Rouge - Étlap

We had a fine dinner at the Rouge. The menu wasn't extensive a dozen small plates and three full entrees but everything we got was interesting and excellent. Wine prices were IMO high. We asked for outdoor seating which was comfortable, but *very* mosquito-y. I'd happily come back any time I could eat indoors.

When we are in the Berkshires at our second home, we tend to dine out 5 nights per week. We have been to all of the better restaurants, numerous times, including Alta, Cafe Lucia, Bistro Zinc, Brava, etc. Lenox is restaurant central . I have been asked a number of times what I thought was the best one. Interestingly, the best by far isn't even in Lenox. It's in W. Stockbridge, and its name is Rouge. Maggie, the owner, and Oliver the chef do an incredible job, in both food and service. If you know really good food when you taste it, you definitely will want to go to this restaurant.

This may be my favorite restaurant in the Berkshires. The menu changes frequently, so no matter what. you know everything is fresh and thoughtfully placed on the menu. Tonight's standouts were: -The Crispy Scallop Toast served with squid ink aioli (15 very crispy yet soft and tasty appetizer. -Roasted New England Halibut (36 perfectly cooked and paired with curry, rice, and coconut lobster bisque. Besides the food being perfectly prepared and flavored, you can tell this place is The Real Deal* by how good their wine is. The Rhone Blend (11 is so so perfectly bodied with crisp cherry/cocoa notes. I can't wait to return and explore more of the wines. Perfect spot to enjoy food and drink with f...