Sans Souci

My first St. Patrick's Day downtown was a blast.  Erin, Alex and I were able to stay in Erin's family's hotel room at the end of the long day.  We stayed at the Renaissance. When we began the day, we discussed hoping to end the evening with a night cap in the extravagant bar downstairs.  Sadly, this did not happen but luckily we were able to enjoy the amenities of the hotel by eating brunch in the restaurant the next morning.

The restaurant was decorated in a traditional European like style.  Big picture windows overlook downtown.  We sat all the way at the end of the restaurant in a little den area with a wooden fireplace.  The staff was friendly and attentive and something about the whole experience made me really feel like I was vacationing.  It didn't feel like the morning after brunch rather a preparation brunch for a site seeing adventure.

The menu was small but perfect.  It had several choices for me, far from boring.

We started with the necessary coffee and received a complementary Strawberry smoothie, which I could have had in a much larger portion because it was so yummy and fresh.

I decided to go with the eggs benedict dish, but I substituted the ham for spinach.

This was seriously one of the best dishes I have had.  The flavors were spot on.  The egg could not have been cooked more perfect.  The size was right on point, where there was an equal amount of each ingredient in each bite and where I did not feel weighed down at the end of the meal but super satisfied.  I cannot say enough good things about something that seems so simple, but this was for sure a gateway meal that will force me to return for dinner.

Alex ordered the egg white omelet.

 The description sure sounded good, west side market chicken sausage, swiss, spinach, and a side of seasonal fruit.  It seemed like Alex enjoyed this.  I'm sure with the quality of my meal it would be impossible for anything on the brunch menu to not be delicious.

I for sure anticipate eating dinner here at some point but would enjoy returning for brunch again soon.  If you have any plans of staying downtown stay here or at least eat here!

Crop Bistro

Formal located on W.6th in a small space, but with very elegant interior designs, now located off W.25th in an old bank building with an unbelievable amount of space, high ceilings, an open kitchen, and overall a beautiful place to enjoy any meal.

I had eaten here once before, but had the pleasure of returning with my food group a few weeks ago.
The first time I went I started with the well known balsamic popcorn appetizer.  Cara decided to try it this time so I could try something new.

This is such a creative dish and so very yummy!  It has onions, cheese and herbs and of course smothered in balsamic dressing.  Ashleigh described this dish as bruschetta meets popcorn which I think is a perfect description. You can not go wrong with this dish, definitely enough to share so you can try something else too because there are a lot of exciting appetizer options.

I tried the lobster and mango lettuce cups.

These were delicious.  The lobster and the mango paired super well together.  I didn't eat too much of the green curry vinaigrette although it was tasty.  The pickled onion and fennel were perfect garnish's to the wrap.  These are a must try for anyone who enjoys sushi or seafood in general.

Jack got the deviled eggs.

These were good for your typical deviled eggs.  They were topped with prosciutto but tasted like the meat may have been in the egg mixture as well, it had a very smoked flavor.  This is a good choice for you meat lovers.

For my entree I had the black pepper and goat cheese ravioli. 

This was a perfect size pasta dish.  The pasta was light and fresh and the goat cheese was very mild.  It was topped with thick cut vegetables which they did not skimp on and covered in an herbed tomato sauce.  It was not the most creative thing I have ever eaten for the price but thoroughly enjoyed the flavors and quality. 

John ordered my second choice the Seared Ahi Tuna.

It photographed really well and cooked to perfection.  The outside was seared just enough and the inside was still a bit cold an chewy.  This is an entree I would for sure order on my next visit, more worth the price also.

Cara ordered the Braised Short Ribs over Mac and Cheese.

She seemed to enjoy this dish, the meat fell right off the bones and the fondue mac looked super creamy.  I would order that just as a side if that were an option.

Jack ordered the Duck Duck Chicken entree.

Seared Breast, Fried Egg, Duck Confit, Bacon, Sweet Potato Hash, Cranberry Demi, I didn't ask too many questions on the dish but I'm sure he enjoyed it.

The first time I ate here I ordered the popcorn, a Salmon entree and the jalapeno ice cream with chocolate cake dessert.  My second visit was just as pleasing as my second.  I was sad to not have any room left for the jalapeno ice cream this time, but recommend it for anyone with a desire to try something so unique, it is by far the best dessert I have had to date. 

The only disappointing thing about this visit was not being able to sit in the vault.  We had about 12 people, but were several hundred dollars short to reserve the room.  But if you have a 100 people and $2500 dollars you can enjoy the experience of this dinning area, otherwise make a trip down there at some point anyways.  Prepare for this to be a pricy dinner but so very worth it.