*Apologies for the lack of photos as my camera broke down, as well as the rather vague descriptions as I am unable to vividly recall the details without my photos.
Dinner at Praelum was one of the better meals during Restaurant Week 2014. Before the meal, Gerald texted to check if my dining partner and I had any dietary restrictions. As simple a gesture as this was, this small act demonstrated Praelum's commitment to service and was commendable.
Upon entering Praelum, we were warmly received at the entrance and ushered to our seats. I ordered the wine pairing, a trio of white, red and sparkling wine that came at a very affordable price of $25++.
The first course consisted of pan-seared scallops with two sauces, both of which were well-balanced and which piqued our appetite. The accompanying white wine was fresh and light.
The second course was a pork-based dish. While the skin was crispy, the pork was slightly tough and could have been more tender. Nevertheless, the red wine (described by the server as a "hybrid" between red and white wines from Spain) was very smooth and complemented the pork wonderfully.
Having said this, the highlight of the meal would have to be the dessert, which was a classic creme brulee. I must admit that I dismissed this initially - afterall, how spectacular or different could a creme brulee be? Surprisingly, my acedia turned into awe - plain mesmerization - with just one spoonful of the heavenly delight. The film of hard caramel broke open to reveal a homogeneous, creamy concoction that melted lusciously, lingering with a hint of vanilla that made for an ethereal olfactory experience.
Other than the food, the amicability of the servers also made our dining experience an enjoyable one. The servers not only checked in on us in between courses but also took the time and effort to explain the provenance of every wine served, a move that left a lasting impression.
All in all, a meal at Praelum makes for a relaxed and laid-back dining experience, perfect for a date with your petit(e) ami(e) or a little tete-a-tete with one's close friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment