"This is a story of low (and sinking) expectations... It was a strange start. Our lateish dinner reservation at The Rose on a Saturday night saw us lining up at the door to get carded (so flattering) and searched with the other kids coming to see the band at the associated Pink Garter Theatre venue. The sound check was loud. The cocktail bar aka The Rose restaurant was standing room only. We were shown to a red banquette in the corner under a very dimly lit chandelier. Our guest leaned over to shout (over the sound check) this can 't be the right place.... but moments later, with the arrival of a stunning gazpacho sorbet amuse bouche, we were off on one of the most surprising meals of recent memory. Truly extraordinary. The menu is tiny and crafted daily so three of us were able to try pretty much everything. Each new arrival was greeted with wow this is stunning by our guest; when we hit the chocolate dessert words failed. We learned Chef Rene Stein is a one man show. He selects the ingredients. He makes the bread (and the butter). He is the only one in the kitchen. What an opportunity for a creative and imaginitive chef! A well selected wine list with some obscure gems. Service was respectful to the amazing food and, given the incongruous ambiance, we were highly entertained. Bravo to the team! Thank you Chef for a spectacular, imaginitive dinner. 10 stars out of 5. Extraordinary. Best of luck for continued success."
