Natalie's

Since I was going to be in the are this past weekend I called my local friends Ed & Nancy and invited myself out to dinner. They picked Natalies and told me to dress up. I chose a red dress and was thrilled to match the decor – very Sandra Lee of me.

There are chic blood red velvet chairs and chandeliers. My hosts turn out to be regulars so we were greeted with open arms, an amuse bouche of a duck confit spring roll (heaven) and the best seat on the porch overlooking Camden harbor.

We had fancy drinks (mine was a perfect Manhattan straight up) and perused the wonderful menu. Ed had the tasting menu but I ordered myself – the farmer’s market potage which was lobster bisque with a drizzle of creme fraiche. My entree was an amazing chunk of filet mignon – medium rare – with a sauce of foie gras emulsion, chanterelle mushrooms, baby Brussel sprouts and lardons, a smear of whipped potato and a blue cheese “fry” crusted with panko crumbs – out of this world.

Yes – we had wine (pinot noir) and dessert. The chef’s wife is the pastry chef and the menu is new and fun. Mine was a chocolate dipped frozen banana, banana cake topped with homemade marshmallow and a chocolate terrine and graham cracker – delicious.

The atmosphere is old world and sophisticated. The service is knowledgeable and accomodating. The prices – nice if someone else is paying! I hear the rooms are lovely.