Was it all a dream? La rêve
I recently visited San Antonio, TX, and had the great opportunity to visit La Rêve, a French restaurant tucked-away on Pecan St., near the riverwalk area, downtown.
Before I start, I should note that I did not read this review/exposé/article in the NY Times before co-selecting it with a colleague. Had I done so, I would have arrived with higher expectations and anticipation.
La Rêve in French means the “dream” and it was indeed a dreamy dinner. The small restaurant is formal modern, but not in a stuffy or fussy way; rather grown-up, and sophisticated, perhaps. Everything from the great information from the sommelier, to the oven-hot rolls, to the details afforded the service of new silver at each of our 10 courses, was all done exceedingly well. As the Times article suggests, “The Dream” is indeed a significant dining experience.
I opted for their tasting menu with seven official courses and matched wines. I like variety, smaller portions, and I like an expert who can show me what great wine paired with food can do. It’s drama, synergy, and a sum greater than its parts when done right. La Rêve does it right.
- Lobster Ravioli Amuse-Bouche
- Garlic Soup with Morels and Escargot (Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2006)
- Onion Tartin with Chimchurri Crème Canelle (Trimbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee des Seigneur de Ribeaupierre 2000 Alsace)
- Foie Gras with Sour Cherry Broth (Chateau Cantegril 2005 Sautemes)
- Tuna with Wasabi Salad (Siduri Pinot Noir 2006 Santa Lucia Highland)
- Grapefruit and Vermouth Sorbet
- Tilefish in Broth with Clams and Broccolini (Joseph Drouhin Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2004 Burgundy)
- Beef with Purple Potatoes (Chateau Duhart Millon 2004 Pauillac)
- Cheese Course with Honeycomb (Warre’s 1999 LBV Port)
- RockyRoad Dessert (Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Yellow Label)
- Petit-Fors Bite-Sized Desserts
Yes, on top of that, special servings of wines, pepper rolls, Parker House rolls, and sourdough baguette rolls were all to be had with a choice of two excellent butters: one studded with chives, the other aggressively salted with sea salt.
The details afforded to each course, the purity of flavors, and the “just right” richness and harmony of flavors were extraordinary. Add to that that beforementioned synergy with a correctly-paired wine, and we had good things going on, for sure. Among my favorites were the breads, the broth served with the tilefish, the foie gras, and of course, that garlicky canelle served alongside a +6 hour tart of onions. While the rocky-road inspired chocolate-marshmallow wedge was nice, it wasn’t exactly my schtick. But, their mini caramleized crème-brûlée was superb.
This was a dining adventure and one that had few disappointments, save for the reality that the “dream” had to come to an end. So very highly recommended, and of course, I afford it the highest of ratings.
One Response to “Was it all a dream? La rêve”
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bea
Said this on July 5th, 2008 at 9:04am:I think it is on Pecan Street. I told Tom the name in Spanish is Pacana.