Escoffier Restaurant

April 28, 1999

1946 Campus Drive

Hyde Park, New York 12538

845.452.9600

Escoffier Restaurant

Reservations: 845.471.6608
General Information: 845.452.9600

The experience at Escoffier's was one to be held sacred;  I had excellent service and the Caesar's Salad was prepared tableside.  It was truly an experience.  

First, I was introduced to my waiter (Matisse), who was more than pleased to share his wisdom with me.  He pulled over a small table with a large wooden bowl (used only for Caesar's Salad preparation).  The table contained all the necessary utensils and dressing ingredients.  Matisse proceeded to fill the bowl with pepper, garlic and anchovies; he crushed these together until they lined the bowl in a thin film.  Next, he added pasteurized egg yolk (similar to the "egg-beater" products; no chance of salmonella problems this way).  He added about a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, a dash of mustard powder, and virgin olive oil.  Fresh grated parmesan and mini croutons (approx. 1/4 inch cubes; tiny, tasty, homemade  morsels), topped it off.

The salad was exquisite!  The dressing was rich enough, yet did not soak up the plate ( I cleaned it up, not leaving a morsel behind).

Along with the salad I had a glass of champagne;  apparently, the effervescence is supposed to intensify the salad's flavor (I'll drink to that!).

The atmosphere of Escoffier is subdued and delicate with a decor of pink overtones. Tables are covered with white linens and polished silverware.  A single cream colored rose in a bud vase decorated my table.  There is an arched opening into the kitchen where you can observe the chefs at their work.  Music in the background filled the air with just the right overtones to complete the elegance (I believe it was playing one of my favorite violin concertos from "Schindler's List").  

I left with such a smile on my face....looking forward to coming back again someday...

 -   LL