Fuel

Chef Justin Oliver did NOT visit the table. As my regular readers can attest (and that would be YOU R8 & Carm now that Agamum doesn’t visit anymore and ToddieM has stopped commenting) I like to schmooze with the chef so I was slightly disappointed that he did not stop by, but that just means I have to return.

Let me start by saying that there was a massive fire in Lewiston today that shut down Lisbon Street and sent smoke and embers all over the immediate area. That did NOT stop my friend C and I as we picked our way down deserted, smoke filled streets to enter the cool vibe that is Fuel.

As we crossed the threshold I felt like I entered a new world – long bar filled with customers, big leather couches and funky French posters made a marked difference to the shabby storefronts outside. The place was busy the whole time we were there despite the raging fire outside. It is welcoming inside and the restrooms are upscale and clean.

The menu offered tons of interesting choices, but my biggest draw was the chef’s tasting menu – 4 courses for $35 if everyone at the table participates. C agreed, I jumped and we both gave our no-nos (mayo – even if you call it aioli or remoulade – for me and seafood, beets or lamb for C). Shanna, our friendly and informative server talked me into including what she called small tastes of wine and which I could not finish, brought us some bread with chunks of roasted garlic and we settled in for the ride.

First course (accompanied by a 2007 Charton Le Fleur Sauvignon Blanc which I DID finish) was the endive, green apple, pickled red onion and candied walnut salad with a sour cream vinaigrette. So simple it was exquisite.

Second course (wine = Chateau Les Charmes White Bordeaux) a tomato risotto with roasted asparagus and a fresh slice of tomato which was grown in Greene. That tomato was like a bite of summer – warm and lucious – like a tomato from your youth that you would eat like an apple with a bit of salt – incredible.

The entree (thank you, C, for saying no to lamb which I love but…) was think, perfectly medium slices of filet mignon, a perfect bordelaise (yes – I definitely sopped extra bread in it) and mini turnips and carrots. My wine was a 2000 Nelson Estate Cab Franc.

This was the type of meal that the portion size was just enough and not overwhelming – until dessert. Now – I am of the opinion that dessert can be just a bite of something amazing but I am also willing to go over the top and that is what Fuel offered – a caramel filled dark (yup – you had me at dark) chocolate torte with a chocolate crust (wait for it) and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings and sea salt on top. The sea salt made this dish absolutely spot on. I did finish the Delaforce tawny porto from Portugal which is pretty unlike my taste since I brought more than half of the torte back to the hotel!

Final analysis – Fuel is a must experience place and not just as a destination. I will return as soon as possible to see what else the chef can do. A wonderful meal.