A NIGHT IN WONDERLAND

Happy Hour, same time, same spot, same great smiling service from Alexandra.

Mark was out of Quarantine [he swore if not released he was “Breakin’ Out”] determined to not miss Wonderland.

And just like that it was time to head up to Wonderland for what was anticipated to be an unforgettable experience.  Or so we’re told.

After a brief wait for Alice [of Wonderland] she appeared in a properly starched White checked Gingham dress, minus that Cwazy Wabbit [ooppps I was just advised that I had the wrong fantasy] and we were escorted down a winding staircase into a lovely room decorated along the lines of Alice’s travel through the looking glass, minus the looking glass.

We were seated, ladies on the bench, gentlemen on very plush, tall deep seated wing back chars, with a blank picture frame and artists brush at our places. We were greeted by the effervescent Loren, [like Sophia Loren-but later identified herself as Lorna, like Lorna Dune.] Not confusing at all.

We were instructed to dip our paint brush in a liquid in a square ramekin and pant broad strokes across the blank picture to reveal our menu.  Great idea in concept, but with the dim lighting and the over used menus and the tiny print, one couldn’t read a thing.  Including the printed one Chucky photographed to use for this blog.

Loren- Er..uh… Lorna, or was it… Whatevah, began to describe the first course representing SUN:

“Reconstructed Caprese” liquid olive, ricotta powder, basil. Nice but confusing

Then representing FIRE:

Smoking domes were set on the table and as they were lifted the smoke cleared to reveal Buffalo Smoked Chicken Eggs. OK smoky deviled eggs.

Next came ICE:

“Crispy crab Cones” Cilantro Avocado Mousse, Ohaba leaf. A Big Hit.

More SUN:

“Tomato Water” pepper spherification [whatever that is], bread foam.  Interesting take on pulp-less tomato juice.  Lots of comments.

Followed by more Ice:

“Oceanic Citrus” spicy tuna, yuzu granite in a hollowed out lime. Really cool. [So far the table favorite]

Next up more ICE:

“Shrimp Kataifi” Crispy Crumb [actually fine spun noodle toasted] scotch bonnet. [Another table favorite]

Entrees followed.

SEA:

“Liquid Lobster” bone marrow, caviar [puzzling]

“Halibut Cooked in Paper”, mushrooms, potato, bacon. Nice

“Branzino in Crispy Bread” Tamarind spice Emulsion over fragrant rice. Delightful.

EARTH:

“Terroir Beef” {short rib” river stone potatoes, bordelaise sauce. Yummy.

“Berkshire Pork Belly” apples, crackling. Excellent

“Slow Roasted Chicken” crispy skin, potato puree.  It’s Chicken.

Desserts were just delightful, the presentation spot on.

Since the names are not one the printed menu they went sumpin’ like this.

First came a split rock with a yummy sorbet and ice cream topped with hand whipped cream.

Then came a lovely apple but when split revealed a tasty raspberry sorbet.

But the Piece de Resistance was a large chocolate globe that Lorna/Loren poured hot caramel over which collapsed the globe to reveal a wonderfully creamy vanilla ice cream, in a pool of caramel and chocolate sauce. OUTRAGEOUS!

The house also sent a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to complement the meal.  Nice Touch.

In all, it was a Delightful Evening, with great company and excellent service.

TE7 thanked all for an exceptional experience and climbed the stairs to find something else to finish the lovely evening.

Since St Maarten was an early day and they were looking forward to a beach day, everyone repaired to their respective Nonny-Nonny Land, Chucky with Remy in hand to finish last night’s post.

No White Rabbits or Mad Hatters were injured in the writing of this NOWAT.

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The Delightfully Impressed, 

Dragon Lady