Monday, December 31, 2012

Best New Year's Eve Dinner 2012: Jean-Robert's Table


2012 was a pretty good year. Especially the second half. For once, I felt like celebrating New Year's Eve rather than ignoring it. After other plans fell by the wayside and I learned Jean-Robert's Table was offering an upscaled version of its budget-friendly Lunch Tray (usually four courses for $14 weekday lunches at the bar) – featuring lobster and truffles for New Year's Eve, it seemed the perfect, last-minute way to cap off my year. (I have a "thing" about lobster that stems from an old inside joke with my sister.)

Maine Lobster Salad with Truffle Dressing, Celery Remoulade, 
Avocado, and Pomegranate Seeds

Lobster Bisque with Wilted Watercress and Truffle Chantilly Cream

Beef Short Rib with Lobster Bernaise, Truffle Sauce, Asparagus,
Dauphinois Potatoes, and Confit Tomatoes

Lobster and Truffle "Tompe l'oeil" 
(with tangerine + coconut bavarian and a chocolate truffle)

The food would have made me happy enough. But, as often happens when I head out to dine alone, I didn't really end up eating solo after all. I was befriended by the couple sitting next to me at the bar. They had great taste in wine, and shared my interest in the Cincinnati food scene. Proving once again that good food attracts good people, and food is a universal language – or at least a darn good conversation starter.

Cheers to all the fabulous people I've met this year through food, and my dear, long-time friends as well. Happy New Year and all best in 2013!

5 comments:

Diana said...

I'm happy that you had a great meal but I think it's natural for you to attract friendly people, since you are so friendly to others. Happy New Year, hope to see you again soon! It's been almost a year.

Karl said...

Happy New Year Eggy!

Buzz Kill said...

That's a whole lotta lobster. I envy you in that you seem so comfortable in dining alone and striking up conversations with strangers. I do neither well.

Happy New Year.

fishy said...

Happy New Year Eggy!
What a great way to end/ begin a year. Gorgeous food, new friends, a little vino and an entire blog community to educate about truffle chantilly cream :-)

Aunty Belle said...

Whoa!!! Whoa Whoa Whoa!!
Lobster Bernaise?? I may faint!

Ya know, I is good to go fer dining out alone. I has to do it when I'se on assignment. I find it best if I can go sorta early, but I jes' doan mind bein' solo. So, good fer ya that ya find it one way to meet good folk.

Our New Year's feast (Front Porch) warn't Haute Cuisine, but we did have a grand time.

Happy New Year, Eggy!!