"First let 's get the cost out of the way. For a little college town in Virginia, prix fixe that came to $300+ for two is a bit much. I didn 't see any Michelin stars. This is not really French cuisine to me, I would call it an international style. Foccacia with a very nice infused dipping oil as the bread, for example. BUT, the sea bass was lightly charred perfection and served in a delicious brown sauce, the lobster in a buttery sauce was delightful. The appetizer house smoked trout was smoky goodness. The amuse bouche were nice, but just okay. Some risks are being taken; cold tomato soup with watermelon. Some pureed deconstructed vegetables, like eggplant. I love sweets; the pistacio blondie was wonderful. Very high quality ingredients. The wine list is good, but overpriced. Aren 't they all? Service is fine, atmosphere is an old building with lots of tables, so, for me, it 's a whatever. There is passion for good food in the kitchen here, but for most people it will be an occasional splurge and really that 's the rub. Five stars based on its Charlottesville location, one of the 3 4 best restaurants in the area. Parking: Parking often an issue in Charlottesville."
