DRIVE BY CRITIC. COM

Sante Valentines Dinner

  
February 14th.  It is a day we all know, yet sometimes forget about until it is upon us.  It is a day of chocolate filled boxes shaped like hearts, a day of long stem red roses and undoubtedly the favorite time of year for any jeweler.  It is also a time romantic meals in dim lighting with soft music.  This year I chose to spend Valentines at Sante of Matthews.  Sante is located in downtown Matthews on Trade Street.  The location itself is special having been built in the 1800's.  The original tin plated ceiling is still in place and supports the suspended lighting that adds to the overall ambiance.  It is a brisk night in Matthews and each patron is glad to get inside and close out the cold night air.  I sit stage right along the wall with my date for the evening and await our server.  We are promptly given a menu, and a wine list with our selections.  I choose a 2005 McManis Family Vineyards petite Sirah.    It will companion equally well with both the filet and the roasted lamb.

Our meal starts with a Tomato Bisque with crisp Oysters and Smoked Gouda.  This soup is absolutely fabulous.  As I write this article, my mouth begins to water just at the thought of it.  The tomato flavor is a buoyant  counter piece to the fried oyster.  A combination that I would never had considered before having it.

In a timely manner, neither too soon or too late, our server brings us a Crisp Boston Bibb Salad with  Beets and a Dijon Vinaigrette.  The salad is light and crisp and serves as a perfect appetizer for the entree to come.

I choose the Roasted Rack of Lamb Au Jus with Potato Gratin and Roasted Root Vegetables.   Cooked medium to my liking, the Lamb is delicious.  Tender and juicy, I can cut it with a butter knife.  The Roasted Root Vegetables actually steal the show for me this time.  The roasted beets were incredible.  A first for me, but not the last.  Add some potato gaufrettes and a sprig of fresh thyme to liven up the plate and this meal is a work of art.

For desert, I chose the lemon cheese cake with toasted coconut crust.  I am not a coconut lover, but toasted atop the lemon cheesecake it made a great desert.

This was one of the best Valentines meals I have had.  I was truly pleased with the value of the meal and the variety of the tastes combined.  The setting was just right and the ambiance was perfect for the romantic mood I wanted.  There is no doubt as to why I awarded Sante, Most Romantic Restaurant for 2007.