The Bar at Lemaire

Seriously, eat here. It took me almost a year to do so. Shame on me. We went at 5 PM on a Sunday. Not crowded, so no reservations needed. We could wear shorts and we could order the 3 course prix fixe for $30.

We started with drinks - White Wine Sangria

and a Southside Cocktail

both contained herbs grown in Chef Bundy's urban garden. The bartender and waitstaff were pleased to talk about the urban garden and show various other herbal cuttings. A nice touch.

We then ordered a 2005 Napa Valley Franciscan Merlot. So yummy!

First course dazzled us with Cream of Vidalia Onion Bisque with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Meat, and Chives. We were in heaven. This has to be the quintessential Southern dish - sweet onion, smokey pork, and crab.

For the second course hubby ordered Sustainably Raised Loch Duart Salmon with Carolina Gold Rice Pudding, Grilled Fennel, Arugula, Pine Nuts, and Sauce Gaspacho. Yes, he loved it.

I had Buckhead Certified Angus Petite Filet with Roasted Garlic-Buttermilk Potatoes and Green Tomato Chow-Chow. The filet was so tender and perfectly cooked to medium rare. What really knocked me out was the chow-chow. While not a tomato fan, these cut up green babies along with cabbage had been bathing in a lovely vinegar brew that woke up my tastebuds. I actually ate chunks of tomatoes and raved about them! So far, Chef Bundy has been the only person to accomplish this formidable task.

The first and second courses were proportioned just right. If one is going to eat three course, smaller sizes should be the rule. But we had more wine to drink, it was early, and hubby decided to have a cheese course before dessert. He ordered the Tillamook Cheddar (only $3 for one cheese selection). It arrived with four hearty slices, a variety of crackers, and seasonal fresh fruit. He really liked the fresh raspberries.

For dessert we both ordered Butterscotch Brulee. And this course turned out to be larger than anticipated. Very nice brulee with just a hint of butterscotch.

We had a lovely time. Our food was superb. And the service most excellent. Lemaire may become another regular bar destination for us.