Foodie-Girl

Glad you enjoyed my post. I have never spent 6 hours at dinner anywhere. On all three Herbfarm visits I believe we were back in our hotel room by 11P...Dinner starts at 7P. There were others still in the dining room chatting over coffee/port when we left...but dinner was definitely over.

MSG...Sounds like we've eaten at many of the same restaurants but had different experiences as far as timing. Our first dinner at Charlie Trotters was about 3 hours...French Laundry...also about 3 hours. Same for Inn at Little Washington. All three dinners we've had at Herbfarm seem to run 4 hours so that's what we've come to expect.

RE: Lengthy dinners....Herbfarm, Charlie Trotters and other restaurants with multi-course menus let diners know ahead of time to expect a 4-hour evening..or whatever. If this is not to your liking you can choose not to dine there. We spent a week in San Francisco recently and, even when ordering the tasting menu as Masa's it was easy enough to tell a small white lie in that we were meeting another couple for an after dinner drink in 2 hours and would it be possible to have our dinner completed within that time frame. If you're in a hurry to eat try the Pre-Theatre menus in New York restaurants..they'll have you out the door in under an hour.... ((-:

Thanks Tana...I'm going to eat enough for both of us!

Approximately how long was it on the night you were there? When I've gone, it's taken as much as 30 or 40 minutes. If they've pared it down significantly, that would be a positive step. 10 minutes.....15 tops.

The D&P Show (introductions of chef/staff/history of the restaurant) is brief and something I enjoyed on my first visit. Do I want to hear it every time?...no, but we're talking about a very short interlude between courses.....also time enough to use the ladies/men's room or just stretch your legs. I've been to the Inn at Little Washington and (in my opinion) and it's a bit more formal and restrained. Dinner was excellent and the dining room is beautiful. One similarity is the fact that both restaurants are in out-of-the-way locations and make for great overnight excursions. I realize Herbfarm is fairly close to Seattle but after eating and drinking for 4 1/2 hours it's nice to just walk across the parkway to a lovely hotel room.

As my husband and I enjoy wine with dinner I've never asked about their policy for non-drinkers. I wouldn't say they "nail on a service charge" as we would leave an 18% gratuity anyway...the service being excellent. On Saturday night the dinner was $179 per person + tax & gratuity. I think the total came to $461.00.

Irwin: Not according to my math...LOL Dinner with tax, tip came to $461 and the hotel room just under $200 with tax. Unless I had a very lucky night at the blackjack table an flight to LV, room at Bellagio (hey what can I say, that's my favorite) and dinner for two at Le Cirque, Bradley Ogden, etc. would bring the tab well over $1000. An evening in Woodinville is a great treat...special occassion or not. But, for us it was a splendid way to celebrate our anniversary.

Ms Ramsey...Yes I also know about French Laundry being closed at present. Wow, that was the place for some exquisite meals.

No there was not a premium charge for this menu..and anyone who made their reservations months in advance would have seen the Truffle Treasure theme listed online or in their brochure. Given their cancellation policy I try NOT to reserve too far in advance anyway.

The flavors throughout the meal were so subtle and well-balanced that I don't think you'd have to be a truffle lover to enjoy the evening. As I recall all the truffles were local as well as the herbs, wines...as you been there before I'm sure you're aware that they emphasize local products. I put the evening in the category of "expensive but worth it"...same as I would say about French Laundry, Le Cirque (Las Vegas, not NY) Jean George or Charlie Trotters. It's obviously not for everyone but I think it's a very special place.

The evening's theme was Truffle Treasure Tastes of Truffles: Alaska Spot Prawns with Oregon White Truffle & Celery Salad Oregon White Truffle and Potato Tart Oregon White Truffle and Salify Soup 1998 Domaine Meriwether Brut, Civee Wm Clark Celery Root Ravioli With White Truffle and Chervil Buter ***FANTASTIC !! 2001 L'Ecole No 41 Semillon, Fries Vineyard Dungeness Crab Cake with Braised Leeks, Pea Sprouts and Frothy Sea Urchin0Saffron Sauce ****Again FANTASTIC !! 2002 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Cold Creek Vineyard Seared Artisan Duck Foie Gras with Parsley-Bloomsdale Spinach Saute' Lentil Strudel and Black Truffle Sauce 2001 L'Herbe Sauvage pinot Noir, Balcombe-Shea Cuvee Douglas Fir Sorbet ( I swear it smelled like a Christmas tree but was SO good) Grilled Truffled Squab ***Even MORE FANTASTIC with Golden Beets, Savoy Cabbage, and Potato Tart 2000 Andrew Will Merlot, Seven Hills Vineyard Asian Pear & Hazelnut Salad with Point Reyes Blue Cheese Festival of Chocolate Desserts Chocolate Chip & Cognac Souffle' with Bay Custard Sauce Tart Cherry, Port and Sage Ice Cream on Warm Chocolate Cake Chocolate Sorbet and Hazelnut Orange-Thyme Mousse in a Brandy Snap Brewed Coffees, Teas & Infusions A Selection of Small Treats (if you could possible want more!) Vintage 1916 Barbeito Malvazia Madeira (what a treat!) OK, so I love this place. Yeah, the dog and pony show would get old very fast if we ate there on a regular basis basis, but given the cost of the meal and overnight at the Willows Lodge it's more of a special occassion restaurant for us.

OK...soon as I unpack I'll post the menu..including teas..LOL

Well, we had another incredible dinner at The Herbfarm last night and fortunately they provide a copy of the menu, wines pours, even coffees/tears offered. I'd be happy to share all the the above if anyone is interested...just not sure if it's been done already. Just let me know.

My husband and I ate there last year and came away with different opinions (which is somewhat unusual for us as far as food/atmosphere is concerned). I really enjoyed it and appreciated the formality of the service (a very nice change from waitstaff who ask "What can I get for you-guyses to drink?" ) and I'm a big fan of small plates versus one humongous main course. My husband thought a couple of the plates were simply TOO small...ie one lonely shrimp on a plate albeit beautifully presented. I suggest you just go and see for yourself, as there seems to be a variety of opinions on this board and elsewhere. Tonight, however, it's a sure-thing for us...The Herbfarm! It will be our third visit and yes, it's very expensive, and yes, the cancellation policy makes one fearful of coming down with the flu or something...but I think the setting, service, quality and imagination of the chef make it worth every penny. Just my 2 cents worth!

Brunch plans got scuttled for yesterday but I'm putting Cafe C on the list for next time. Thanks!

Thanks Coop!

Any ideas? THANKS

skchai....no, you're not too late. Not going for a short while but I like to know as much about the food scene before traveling to a new destination. I've only been to Tuscan once and stayed at Canyon Ranch (fat farm) for the entire week and never ventured out for meals. Sounds like sticking to regional Mexican cuisine is the way to go, with the exception of Janos, perhaps, for something with a little more ambience. Thanks again...I'll keep checking the board or feel free to email me with any other thoughts....charcoop@yahoo.com. Thanks

Thanks for all your help. Sorry this landed on the wrong board (my fault). Mac's was good and Pappa's Bros. which is think is close to Dallas...

Visiting for a few days with folks who aren't into food as we are...so maybe someone could recommend a couple of spots? Grapevine or Colleyville would be the areas...not going into Dallas on this trip. Pappas Bros. for one meal but that's all I have any first-hand knowledge about. THANKS

Went to Oceanaire fairly recently...enjoyed it very much. Haven't been to Elliott's in a very long time...so many that would be a good choice. Thanks !!!

Early dinner...5PM. Has anyone eaten at Fish Club?

Ummmm looks like they are not a smoke-free restaurant...back to the drawing board. I didn't think to mention that caveat. Other suggestions?...THANKS

Great idea...my husband loves oysters! THANKS