"I really don't know how to begin this review. I guess I'll start by saying that not many foods have brought me to tears from how wonderful the taste is and the experience was, but Restaurant Gwendolyn is on that list. My friends David and Laurissa gave me a spectacular Christmas gift--a dinner at Restaurant Gwendolyn. I have always wanted to go here because I heard they prepared all their meals with very little electricity (no blenders or other electric devices, just a gas stove) and the very idea delighted my inner history nerd. Sadly Laurissa was unable to attend, but insisted that David still take me to the restaurant. While I'm sure it would have been ten times as fun with her there, I still had an amazing time. We were the sole guests for most of our meal, so we had exceptional, EXCEPTIONAL service throughout. We signed up for the 7-course meal, which ended up feeling like 11 courses (if you include the bread). Folks in other reviews seemed to not be fans of the small portions, but for me it was perfect. I was getting very, very full towards the end but I hunkered down, determine to finish my meals. (I did need to tap out for one and give the rest to David) The bread: A 250 year old recipe with a delightful poppy seed butter. The fat in the butter came in handy to quell the spice from the first official dish. 1: Snapper escabeche. A snapper and serrano bite. A strong, memorable start. 2. African Peanut Stew. I ungracefully licked my bowl. 3. Insalata grande. A very nice arugula salad with apples, bacon, and a red wine reduction. Amazing. 4. Venison Shepherd's Pie. Hearty and filling, and one of my top two for the night. 5. Rose Sorbet. Super light and a beautiful palate cleanser. Refreshing! 6. Smoked venison tartare tartlet. This is it. This is the bite that made me cry. It was my perfect bite. It arrived beneath a goblet filled with smoke, so the flavor infused the meat. It was just.. perfect. 7. Beef Cheek Ravioli. If barbacoa and ravioli had a delicious child! We learned this is a permanent fixture on their menu, and the head chef's specialty. It was incredible. 8. Kombucha. The only thing I did not care for. 9. Chicken Tikka Masala. Tasty chicken on skewers with rice and an array of sauces. This is the one I had to share because I was getting way too full. 10. Chocolate Pecan Tort. I can't. I am deceased. This was insanely delicious. Overall, I'm just shocked, more than satisfied, and so blessed to have had this experience. The wine we paired with it shifted in flavor after each course, like magic, and it was one of those instances where I genuinely felt rich and royal. Definitely a once-every-few-years kind of experience for me, but absolutely worth it."
