it
was
very
heavy
.
The
pork
loin
was
extremely
disappointing
.
The
entire
dish
was
lacking
in
seasoning.
The
bok
choy
was
over
grilled
and
the
bulb
was
under
cooked,
the
turnips
was
no
seasoning
at
all,
the
pork
loin
was
over
cooked,
under
seasoned,
and
over
charred.
Unfortunately
the
jus
wasnt
enough
to
save
it...
maybe
the
cook
had
an
off
night,
it
happens.
How.ev.er.
the
lamb
dish....
wow.
Flavorful,
perfectly
seasoned,
perfectly
cooked,
amazing
flavor
profile
and
contrasting
flavors
and
textures.
This
dish
was
the
winner
for
sure.
Dessert
was
good,
limited
menu
but
something
for
everyone.
The
buttermilk
pie
was
surprisingly
not
as
sweet
as
i
thought
it
would
be
and
i
was
so
relieved.
The
mandarin
coulis
underneath
was
the
perfect
accompaniment.
The
blood
orange
segments
and
tuile
seemed
like
an
afterthought
and
werent
necessary.
The
bourbon
creme
brulee
had
awesome
flavor.
The
dish
needed
to
be
filled
more
and
the
sugar
wasnt
brulee'd
evenly
but
the
bourbon
infused
custard
was
absolutely
perfect.
Great
wine
list,
awesome
bourbon
selection,
fantastic
cocktail
list.
Might
come
back
a
3rd
time
and
will
update
the
review
accordingly.
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