We met friends for dinner on Friday night at Le Provencal in Mamaroneck. I’ll start by saying that the drive from Goldens Bridge to Mamaroneck on a Friday night is not something we thought enough about before we agreed to meet there! I just kept thinking, boy, this had better be worth it. And the restaurant does not have parking and street parking is not great there either. Suffice it to say, boy, did I need a drink by the time we got there! Unfortunately, the bar is right by the front door and it was crowded. It was very difficult to make our way to the table where we saw our friends. But we did get there and the waiter took our drink orders - my husband’s is complicated. He does this tequila and hot sauce thing, so the waiter was a bit perplexed. But the drinks came – well, all but mine. And we couldn’t get anyone’s attention. When it finally came we were also served bread – very crusty, small pieces with an excellent fruity olive oil. For appetizers two had the foie gras terrine on brioche toast with caramelized onions. They loved the foie. And I loved the onions – perfectly caramelized, sweet and melting in your mouth. Another had the country pate which I did not taste any of but he liked it. I can’t tell you more. I had a special – sautéed chanterelles with garlic and wine. They were excellent though lacking salt. But, another service miss – we all got our appetizers except the friend who had the country pate. And the waiter did not notice and again, it took a while to get him on track.
For mains my friend and I had the duck conift. It was one very large leg and thigh served with some wonderful, very thin and crunchy frites. The duck was really more like a roast duck leg, and the meat absolutely fell off the bone. It was served with shitakes and a very rich port wine sauce. It was excellent and really filled my duck needs!!! Another friend had a special of boneless short ribs – braised and melting. DH opted for an appetizer for dinner – another special – half lobster tail on mesclun greens. He said the lobster was excellent and very sweet. One friend and I shared chocolate pot de crème for dessert and I was in heaven. But, they forgot the cream for the top and finally brought that.
Service had several misses but the waiter was well intentioned – I think he said he was training someone that night so I guess he was diverted. But he did pour us each a little extra wine on the house.
I have been to Le Provencal for lunch when I worked in the area and had a great cream of mushroom soup, so I always wanted to go back and sample dinner. I will go back again – but NOT on Friday after work!
ease include [State, City] in your post title
