The Elderberry House

I had the distinct pleasure of dining at this remarkable establishment, and it was an experience that truly set the standard for excellence. From the moment I arrived, the staff’s hospitality was impeccable—warm, professional, and effortlessly attentive. The evening’s highlight was undoubtedly the exquisite food and the thoughtful pairing of wines. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and bursting with flavor, demonstrating a culinary expertise that is truly unparalleled. The wine pairings elevated the experience further, with each pour chosen with meticulous care to complement and enhance the flavors of the meal. What truly stood out was the way the staff went above and beyond to accommodate a gluten allergy. They not only ensured every dish was safe but also made thoughtful adjustments without compromising on flavor or presentation. This level of care and attention to detail made the evening all the more special. While the old-fashioned was an expertly crafted drink, the true stars of the evening were the food, wine, and the team’s dedication to creating a flawless dining experience. This establishment is a treasure—a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable meal.

We’ve eating at The Elderberry House (EH) quite a few times including a New Year’s Eve. In the past, the food and service has been exceptional. With Thanksgiving coming up we decided to do something different and go to EH for Thanksgiving dinner. The reservation was made several weeks before and noted that we had one person in our party with Celiacs (needs gluten-free). EH called us a few days before to confirm our reservation and that there was one person who needed gluten-free accommodations. On Thanksgiving Day Eve we arrived early so that we could order a cocktail. The bar was busy and so when it was time for us to be seated our drinks hadn’t arrived so the waitstaff offered to bring our drinks to the table. So far so good. The first three courses were progressively more delicious than the previous one. Then the third course arrived. It was a foil gras torchon served with bread. The gluten-free bread was small and looked like part of a hamburger bun. On the fourth course when our gluten-free party was given tortellini they were smart enough to asked the waitstaff before eating it. It was quickly taken away. In the meantime while we were waiting for the gluten-free version to arrive, I had no utensils so I waited until the waitstaff returned with the gluten-free dish to ask for utensils. This was the second time I had to ask for utensils. There would be third time before they started bringing utensils prior to the food being served. The sixth course was turkey breast with leg meat confit. Both were incredibly salty. I could understand the confit possibly being salty but the turkey breast? It was at best difficult to get down but when paying around $500 for dinner for two we decided to get through it. The seventh and final course was a pumpkin parisienne sucré which I quite enjoyed but for the gluten-free person they got the same thing but without the “cake”. Needless to say that was disappointing for them. Then the bill came and our cocktails were not included. So doing the right thing we brought it to the waitstaff’s attention. They came back and said that they had taken $10 off. It was a little surprising to me that such an upscale restaurant wouldn’t have made more of an effort. In retrospect I do regret a little being honest but it’s done now so after posting this I’m going to let it go. Overall there were great moments but there were also moments where we were left wondering what was going on; to have inconsistent service, our gluten-free person feeling like they got less than the standard meal and then a feeble attempt at the end to make things right. I’m really hoping that it was an off night but will not be coming back here anytime soon.